Harold Schaitberger, president of the International Association of Firefighters, says his union is operating like Vice President Joseph R. Biden will ultimately get into the 2016 presidential race.
“I’ll say this: our union is preparing now as if the vice president is going to announce his candidacy,” Mr. Schaitberger said Tuesday evening on MSNBC’s “Hardball” when asked if the group would endorse Mr. Biden should he run. “We’re ready to move.”
Mr. Schaitberger said Mr. Biden connects with IAFF members both emotionally and on policy.
“Workers would walk through walls for Joe Biden,” said Mr. Schaitberger, who has spoken recently with Mr. Biden. “He has a long, long track record in supporting and delivering for workers. I know for the members of our union, firefighters and paramedics, he’s been there every step of the way every day on every issue and helping to protect jobs and bring jobs laid off during the Great Recession, and helping to provide the security for our country understanding what homeland security really means.
“So I know the members of the IAFF, when we are prepared to make our decision if and when he announces, we’ll walk through a wall for him,” he said.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.