August 30, 2007
Posted: 12:49 PM ET

Clinton got another big endorsement Thursday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – New York Sen. Hillary Clinton is moving ahead in the endorsement wars as another major union announced Thursday that it is officially supporting her presidential bid.

“Hillary Clinton earned the IAM’s endorsement by focusing on jobs, health care, education and trade – the bread and butter issues of the American middle class,” said International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers President Tom Buffenbarger. “She is the only candidate of either party to come forward with a comprehensive manufacturing policy and the only candidate to connect with millions of Americans who feel invisible to the current administration.”

The union, comprised of over 750,000 active and retired members, said it will launch a massive education campaign aimed at swaying other union members to choose Clinton. The IAM also boasts that 450,000 of its members will vote in twenty-five early primary states.

“I am honored to receive the support of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers,” Clinton said. “It is time for America’s working families to again share in our nation’s prosperity. They will not be invisible to my administration.”

Clinton was endorsed by the United Transportation Union earlier this week.

Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd also earned a major endorsement Wednesday from the International Association of Fire Fighters, a union that was credited with helping John Kerry win the Democratic nomination in 2004.

–CNN Associate Producer Lauren Kornriech

Filed under: Uncategorized


Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky   September 7th, 2007 9:49 pm ET

Hillary Clinton deserved American's endorsement. I love Hillary,I will vote her and I will support her until She marches to The White House. She is smart, brilliant and very powerful woman in this world. Hillary is herself, she spoke at debate,(she didn't do like Bush at debate:)) do not confuse with her husband Bill. Hillary will be the greatest President in our history. I appreciate all of you who posted here, you are real Americans except a few IDIOT.

Jaki, San Angelo, TX   September 7th, 2007 12:35 am ET

It's normal for the majority of Americans to want a democrat in office, considering the appauling republican administration Bush is leading. It's like an angry teenager seeking revenge. Clinton's going to win, no if's, and's, or but's. All politicians lie, and if the republican citizens can't see that, then that explains their choice of party. Not everything they say will come true. Get over it.

John, Long Island - New York   September 3rd, 2007 4:25 pm ET

Yea.. I've been in New York all my life, and I can tell you as a New Yorker, Hillary is simply NOT the way forward… She's the burecratic Elitist-class sentiment of America… the Rich, the money-laundering, self-destructive, corrupt, evil. Voting for Hillary is seeing U.S. support in the global community go down bout another 25% or so, and having another "war" for the next 4 years internally or externally.people, do not be deceived just because of her status as a Democrat, a leading one with the most cash up her pocket, and a former competent president/husband to back her up. She has no real "face" - if you may cal it… Currently I don't see much hope in the top-tier of either the Democrats or Repubs. Hopeless how you guyz just get swirled in to this de-funct system… You wanted change from this corrupt-old system right?? Then CHANGE IT YOURSELVESS!!! Cuz in the end we are the only ones who can change it… How do we change it? Look at some of these candidates, their records - try to get to know all of them better, event he lower tiers. Instead of just looking and political-celebrities, money, and corruption, and party line.

Vladimir Ulanov, Brooklyn, NY   September 3rd, 2007 3:53 pm ET

Has everyone forgotten White Water and how all those long missing documents miraculously appeared outside the Clinton's personal quarters in the White House. Any thoughts on the "suicide" of Hillary's good friend Vince Foster? The woman is poison and and as phony as a three dollar bill.

Ray, Mountain View, California   September 3rd, 2007 3:46 pm ET

I lived in NY for 40 years and had the chance to vote for Hillary once, and AI did. I thrilled I did because, as someone with family members who were first responders, I know how hard Hillary fought for the 40 billion dollars from the Bush administration to cover health care programs for these men and women, how hard she fought for the money to track their care and health. This was while the Republicans had the former governor of New Jersey, Christine Todd Whitman out in New York telling people the air Quality in the streets of New York was good. Please. What about the work Hillary did to get the legislation passed so woman who had breast cancer surgery could say in the hospital for more than one night? IF Hillary didn't do anything for upstate NY, how come she won all but one county in the state in her last election bid. Hillary's connections and political savvy, along with her experience,make her the number one candidate to first hold the fort together, which isn't happening now, and then move the fort forward-change the direction of the country.

pl. at the UN for a while.   September 3rd, 2007 1:42 pm ET

From pl to Lynda.

I travel in do-gooder excursions the varies capitals of the world. Commercial flights. I am not so sure that the American presidential elections are "internal politics". In fact, you could not be further afield with your belief. And what is worse–for you at least–is that no one can reverse the process of political globalization. Power counts, a lot.

But if you want a reputable opinion by others, I suggest you get ahold of the front page of Le Monde of the morning after your presidential election of Nov. 2,000. You will be shocked.

Thomas Henson, Atlanta Georgia   September 3rd, 2007 1:08 pm ET

"Corporate and individual donations are now VERY HEAVILY monitored so to use the term "surrounded by corporate money" is bogus at best. As for the polls, they speak for themselves. I think the real issue here is that she a woman, a STRONG woman " Michael.. are you brain-damaged kid?

Did you even ever take a political science course? Heavily monitored my rear end. Do you not know how this works? There is an individual and corporate maximum for how much you can give to a campaign. Now, think hard but dont strain yourself. What would YOU do to get around that? You'd start handing OTHER individuals money to donate in their name. Yep. That simple. You need to drop the "Strong woman candidate" crap too. It's a really easy scape-goat for when you have no real point to make, you just want to defend your own candidate.
Did you forget she said she wants to keep the nuclear bomb at her disposal if she is president? DId you forget all about whitewater? Did you forget what that person on this board from upstate NY said about how she has SCREWED the area? When she was talking in a really disgustingly fake southern accent, did you forget she was the NY senator from arkansas? I guess you did. All you remember is she is female, so if you vote for her then you are a politically correct guy huh?
When I run across people like you, my mind weeps for this country. If you had any sense, you would vote based on performance and view point. Clinton really doesn't HAVE any cut in stone viewpoints(she might want to change them again later in the election you know..) and the only reports ive ever heard about her performance(aside from the people she has on payroll to dig up statistics of course) are that she was HORRIBLE to New York. She made promises and broke them the moment she hit office, and the working man was utterly forgotten.. untill now.. when she needs their votes again. WAKE UP BOY.

Linda, San Franciso CA   September 1st, 2007 2:42 pm ET

Why is CNN letting visiting non-Americans like the repeat-comment-offender "pl at the UN" comment on an internal discussion of our politics and a process that is none of their business to comment on?

pl, at the UN, for a while.   September 1st, 2007 11:59 am ET

I am not American. I cannot vote. I am a practiced diplomat, both in experience and accreditation.

I keep on hearing appeals to cooperation between parties. But then I observe that your "melting pot" creed has gone the way of your other ideals–your American Dream.

Can anyone show me 2 individuals who are in complete agreement other than the association and bonding through one or the other political group?

David, Salinas, CA   August 31st, 2007 8:01 pm ET

Jon -

The current political system puts far too much emphasis on fund-raising. This tarnishes candidates of both parties. This is why I repeatedly call for public financing of elections. With that said, I see no evidence of any wrong-doing by Senator Clinton in the cases you cite. No politician can control the behavior of their donors. They can return questionable donations, and Senator Clinton has done just that.

As to her positions on the war, Clinton is paying a price for her honesty. The surge is working in some places like al Anbar province, but the war as a whole is a failure, because the only possible solutions are political not military. Senator Clinton has been correct on this issue all along. Unfortunately her positions are often too nuanced to squeeze into a sound bite, but she’s speaking the truth in the best interests of the country.

Finally, just because her political opponents try to hang a label on her is no reason to compare Senator Clinton to this failed Republican administration. On Iraq, on terrorism, on health care, on education, on the environment, on security, on deficit spending and on a host of other issues Senator Clinton is diametrically opposed to the reckless positions of President Bush and the Republican candidates who hope to continue his irresponsible policies. Senator Clinton is no more like President Bush than President Bush is like President Clinton. They differ in both ideology and competence.

We need both change and experience. Senator Clinton can deliver both.

Jon, Sacramento ~ Ca   August 31st, 2007 12:33 pm ET

David ~ Salinas,

Effectively you're substituting a "D" (democrat) for an "R" that is currently in the White House.

In the last 6 months we've had already 2 Hillary (Democratic) campaign scandals: HSU and JINNAH/Pakistan. Is this the type of "clean" campaign you're condoning in a candidate?

Hillary attacks Obama about his answer on speaking to foreign leaders, scoffing that candidates should NOT be commenting on hypotheticals. Turns right around and says "IF" a terrorist attack happens - it will benefit the Republicans. Is this the type of campaign behavior you support? How is that different than the current administration?

Hillary is unapologetic for her continued aligning with Special Interests to get donations. How is that different than the current administration?

Hillary decries publicly the war in Iraq is failing - then tells a veterans group "the surge is working".
How is this "word-smithing" different than the current administration?

It was not a Republican which coined the phrase Bush-Lite. And from the evidence - it appears to have merit.

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI   August 31st, 2007 9:11 am ET

Personally I can't wait till Hillary takes office. It will be so refreshing to turn on my TV and see a President of the United States of America who is a polished Orator and can actually speak in English.

A President who is an experienced Politician, a capable and credible leader.

A President who has honourable agendas that don't include devastating other countries around the World.

A President who doesn't need to hire a Brain Man to make her decisions.

A President who will work with not against other party members.

A President who will listen to her constituents, adversaries, and promote two way discussion in the House of Representatives.

A President who believes in International Dialogue not International Dictatorship .

A President who believes Military Members are herores deserving honour, respect and loyalty from their Nation's leader.

A President who belives Veterans are heroes deserving of respect, honour, adequate medical care, assistance and income.

A President who will work towards Peace and will only initiate War as a last resort.

A President who has and will continue to work for the Middle Class, Womens' Rights, Children, Low Income Families, Veterans', Seniors', and Health Care for all.

A President who displays inherent compassion for all citizens and especially those in need.

A President who is where she is today solely due to her own determination, hard work, and passion to serve her Nation.

Yes Hillary is certainly the Change America Needs. Go Hillary! If Canadians could vote the rest of the Candidates could go home now.

Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky   August 31st, 2007 1:45 am ET

I am proud of Hillary Clinton like all of big Union who endorsed her. No matter what, she will win and we will have the most brilliant and powerful President in our History. You can't buy smart brain with money, The Clintons are the most valuable Treasure of America and world.

Cathy Turtletown Tn   August 30th, 2007 11:56 pm ET

Rich backing the rich. If you don't want real change back Hillary.
BTW I agree with John. These are not middle class people. So I repeat RICH BACKING THE RICH. If you are less then middle class and feel left out then you better vote for someone else because Hillary is bought and paid for and you'll never see any change in the way you live now.

Calvin, Jackson, MI   August 30th, 2007 9:56 pm ET

To Jeff,

Yes she did promise 250,000 jobs, but you did forget about 9/11 and the recession.

Kim, Sacramento, CA   August 30th, 2007 8:35 pm ET

To the person who said that "the polls speak for themselves" that is exactly right - the poll and the 468 people that it represents. Polls are a very, very poor indicator of support. 258,000 donors to a campaign (Obama) versus somewhere in the mid-100,000 range (Hillary) is a much better indicator of support of a candidate.

Max   August 30th, 2007 7:19 pm ET

All you talking heads:

I cant wait till Hillary wins the Democratic nomination and then goes on to crush the Republican nominee. Look for me later, Ill be the guy that said I told you so.

Hillary has the strenght and experience to make real change happen.

She has been fighting for people who are invisible to this administration for over 35 years. Shes going to win. But don't worry, when she wins she will help all of you too.

Democratic voters know that we need a nominee who can stand up to and fight back against the Republican attack machine… Maybe thats why she leads in all the national polls and is sliding ahead in almost all of the early primary states.

We need a president who can lead from day one and doesn't need on the job training. We have a lot of cleaning up to do after the Bush/Chenny years, and we need a leader with the clear vision and strenght to end the war in Iraq and fix our standing around the world.

http://www.hillaryhub.com is a great sight to find what the local media is reporting.

Rex, Toledo, Ohio   August 30th, 2007 7:10 pm ET

"Hillary is for the middle class"

Whoever said that really needs medical attention. It's downright laughable.

ReadBtwthlins   August 30th, 2007 6:26 pm ET

Only 14 comments after 6 hrs? Hmmm…

Devin Lino, Milton, FL   August 30th, 2007 5:24 pm ET

I would like to make a comment about an earlier posting, if it's true about the TATA inc. being brought here by Hillary then I've yet one more reason to vote for her. I work for that company, right here in Florida and I must say that the pay and benefits are incredible. I am american 100% born and raised, and this job is one that I am truely thankful for. Awesome job, and a Kudos to our future president!!

Tom - Dedham, Mass   August 30th, 2007 5:01 pm ET

Bill W (from PA.) your posting was excellent and I also work in IT and have seen jobs outsourced because of a thing we like to call NAFTA.

NAFTA was signed off on while Shrillary was co-president (experience ya' know) and just like Ross Perot and Buchannon said, it will cost us jobs.

I don't get the unions backing her either as NAFTA and ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION effects lower end workers in the trades as well as IT people.

Stories like yours my friend will be heard during the real election, and she will call it (sing with me people) "part of the vast right-wing conspiracy", Bill will be biting his lip and the apologists in the media will be out in full force.

Lots of material people, lots.

Myron, Honolulu, Hi   August 30th, 2007 4:50 pm ET

Congratulations are in order

Doc, Roxboro, NC   August 30th, 2007 4:46 pm ET

And what exactly is Hillarys' position on the upcoming Labor Day encroachment on our sovereignty? When Mexican trucks and truckers begin rolling unfettered across the border, what will she do to protect the dues paying Union mambership? I believe the Unions have embraced the wrong guy again!

Sam Shephard, San Diego, CA   August 30th, 2007 4:43 pm ET

Without Bill Clinton as her husband, Hillary was nobody but a backwater Arkansas lawyer. Why would we want a president who got her power and credibility from her husband's former job as president. The Clinton's bore me now. She's nothing more than a blow-hard socialist on her own imperial agenda to make the USA a socialist, over-taxed, Europe-like country. If she loves the socialist system so much, then her and Slick Willy should go back to Canada.

Michael Merenstein, Washington, DC.   August 30th, 2007 4:41 pm ET

Hi Jeff - I can understand your frustration. But why then was she re-elected? More importantly, if there were a better option for NYers, why then wouldn't voters exersie their rights and vote her out? I am a former New Yorker (NYC) and I have to tell you that when I visit NYC, (AT least every other month now) the people I speak to LOVE her and feel as though she is a very effective Senator. I just find your assertion curious is all. I can really appreciate comment. =) I think debate is a good and healthy thing and we should continue that dialog. In fact, that has always been Hillary Clinton' position and one I strongly agree with and support.

Stephen   August 30th, 2007 4:34 pm ET

Michael check out … Hillary Inc.

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20070604/berman

Providence, RI   August 30th, 2007 4:27 pm ET

I just LOVE Hillary and Bill… and I wish her best of luck… she is our pride… She is very intelligent, intellectual, compassionate, atricualte, stylist, fasionable, good speaker and strong…God bless her…

Jon, Sacramento ~ Ca   August 30th, 2007 3:41 pm ET

Old-Time Politics: Getting the Unions, Special Interests donations, say anything and promise everything.

How is voting for Hillary a vote for "change"???

Bill W, Coatesville PA   August 30th, 2007 3:22 pm ET

Wonder if the unions supporitng her know what TATA Consulting does, and know that she brought them into Downtown Buffalo.

TATA Consulting is the #1 outsourcer of American jobs to India. And Hillary brought them here and set them up with a sweetheart deal - allowing them to bring people here and to send more and more of our jobs to India.

So why are American unions supporting Hillary, when she is all about bringing in cheap foreign labor and sending more and more of our jobs overseas?

As a currently unemployed computer progammer, this just doesn't make sense to me. Can anyone explain it??

Michael Merenstein, Washington, DC.   August 30th, 2007 3:15 pm ET

Stephen - Corporate and individual donations are now VERY HEAVILY monitored so to use the term "surrounded by corporate money" is bogus at best. As for the polls, they speak for themselves. I think the real issue here is that she a woman, a STRONG woman that will not be intimidated by old blue haired men (who lurk in restrooms) or the Republican money machines. Aren't they pretty much the same thing anyway? I live in DC, and those are WELL known facts!

Jeff, Rochester, NY   August 30th, 2007 3:06 pm ET

Michael,

I live in upstate NY and I can tell you that you have no idea how terrible she has been for us.

When she ran for the senate in 2000 she promised us upstaters that she would create 200,000 new jobs for upstate NY. The Rochester area alone has LOST 25,000 jobs since she has been elected.

She cares nothing about us and is only using New York because it is a liberal state that had an open Senate seat. She knew she could use that position as a stepping stone to a white house run. That's why she moved here.

She is the most insincere person out there.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   August 30th, 2007 3:01 pm ET

Labor dinosaurs for the unelectable woman they can't possibly like. More aiding and abetting snatchers of defeat from the jaws of Repellican-driven Democratic victory.

Mark Billingsley   August 30th, 2007 2:53 pm ET

Well, now she can "cleanly" accept their lobbyist and PAC money. Out with big oil, in with big labor. Same old, same old. Hope. Action. Change. Obama '08!

Michael Merenstein, Washington, DC.   August 30th, 2007 2:39 pm ET

John - My friend Brian and Carl BOTH work in the SAME building as you and your statement is not only untrue, but yet another attempt to try and sway opinion and potential votes away from Senator Clinton. You need to check your facts. If you had even a REASONABLE clue, you would know that the Senator is someone who is CLEARLY for the middle class. I suppose what she has accomplished in the EXTREMELY wealthy state of Arkansas as well as for the people of New York, was/is only for the upper class? Are you kidding me? You are WAAAAAY out of touch!

Stephen   August 30th, 2007 2:32 pm ET

She is surrounded by corporate people with corporate money, not to mention union-busting staff members, what are these people thinking? Did you go out and pick up a newspaper and see who is leading in the polls? *Oh it looks like we are going to support Clinton, she is leading in the polls.*

Daniel SLC UT   August 30th, 2007 2:26 pm ET

GO HILLARY!!!

2009 CAN'T COME FAST ENOUGH!!!

Anonymous   August 30th, 2007 2:10 pm ET

Another Trotskyite labor dinosaur jumps onto the death-wish Dem bandwagon in support of a woman they can't possibly like, and who can't possibly be elected by the thinking voters who don't rely upon legalized extortion to deal with their employers.

IAM settled a strike earlier this year against Harley-Davidson, a critical American industry, after whining about paying more for health care like virtually every other worker.

Dinosaurs and Shrillary– Perfect Together.

Terry, El Paso, TX   August 30th, 2007 1:58 pm ET

Edwards has a valid point and I am not at all happy about it. The frothing, irrational, and undeniable hatred for the Clinton family by Conservatives would once again gridlock the country if Senator Clinton were elected to the presidency. We would once again be shouting at each other about sex in the White House, Whitewater, etc. etc. etc. yadda yadda yadda. The USA, teetering as it is on the brink of so many potential disasters, must be able to focus on real problems. The baggage that Conservatives carry around in their minds regarding anything Clinton cannot be changed. Their passion is irrational.

Conservatives and Democrats (there are no Liberals in American government at this time) have to be able and willing to work together to prevent our standard of living, our freedoms, and our national security from deteriorating. Four or eight more years of our not-so-gifted leadership screaming applause lines at each other will be disastrous.

Only a candidate who is not now in the top tier of those being considered will be sufficiently unencumbered to appeal to both sides.

I hope a miracle candidate appears from nowhere and captures our imaginations. Otherwise, we will live through the end of the American era.

spinstopper   August 30th, 2007 1:34 pm ET

Cronyism and corruption, hand in hand. When do the rest of the union cronies announce their orchestrated endorsements?

Bob LaFavor, Woodinville, WA   August 30th, 2007 1:32 pm ET

It remains continually amazing that the labor unions support the candidate who's partner in crime signed the North American Free Trade Act (NAFTA) which insured that overseas competition reigned free to undercut decent, middle class, family supporting jobs by Americans. Who is fooling who? The typical American family head knows who is putting butter on his bread. The polictal party that has the economy running on all cylinders, that's who. Only those democrats that preach to the choir rather than the people fool themselves. The 'real' backbone people of America are not fooled by the 'backroom' deals made by the labor unions and the Democratic party.

onemom   August 30th, 2007 1:19 pm ET

This was a DUAL endorsement from the IAMAW - they ALSO endorsed Mike Huckabee - why didn't that make your headline?

onemom.wordpress.com

John Swanson Chicago   August 30th, 2007 1:18 pm ET

Only if the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers was actually made up of middle class families. I work in a business complex and they have an office in my building. They all drive Mercedes and live in Naperville, Illinois. Yuppie central. Just another magic trick for the clinton gang, and i mean gang. westside!

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