Current:Home > reviewsUnited Auto Workers endorses Biden's reelection bid -Streamline Finance
United Auto Workers endorses Biden's reelection bid
View
Date:2025-04-15 12:41:33
The United Auto Workers announced its endorsement of President Biden on Wednesday, a key, if expected, show of support as the president hones in on the general election.
The endorsement of the 400,000-member union is critical for Mr. Biden as he seeks to bolster his support among working class Americans. Mr. Biden became the first president in modern history to join a picket line when he visited striking workers near Detroit in September, a move UAW President Shawn Fain touted as he made the case to members that Mr. Biden, not former President Donald Trump, is their champion.
"Joe Biden bet on the American worker while Donald Trump blamed the American worker," Fain said in his announcement during the UAW's political convention in Washington, D.C. "We need to know who's gonna sit in the most powerful seat in the world and help us win as a united working class. So if our endorsements must be earned, Joe Biden has earned it ... UAW is endorsing Joe Biden for president of the United States!"
CBS News confirmed the endorsement before it was announced, and NBC News was the first to report it.
On Wednesday, Fain sought to contrast Trump with Mr. Biden, saying, "rarely as a union do you get so clear of a choice between two candidates."
"Donald Trump is a scab," Fain said, to cheers from his audience. "Donald Trump is a billionaire and that's who he represents. If Donald Trump ever worked in an auto plant, he wouldn't be a UAW member, he'd be a company man trying to squeeze the American worker."
Blue-collar workers in union-heavy swing states such as Wisconsin and Michigan are critical for Mr. Biden's reelection bid as he seeks to fend off Trump, who is the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination. Mr. Biden frequently refers to himself as the "most pro-union president in history," and cites his family's working class background and his childhood in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and then Delaware.
The UAW held off on endorsing Mr. Biden's reelection efforts for months, citing concerns that his administration's policies were too pro-electric vehicle. And Trump has garnered strong support from blue-collar workers, undoubtedly a continued concern for the Biden campaign. Fain sought to appeal to UAW members who might lean toward Trump.
"Elections aren't about just picking your best friend for the job or the candidate who makes you feel good," Fain said Wednesday. "Elections are about power."
In September, Mr. Biden rallied alongside UAW workers in Michigan as they demanded better wages and benefits. The president took up a microphone and urged workers to "stick with it" in their fight for a "significant" raise.
"The fact of the matter is that you guys, the UAW, you saved the auto industry back in 2008 and before," Mr. Biden said outside a General Motors distribution center near Detroit. "Made a lot of sacrifices. Gave up a lot and companies were in trouble. But now they're doing incredibly well. And guess what? You should be doing incredibly well, too."
On Wednesday, Fain sought to contrast Mr. Biden's approach with Trump's, pointing out that when Trump visited the Detroit area during the strike, the former president visited a non-union plant.
"Instead of talking trash about our union, Joe Biden stood with us," Fain said.
In the end, UAW workers and the big three automakers ratified a contract that significantly boosted wages and other benefits.
During the last election, the UAW endorsed Mr. Biden in April 2020.
- In:
- United Auto Workers
Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital based in Washington, D.C.
veryGood! (22)
Related
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Peter Navarro, ex-Trump trade adviser, released from prison
- Shooting of homeless man near RNC probed; activists say 'blood is on city's hands'
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Roll the Dice
- Organizers cancel Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna over fears of an attack
- Paul Skenes was the talk of MLB All-Star Game, but it was Jarren Duran who stole the spotlight
- Thousands of Nebraskans with felony convictions could be denied voting rights under AG’s opinion
- Sheriff’s deputies fatally shoot 2 people while serving a warrant in Georgia
- Giants, Lions fined $200K for fights in training camp joint practices
- Army private who fled to North Korea is in talks to resolve military charges, lawyer says
Ranking
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Mega Millions winning numbers for July 16 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $251 million
- Amazon Prime Day Deals on Cute Athleisure & Activewear That Won't Break a Sweat, up to 58% Off
- Griselda's Sofía Vergara Makes History With 2024 Emmy Nomination
- Boy who wandered away from his 5th birthday party found dead in canal, police say
- Why America's Next Top Model Alum Adrianne Curry Really Left Hollywood
- The Best Amazon Prime Day 2024 Home Decor Deals You Need to Shop Right Now, Items Starting at $13
- Shaquille O’Neal Shares Advice for Caitlin Clark After WNBA Debut
Recommendation
Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
Six nights in 1984 at Pauley Pavilion where US gymnasts won crowds of fans and Olympic glory
New York City councilwoman arrested for allegedly biting officer during protest, police say
Ashley home furnishings to expand Mississippi operations
The GOP and Kansas’ Democratic governor ousted targeted lawmakers in the state’s primary
After heavy June rains, a buildup of manganese is discoloring a Louisiana city’s water supply
Who is Ingrid Andress? What to know about national anthem singer, 4-time Grammy nominee
100K+ Amazon Shoppers Bought This Viral Disposable Face Towel Last Month, & It's 30% Off for Prime Day