The United Automobile Workers (U.A.W.) officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, a significant move that signals the support of one of the nation’s most influential unions. The endorsement comes after a period of assessment of Ms. Harris’s stance on crucial issues, such as the conflict in Gaza and U.S. investments in manufacturing jobs.
Impact of U.A.W.’s Endorsement
The U.A.W.’s endorsement provides Vice President Harris with the backing of a powerful union known for its robust organizing capabilities. With approximately 370,000 members, the U.A.W. holds considerable influence, especially in key battleground states like Michigan and Wisconsin.
U.A.W.’s President, Shawn Fain, emphasized the importance of this endorsement, stating, “We stand at a crossroads in this country. We can put a billionaire back in office who stands against everything our union stands for, or we can elect Kamala Harris who will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our war on corporate greed.”
Notably, Vice President Harris is scheduled to attend a rally in Detroit next week alongside U.A.W. members and other Michigan voters.
Deliberation and Decision-Making Process
While several unions swiftly endorsed Ms. Harris following President Biden’s endorsement, the U.A.W. took a more cautious approach. Despite being a staunch Democratic supporter, the U.A.W. delayed its endorsement, citing concerns over certain policy stances.
The U.A.W., a close ally of President Biden, had raised questions about his approach to the conflict in Gaza. In July, the union joined a coalition of other unions in urging President Biden to cease all military aid to Israel to facilitate an immediate and lasting cease-fire in the region.
