The head of a key teachers union said Saturday she is supporting Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.) for president, a key endorsement for the Massachusetts lawmaker as she works to claw her way into the primary field’s top tier.
Randi Weingarten, who heads the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), said Warren “brings an understanding” of issues facing working families and would be the best president of all the candidates remaining in the race.
“I’ve personally concluded that there is one who has the life experience that brings an understanding of what families — all families — need today to have a better future, the bold agenda to achieve that better life, and the wherewithal to work with others to turn her ideas into reality. And, of course, the toughness and persistence to take on Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE,” Weingarten wrote in a blog post.
Click Here: New Zealand rugby store
“That’s why today I am announcing my personal support for our champion, my friend, former teacher and professor — Sen. Elizabeth Warren,” she wrote.
ADVERTISEMENT
Weingarten praised Warren’s past tenure as a special education teacher, saying she would bring an appreciation of public education to the White House if she were elected president.
“Being a teacher means being fearless and flexible, loving and compassionate, hardworking and resilient, and dedicated and devoted to making life better for all kids and families. Being a teacher means having an innate understanding of the value of public education and what is needed to help all children succeed and to support all educators,” Weingarten wrote. “Elizabeth Warren gets this. She infuses all of those qualities and experiences into her candidacy for president.”
The endorsement comes as a boost for Warren at a crucial time in her campaign. The Massachusetts Democrat has seen her stock drop after lackluster showings in the first three nominating states. She is also not expected to hit the top three in Saturday’s South Carolina primary.
However, she is banking on a strong showing on Super Tuesday, when 15 states and territories will allocate a third of the pledged delegates up for grabs this cycle. Warren is particularly eyeing top finishes in Oklahoma, where she is from, and Massachusetts, the state she represents in the Senate.
AFT, the nation’s second-largest teachers union, announced earlier this month that it will encourage local and state chapters to back Warren, Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.) or former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE for the 2020 Democratic nomination.
The announcement is separate from the union’s presidential endorsement, which will be made at a later date.
“The resolution signals to members and leaders that support for any of those three candidates is welcome at this stage of the process before the union makes a national endorsement,” the union said.