Richard Trumka should challenge Obama in the Democratic Primary--- at least in Iowa

by Alan L. Maki on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 11:13am

I think Richard Trumka challenging Obama in the Primary would show that he is serious in his criticisms of the Democrats.

Right now it is difficult to take Trumka's criticisms seriously because after making the excellent presentation at the National Press Club luncheon he turned right around and stated continued support for Obama which doesn't convey to the Democrats that he is serious because Obama is the main offender as far as what is wrong in the Democratic Party.

I posed this question for a number of reasons but I think that Trumka challenging Obama in the Primary is the only way to take him seriously in his very justifiable criticisms. Plus, it would enable important things like the Employee Free Choice Act on the table for real consideration.

Also, I think if Trumka were to run in the Primary challenging Obama he would finally have to come out strongly in opposition to these wars draining our country of the resources needed to solve our problems.

Another thing is if Trumka were to challenge Obama it would be good for the health of our democracy since politics has come down to voting for one party out of fear the other party will win rather than a thorough discussion of issues, problems and their solutions. We really have to get away from this politics of fear.

Liberals, progressives and the left should consider pushing Trumka to at least run in the Iowa Primary. Let's see what happens if Trumka were to implement the ideas in a real challenge to Obama by bringing forward the ideas from people like Robert Reich, Paul Krugman, etc.

Trumka and all these "progressives for Obama" talked about "holding Obama's feet to the fire." What better way to "hold Obama's feet to the fire" than his supporters bringing forward the ideas so many people were led to expect Obama would deliver than to make this kind of Primary challenge. If anything, such a Primary contest would most likely bring back to the ballot box those who have walked away because Obama has not delivered as anticipated.

After the way Richard Trumka invested so much in Obama's and the campaigns of other Democrats that never panned out, this is the least Trumka can do to help rectify the situation. I really think he has a very personal responsibility to toss his hat in the ring--- along with the ideas he says he is for.

And think what would happen if all the state AFL-CIO affiliates were to follow suit and run their own candidates in the Primaries.

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Should AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka challenge Barack Obama in the Democratic Party Primary?