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The Gutless Pragmatism of the IAM

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) endorsed Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary, probably because they "want a winner." As Marc Ambinder aptly notes, "Bottom line: it's clear that John Edwards will suffer politically if he can't convince insiders and labor allies that he can win." The bottom line for me is that the IAM is being politically pragmatic past the bounds of acceptability here. Hillary Clinton is not only the least pro-union of the major Democratic candidates; she also hired the most anti-union pollster -- Mark Penn, a guy whose PR firm runs a union busting division.

Let me repeat: Her pollster is involved in a company that directly aids in union busting.

But apparently Clinton "earned the IAM's endorsement by focusing on jobs, health care, education and trade -- the bread and butter issues of the American middle class." Well then, with a record like that -- she cares about jobs! -- I guess it just wasn't even a contest.

The Shape of Union Endorsements to Come

While political junkies and union members await tonight's Democratic debate, Marc Ambinder has a preview of potential union endorsements to come. He thinks John Edwards has a lock on the Carpenters union and a very solid shot at the United Steelworkers. Same for the United Auto Workers, which would be useful since UAW could help Edwards in Michigan, which might have an early caucus next year. Very likely UniteHere. Hillary Cliton has a good chance with AFSCME, Ambinder writes, and maybe with the American Federation of Teachers. SEIU to Edwards or Barack Obama or no one. Jonathan Tasini has a more detailed list, with some similarities and some interesting differences. I think it's pretty fair to say Edwards in particular really, really wants labor endorsements, so look for him to really give his all tonight and then go to bed praying it worked.