This is going to hurt him.
In the lead-up to Washington state’s Democratic presidential primary slated for March 12, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) chapter of Washington, the largest labor union in the state boasting a membership of over 50,000, has made a surprising move. Their endorsement carries considerable weight in this staunchly Democratic state on the West Coast.
Following a deliberation by its executive board, the Washington union released a statement expressing reservations about President Joe Biden’s political viability and his stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. Despite recognizing Biden’s advocacy for workers during his tenure, the union harbors doubts about his capacity to defeat the presumed GOP nominee, Donald Trump, in the upcoming general election.
Emphasizing the critical importance of selecting a formidable nominee to challenge Trump, many voters and the UFCW 3000 executive board see casting an “uncommitted” vote as the most strategic approach. This tactic is believed to enhance the chances of the Democratic Party’s nominee prevailing against Trump in November.
Committing to backing Democrats in the fall, the union pledged to mobilize its staff, members, and resources in pivotal swing states across the country to secure victory for the Democratic nominee over Trump.
The endorsement by Washington’s largest labor union underscores the existing divisions within the Democratic base regarding Biden’s re-election. This sentiment mirrors the recent Michigan primary, where a notable portion of voters opted for “uncommitted” over Biden, reflecting apprehensions about his position on issues like the Gaza conflict.
The Washington union commended those who selected “uncommitted” in Michigan and urged Biden to advocate for a sustainable ceasefire and an end to US funding for the Gaza conflict.
Furthermore, The Stranger, a prominent alternative weekly publication in Seattle, has also endorsed the notion of voting “uncommitted,” expressing dissatisfaction with both Trump and Biden, whom they have referred to as “two genocidal geriatrics leading the polls.”
