AFL-CIO endorses President Obama

The leaders of the AFL-CIO labor federation voted this week to endorse President Obama, unleashing up to 400,000 volunteers to provide ground support for the president’s campaign. The AFL-CIO, which represents 57 unions, is expected to take advantage of Citizens United, the 2010 Supreme Court case that allows union members to canvass the homes of any voters, not just fellow members. This same ruling has allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited sums to support or attack political candidates. Acknowledging Obama’s weak support among blue-collar voters, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said, “I think they’ll understand when we give them the facts.”