Sick to the issues. "SOB bad".

[Bob Randall]

Take this to the bank. During any type of communication with the intent to weaken SOB's support...faulting him for being a "Republican" does nearly nothing to help that cause. Like it or not, half of our membership is registered 'Republican'. Conversely, right away you fail in your effort. It is not about his party affiliation or sympathies. It needs to be kept within the Labor/union context. THAT'S IT! SOB's supporting of viciously anti-union polices has a direct and material effect on our members' (and families') quality of life. So many aspects of our lives can be tied to that meaningfully. As soon as we call or name someone a "Republican" we make a Republican an adversary and we lose effect...as we should. Lost forever in our attempt. Republicans (our members) are not bad people. They are good people. Stick to the issues. Have some self -control. Take that to the bank.

[Nickjamesups]

I agree, I’ve actually always felt the officers should endorse or choose not to endorse a candidate Strictly on their record on labor issues and nothing else.

[Bob Randall]

Well, maybe not on their records DIRECTLY related to Labor or union. However, as I said, there is so much that has an effect on union members' quality of living. SOB is banking on opposition to be a Republican versus Democrat issue. That's a loser. Stick to the issues that matter. Taylor your message to Locals, members, bargaining units, etc. Waste time by wasting. Take that to the bank. Have self-control.

[Graveyard]

Take this to the bank. During any type of communication with the intent to weaken SOB's support...faulting him for being a "Republican" does nearly nothing to help that cause. Like it or not, half of our membership is registered 'Republican'. Conversely, right away you fail in your effort. It is not about his party affiliation or sympathies. It needs to be kept within the Labor/union context. THAT'S IT! SOB's supporting of viciously anti-union polices has a direct and material effect on our members' (and families') quality of life. So many aspects of our lives can be tied to that meaningfully. As soon as we call or name someone a "Republican" we make a Republican an adversary and we lose effect...as we should. Lost forever in our attempt. Republicans (our members) are not bad people. They are good people. Stick to the issues. Have some self -control. Take that to the bank.

OK! Point well taken. Perhaps I should have done a better job of clarifying the comment “Closet Republican.”

I don’t care what political party O’Brien personally identifies with, that’s his right. Watching many of his interviews he always states he is a lifelong Democrat and they have done nothing for Teamsters or workers. Obviously, we know the Democrats support the PRO Act, Biden’s choices for the NLRB led to many pro union/worker decisions (Amazon, Joint Employers) and least we not forget about pension benefits that positively saved 1000s of Teamsters and other union’s members wellbeing. Biden visited a UAW picket line as O’Brien’s wink and a nod candidate preformed his photo-op at a non-union company. I have never once heard O’Brien give credit to Biden or the Dem’s for their support! Because what, O’Brien didn’t know? We knew, right?

While Biden and Dem’s have a long way to go in support, they didn’t attack us. Would you like to talk about Republican’s Project 2025 or Trump's NLRB?

As President of the Teamsters Union, O’Brien has a duty and obligation to put his personal beliefs aside and work to promote paths that advance unions/workers. Perhaps I miss something in O’Brien’s recent political course of actions that benefits union/workers. OK there is the, 10 day 1st contract with Josh Hawley, how far do you think that will get? Red herring? O’Brien’s duty is to educate members of their best interest, not promote his personal beliefs. No one ever said LEADING was easy.

The term “Closet” means a person who hides their real beliefs from others, often due to fear of discrimination or societal pressure. The term “Republican“ at least today in our lane means anti-union/worker. O’Brien's actions speaks louder than words. Perhaps I should have said “Truth in the USA, O’Brien sold out Teamster members, their families and the labor movement because his actions as a “Closet Republican” speak louder than words.

No offense intended; I stand behind the term ““Closet Republican.” If most of the GEB cowers to O’Brien's personal beliefs, then it is up to us to educate members as to which political party supports unions/workers and what party does not. No exactly a hard choice, don’t you think?

[Bob Randall]

My post was not meant for you exclusively. It was meant for anyone and everyone that may wish to play even the smallest part of eroding support for SOB. Of course, I already agree with everything that you replied with. Therefore, your reply has no effect on me. This type of statement will also have no effect on those that are not moveable. Use it on me or the unmovable and you are wasting your energy and time. If you were to have a brief moment or two to speak to a "moveable" member this would not fit into that moment. I've spoken with scores of thousands of perspective members. A broad brush does not resonate. I have spoken with thousands of members at gates during IBT campaigns. You have very limited time and receive very little attention. Making a statement such as this one while you walk a member to his or her car causes you to miss all of the others. This stuff has a limited effect even on T-link. Most of those minds are at where they will remain. In an effort to move a member, even stuff like, "firing staff, discrimination, hired ads, PR campaigns, skewed numbers, everyone hates SOB" etc. does nothing measurable to move members. SOB might be a bit annoyed by accusations such as that. But he's hoping that those are the messages if the time comes. "Brown outs" may have a slight effect with the right audience. Try using any of those issues with an unhappy COSTCO Teamster. Good luck. My point here? Tayloring messages to certain groups is seriously hard work. Chances of ousting SOB are already small. But, using the political message as the ones above leaves absolutely no chance at the end of the day. Canada Teamsters are the exception though. Hee, hee!