Biden's UAW involvement sparks GOP critique

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
28 Sep 2023 09:54

GOP candidates strongly criticized President Joe Biden for his participation in the United Auto Workers' (UAW) strike, citing the administration's economic policies as the primary cause of the strike.

“UAW ON STRIKE” signs stand as members of the United Auto Workers Local 230 union hold a picket line outside the Stellantis Chrysler Los Angeles Parts Distribution Center in Ontario, California, on Sept. 26, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images)

During the second round of presidential debates, Republican candidates strongly criticized US President Joe Biden for his involvement in the United Auto Workers' (UAW) strike on Tuesday and attributed the actual cause of the strike to his administration's economic policies.

"Joe Biden should not be on the picket line. He should be on the southern border working to close our southern border because it is unsafe, wide open, and insecure," senator from South Carolina Tim Scott said during the debate on Wednesday night.

In response to the ongoing strike, American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy urged the demonstrators to gather in Washington D.C. and arrange a picket right in front of the White House, emphasizing that this is the most appropriate location for their protests.

"Why are those workers actually there? It's because of all of the spending that Biden has pushed through in the economy that's raised the inflation," former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina governor Nikki Haley said.

According to North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, the primary cause of the strike is Biden's involvement in capital markets.

Meanwhile, Florida governor Ron DeSantis said: "People in Washington are shutting down the American dream with reckless behavior. They borrowed, they printed, they spent, and now you're paying more for everything,"

On his account, Former US President Donald Trump criticized President Joe Biden for his participation in the United Auto Workers' (UAW) strike, alleging that Biden's entire professional history has involved actively undermining the economy and unions.

Addressing his supporters during a rally held in Clinton Township near Detroit, Michigan, the day after Biden had joined the UAW strike in Wayne County, Michigan, Trump stated: "Joe Biden claims to be the most pro-union president in history. Nonsense. Think of it, his entire career, just think of it, his entire career has been an active economic treason and union destruction. He's destroyed unions shipping millions of American jobs overseas while personally taking money from fallen nations."

The former president asserted that supporting Joe, whom he referred to as "crooked Joe," would result in the auto industry's future being determined in China, whereas casting a vote for Trump would signify that the future of the automobile industry would be rooted in America.

Trump focused particularly on electric vehicle manufacturing, expressing his belief that under Biden's electric vehicle mandate, 40% of all auto jobs in the US would vanish. The former president went on to suggest that the entire automobile industry would be moved to China, which he claimed holds more than 80% of the electric vehicle battery supply chain. He contended that the shift to all-electric vehicles would be detrimental to the US, describing it as a transition towards negative outcomes, including inflation.

It is worth noting that Biden participated in a brief protest alongside numerous UAW union members in Michigan on September 26, 2023, showing his support for their appeals for higher wages and improved benefits. He delivered short remarks at the picket line and left after a few minutes.

Approximately 19,000 American auto workers are currently engaged in strikes at multiple Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis facilities. The UAW's actions were prompted by unsuccessful negotiations for wage increases. Their demands encompassed a 46% pay raise and a shortened workweek of 32 hours, among other stipulations.