The momentum, positive energy, and bold vision of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago continued to build on Day 3. Advocating for our Union, our members, and working families at the DNC were ATU’s International President John Costa, International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, International Vice Presidents Natalie Cruz and Ray Greaves, and Chicago Locals 241 and 308 Presidents/Business Agents Keith Hill and Pennie McCoach.
The highlight of the night was Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a union member, veteran, teacher, and former high school football coach, using his ‘good midwestern commonsense’ to deliver a rousing speech introducing himself to the country, laying out why Kamala Harris is the right person to be the next President, and the important work needed to win the election. “It’s the fourth quarter. We’re down a field goal, but we’re on offense, and we got the ball. We’re driving down the field, and we have the right team. Kamala Harris is tough. Kamala Harris is experienced. Kamala is ready. Our job is to get in the trenches and do the blocking and tackling,” said Walz.
Focusing on the DNC Day 3 theme, “a fight for our freedoms," an esteemed list of speakers addressed the DNC about how a Harris/Walz Administration will be key in the fight to win back the rights that have been stripped away under Republican administrations, including reproductive rights, voting rights, and others. Those speakers included former President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, NJ Senator Cory Booker Pennsylvania Gov, Josh Shapiro, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, MN Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, and others.
At the DNC, Costa met with politicians, including Rep. Bobby Scott, Senate President Bill Ferguson, Rep. Greg Casar, Mayor of Chicago Brandon Johnson, Mayor of New York Eric Adams, Labor Secretary Julie Su, fellow labor leaders, including AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, and community leaders about the importance of public transit, labor unions, and policies that support our members and working families.
Earlier in the day, Costa attended the New Jersey Forward meeting hosted by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy to discuss critical strategies and tactics to mobilize our members and fellow union members in the Garden State and the entire country to get out the vote.
Day 4 is going to be an exciting and moving final day at the DNC.