“I think the number one issue to all of us here is jobs,“ said respected liberal political analyst Bill Press.

Delegates Hear Full Spectrum of Debate

Delegates heard from a wide range of political viewpoints, left and right, on Thursday.

Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack thanked the labor movement for all they have done to build North America’s middle class. “We are a fairer and a more just country today because of the sacrifice of the men and women of organized labor. We should never forget that.” Vilsac stressed that the November election is not just about candidates. “What is on the ballot is the future of good, quality jobs in this country and this continent.”

Vilsac acknowledged the “Wall of Shame” that IAM members in Iowa built. “That was to remind people of what we’ve lost in this country: good-paying jobs, health insurance coverage, pension protection and a budget surplus to allow us to create more jobs,” Vilsac said. “This election is about hope, hope for a better America. You are the difference.”

Respected liberal political analyst Bill Press echoed the jobs theme. “I think the number one issue to all of us here is jobs,“ Press proclaimed. “There is no group that has been hurt more by the policies of George W. Bush than American working men and women and American families. And I say, for declaring war on American labor, Bush must go.”

Wayne LaPierre, president of the National Rifle Association, described common ground between the NRA and the IAM. “Some of you are NRA members, many of you are hunters and most of you are gun owners,” said LaPierre. “But all of you are essential to this county’s freedom.