Yves here. There are numerous significant developments currently unfolding, yet the capacity to address them feels overwhelming. The vigorous campaign aimed at defeating Abdul El-Sayed—a charismatic orator—underscores how the notion of him emerging as a genuine socialist and working-class advocate during these challenging economic and political times is perceived as a substantial threat to those in power.
By Sharmini Peries. Originally published at theAnalysis.news
Welcome to theAnalysis. I’m Sharmini Peries in Toronto.
On November 3rd, Americans will head to the polls for the midterms, and Michigan is home to one of the most costly Senate races in history. Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, supported by Bernie Sanders and the United Auto Workers (UAW), is pitted against Republican Mike Rogers. As per Federal Election Commission records through October 20th, outside groups aligned with Republicans have invested over $117 million backing Rogers, more than double the roughly $56 million that Democratic allies have funneled into El-Sayed’s campaign.
Remarkably, Elon Musk’s America PAC alone has contributed $7 million to Rogers. How did we reach a stage where billionaires can exert such massive influence in elections?
The 2010 Citizens United ruling by the Supreme Court, along with subsequent cases, granted a green light to unlimited independent political spending. Yet, a critical contradiction persists: the legal right to political spending does not equate to the economic ability to exercise that right. Currently, billionaires wield vast fortunes, while the working class retains its collective power.
Can the UAW, with its rich legacy of labor advocacy in Detroit, counteract this financial dominance and foster political strength not just for this election but for the future?
Joining me today to delve into these pressing issues is Frank Hammer, former president and chairman of UAW Local 909 at General Motors in Detroit. With over 32 years working at GM, Frank has dedicated more than five decades to championing workers’ rights, economic justice, and environmental sustainability. It’s a pleasure to have you on theAnalysis, Frank.
Frank Hammer
Thank you, Sharmini. It’s great to be here.
Sharmini Peries
Let’s begin with the Citizens United case, Frank. In 2010, the Supreme Court equated corporations, affluent individuals, and unions with the same constitutional protections regarding political spending. Given the stark difference in financial resources available to billionaires versus working people, what does this mean for political equity in Michigan and across the nation?
Frank Hammer
It’s been 16 years since that ruling, and many autoworkers may not fully grasp its implications. A metaphor I came across compares this to granting the same rights to a toy boat and an aircraft carrier—while the intention was to promote equality, the outcome has been a tool for profound inequality. This is the essence of Citizens United.
It’s noteworthy that three current Supreme Court justices, including Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, were part of that decision 16 years ago. The reactionary influence within the Supreme Court persists. This tilt has tipped the scales dramatically.
Sharmini Peries
The ruling passed with a narrow margin of 4-5. With then-President Obama in power, the labor movement had a chance to robustly dispute this decision over the past 16 years. In your view, have labor unions done enough to challenge this ruling?
Frank Hammer
Interestingly, shortly after the ruling, the AFL-CIO, representing approximately 13-14 million workers, accepted it. Their only action back then was to amend it by filing a brief to the court, receiving notable pushback from groups like National Nurses United, which criticized the AFL-CIO for not taking a more forceful stance against this serious threat to democracy. Although the AFL-CIO’s website denounces the ruling and calls for publicly funded elections, there hasn’t been a significant mass demonstration from them in the 16 years following the decision. Most resistance originated from grassroots movements like Occupy Wall Street. Unfortunately, mainstream labor organizations like the AFL-CIO have fallen short in challenging its consequences.
Sharmini Peries
In Michigan, approximately $100 million has been allocated to support Mike Rogers while Abdul El-Sayed is operating with a budget of around $65 million. Do you believe this financial discrepancy puts the working-class candidate at a disadvantage, and can the UAW leverage its support to confront Rogers’ substantial campaign funds?
Frank Hammer
Reflecting on the primary race where Abdul faced off against a mainstream Democrat, he was significantly outspent—facilitated by approximately $70 million that the corporate sector funneled into his opponent’s campaign. Despite this, Abdul’s grassroots appeal managed to overcome the financial disparity, leading to the most expensive primary in U.S. history. Now we face what could be the most costly general election in Michigan’s history.
Currently, Abdul has gained substantial union support, engaging a grassroots campaign involving the UAW, Michigan AFL-CIO, federal employees, machinists, building trades, IBEW, service workers, and more. This outreach to ordinary Michiganders aims to counterbalance the substantial financial contributions supporting Rogers.
In fact, Abdul has raised an unprecedented $30 million in the last quarter, the highest for any candidate in Michigan. This astounding figure was primarily sourced from within the state, with over one-third coming from contributions under $200—signifying wide voter engagement. In contrast, Rogers has gathered little from Michigan itself, mostly relying on outside funding. This crucial difference may greatly influence the voter turnout on Election Day.
Sharmini Peries
Bernie Sanders has consistently emphasized the fight against oligarchy in his campaigns, a theme that resonates with the UAW’s endorsement of Abdul El-Sayed. With over 350,000 active and retired members in Michigan, the UAW describes its current electoral mobilization efforts as one of the most ambitious in decades. How significant is this endorsement, and will it translate into actual votes?
Frank Hammer
The significance of this endorsement is immense. The UAW’s early support for Abdul marked a decisive break from the party establishment’s preference for Haley Stevens. It exemplified courage, especially as the union was concurrently engaged in its leadership election. In the face of hostility from Donald Trump, who has publicly criticized UAW leadership, the UAW’s unwavering support for Abdul showcases its commitment to a pro-working-class agenda. This courageous decision appears to be gaining traction.
Post-primary, the Democratic establishment in Michigan has rallied around Abdul, including backing from vice president Kamala Harris. The UAW’s leadership has established a pathway, prompting others within the Democratic party to align themselves with this grassroots choice.
Sharmini Peries
Moreover, Abdul El-Sayed has built upon the themes that Bernie Sanders and AOC pressed during their campaigns—addressing corporate power, healthcare, and economic inequality. Do you believe these themes will mobilize the working-class political movement, leading to voter turnout?
Frank Hammer
Absolutely. It’s essential to remember that Michigan’s political landscape is complex and dynamic. Historic victories by Jesse Jackson in 1988 and Bernie Sanders in 2016 amidst a state that has swung Republican twice highlight the electorate’s willingness to seek alternatives to the traditional two-party system. This burgeoning working-class movement post-election must be harnessed to challenge the ruling elite.
The sheer scale of funding directed toward Mike Rogers’ campaign exemplifies the establishment’s fear of Abdul’s message. While the opposition’s tactics predominantly rely on fear-mongering, many workers in Michigan are discerning this strategy, rallying behind Abdul’s focus on economic reform and healthcare equality. His charisma, his ability to engage voters directly, and his compelling vision resonate powerfully with the electorate.
Sharmini Peries
What practical strategies is the UAW employing on the ground, Frank? Having been an integral part of it for decades, can you provide insight into the grassroots efforts underway?
Frank Hammer
The UAW’s approach is multifaceted. A significant strength lies in their adept use of social media, cultivated under the new leadership since 2022, which has enabled them to engage with working-class voters effectively. However, this is supplemented by robust on-the-ground efforts, as UAW members actively campaign in Detroit neighborhoods and statewide. They have constructed grassroots political machinery by contributing to campaigns and arranging meetings to introduce voters to candidates like Abdul.
Additionally, while TV ads might come from various sources, the core of the UAW’s campaign lies in directly mobilizing their members and community connections to ensure robust outreach as election day approaches.
Sharmini Peries
Abdul El-Sayed has faced strong opposition regarding his loyalty to the U.S. and the Constitution, often tied to his Islamic faith. What is your perspective on how he’s handled these challenges?
Frank Hammer
Abdul’s response to such attacks has been commendable, drawing parallels to John F. Kennedy, who asserted that his religious identity should not define his presidency. The reality remains that some Trump-aligned workers ignore the core issues at stake in this race. For example, while Rogers emphasizes right-to-work legislation, Abdul ardently supports stronger union protections, showcasing his commitment to worker rights. This unequivocal stance may help to mitigate the race-related fears propagated against him.
Though some former Trump supporters remain ensnared by this narrative, there’s growing support within the Black community, as many local leaders, including Detroit City Council members, now back Abdul’s candidacy.
Sharmini Peries
In light of the economic decline Michigan has faced, where decades of plant closures have led to joblessness, how can unions like the UAW rebuild solidarity among workers divided along political lines? Can the UAW help bring together industrial and service workers as well as the younger population affected by deindustrialization?
Frank Hammer
Indeed, this is a crucial question. Michigan confronts an existential crisis dictated by the current ruling class. They propose a militarized industrial complex as the pathway forward, which poses a moral dilemma for workers who desire employment but are offered jobs that contribute to military endeavors. This dilemma necessitates discussions within the UAW and the broader labor movement about the kind of workforce we aspire to build.
Nonetheless, things that bind workers together must be prioritized, such as the campaign for Medicare for All. With 16 million Americans at risk of losing healthcare due to recent legislation, this issue resonates. While some in the UAW may wish to cling to their private healthcare benefits, the broader sentiment is that universal healthcare initiatives could unify workers across industries.
Whether Abdul succeeds in winning a Senate seat, he will undoubtedly serve as a lone voice advocating for workers’ rights. The prospect of continuous grassroots mobilization is essential. The UAW has pledged support for Medicare for All, which represents a crucial avenue to bridge the divisions resulting from economic hardship.
Sharmini Peries
Lastly, moving forward, regardless of the election’s outcome, entrenched economic power will remain prevalent in America, especially post-Citizens United. What should labor movements do to develop and endure beyond this election?
Frank Hammer
Labor movements must assert their independent voice, unshackled from both Republican and Democratic establishments. A growing schism exists within the Democratic Party, exemplified by recent statements that indicate an internal struggle for direction. This environment suggests the potential for progressive factions to reclaim the party or, alternatively, to form an independent working-class party.
It’s essential for labor movements to seize this moment to chart their course, potentially aligning with new progressive leaders or establishing an independent political footing, akin to how MAGA reshaped the Republican landscape.
Sharmini Peries
Frank, I appreciate your insights and wish you the best of luck in the campaign. Let’s reconnect after the elections to reflect on the outcomes and the path ahead.
Frank Hammer
Thank you very much. I look forward to it.
Sharmini Peries
Thank you for joining me today, Frank.
Frank Hammer
Thank you.
