Martin O’Malley, one of four Democrats who spoke at the Iowa Federation of Labor’s forum today in Altoona. Front-running Hillary Clinton could not attend due to a scheduling conflict with an event in California, noted union leader and forum moderator Ken Sagar, who added “we had about 16 Republicans who couldn’t show up either”. Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley promised to take steps to make it easier to join and form a union. Jim Webb, speaks during the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO Presidential Forum, Thursday, August 6, 2015, in Altoona, Iowa.
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[To appreciate the GOP debate, imagine you’re ‘extremely greedy and selfish, ‘ says Bernie Sanders].
Clinton’s support is lower than it was in late June, which could reflect the impact of the latest questions raised over her use of private email while she was Secretary of State as well as Sanders’ rise.
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen.
The front-runner also met with union members Thursday, taking part in a more recently announced, home care-focused conversation hosted in Los Angeles by the Service Employees worldwide Union.
[Live updates: Republican presidential debate].
Four debates are scheduled in early primary states before the Iowa sampling of how party members view the candidates on February 1, a decision that has prompted complaints from the candidates challenging Clinton for the nomination. Clinton has not stated a definitive position.
“Our trade deals should not be designed to create a greased chute to send American jobs overseas in the name of corporate, multinational profits”, O’Malley said. “I look forward to working with the DNC to see if we can significantly expand the proposed debate schedule”, Senator Sanders said.
While Webb has criticized a “lack of transparency” about the trade deal, he has not yet said it should be rejected.
He also differentiated himself as a “peace candidate” who voted against military intervention in Iraq as a U.S. senator and favored redirecting federal resources going to war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan to improving this nation’s infrastructure.
“I don’t like to be a flip flopper”.
“I will walk through fire to do the right thing”, he said.
“Bernie Sanders I like the most”, said Don Clark, 54, a factory worker from Cedar Rapids.
Webb and Chafee voiced support for raising the minimum wage but stressed that there should be flexibility to allow different wages in big cities and rural areas. “She could have made a presentation and let everyone know where she stands on issues”, said Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, which has not yet backed a candidate.
Sagar said he thought Webb had helped himself with a solid performance that was the first exposure many in the audience have had to him.
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“I’m a friend of President Obama”, Sanders said.
