Teamsters president hasn’t endorsed Kamala Harris yet because he wants to interview her first.

The President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Sean O’Brien, recently made headlines when he stated that he has not yet endorsed a candidate for the 2024 presidential race because he has not had the opportunity to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris. O’Brien emphasized the importance of conducting an interview before making any endorsements, stating that “you don’t hire someone unless you give them an interview.”

As one of the 10 largest unions in the United States, representing 1.3 million members, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is a significant player in the realm of endorsements. While the other nine major unions have already thrown their support behind Vice President Harris, the Teamsters have taken a different approach this election cycle.

Traditionally, the Teamsters wait until after both the Democratic and Republican conventions to announce their endorsement. However, O’Brien expressed that this election season is unique, citing the need for direct engagement with all presidential candidates. Earlier this year, O’Brien made waves when he spoke at the Republican National Convention, marking a historic moment for the organization.

According to O’Brien, the Teamsters have a diverse membership with members split evenly between Republicans and Democrats. This political diversity underscores the importance of meeting with all candidates to address the concerns of their entire membership base. The Teamsters have already held discussions with former President Donald Trump as well as President Biden, further highlighting their commitment to engaging with all sides.

In response to O’Brien’s statements, the Harris-Walz campaign confirmed that Vice President Harris has agreed to participate in a candidate roundtable with the Teamsters to discuss her support for the union and outline her vision for the future. The campaign expressed eagerness to schedule the roundtable in the near future.

During his appearance at the Republican National Convention, O’Brien delivered a speech that focused on challenging the influence of big business and advocating for the American worker. He emphasized the Teamsters’ independence from any specific party, highlighting their willingness to collaborate across party lines to achieve meaningful outcomes.

O’Brien’s speech at the RNC signaled a shift within the GOP towards a more worker-centric approach following Trump’s presidency. Despite appearing at the RNC, O’Brien clarified that his intention was not to endorse a particular candidate but rather to champion the interests of American workers, including those within the Teamsters union.

When questioned about his decision to address the RNC, O’Brien explained that he had also sought a speaking opportunity at the Democratic National Convention but did not receive a response. He reiterated that his primary goal was to advocate for the rights of American workers and to ensure their voices were heard on a national platform.

While O’Brien received applause from Trump during his speech at the RNC, he emphasized that his appearance was not an endorsement of the former president or the Republican Party as a whole. His focus remained on promoting the value of American workers and defending their interests in the face of ongoing challenges.

In conclusion, O’Brien’s decision to withhold endorsements in the 2024 presidential race until meeting with Vice President Harris underscores the Teamsters’ commitment to engaging with all candidates and prioritizing the concerns of their diverse membership base. By advocating for the rights of American workers across party lines, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters continues to play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the United States.