Clinton, Obama Take Heat At AFL-CIO Forum

Hoping For Endorsement, Democrat Front-Runners Withstand Barbs On Terrorism, Corporate Influence

(CBS/AP) 

The candidates cast the matter as one of creating jobs as they addressed thousands of labor union activists, a constituency that could prove pivotal in deciding which contender emerges as the party's nominee.

“I happen to believe that putting our country back to work begins by cutting the funding for the war in Iraq,” said Dodd, who added that $1 billion in domestic infrastructure spending would create 40,000 jobs. He said the United States is spending $12 billion a month in Iraq, although government figures have put it closer to $10 billion.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said he would find money to improve roads, bridges, water systems and other infrastructure by having Congress eliminate “the $23 billion they put forth for congressional earmarks,” or special spending projects.

Several questions dealt with trade, a sensitive subject for union activists who argue that too many U.S. jobs have gone overseas.

Labor leaders often have criticized the 1993 North American Free Trade Agreement, which was enacted by former President Clinton, the New York senator's husband.

Hillary Clinton defended the pact, saying the nation needs “broad reform” of trade. “NAFTA is a piece of it, but it's not the only piece,” she said. Obama and Edwards also stopped short of saying NAFTA should be scrapped.

All the candidates were asked whether China is an adversary or ally. The U.S. has a $233 billion annual trade deficit with the economic giant.

Most of the candidates said they would take a tougher stand. “I do not want to eat bad food from China,” Clinton said, alluding to recent incidents of tainted food imports.

Edwards reminded the audience of the 2 million lead-tainted toys from China that were recalled last week.

Several of the candidates said their hearts and prayers were with the six trapped coal miners in Utah.

Both Clinton, who grew up in the Chicago suburbs, and Obama alluded to the debate locale — Soldier Field where the Bears play football. Clinton said her father, a lifelong Bears fan, would marvel at the idea of one of his children standing on the 10-yard line. Obama defended his support for the renovation of the stadium and the jobs it created.

Seven of the eight contenders shared a covered stage in 90-degree heat. Former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel, who did not complete the required AFL-CIO questionnaire, did not plan to attend.

The AFL-CIO's executive council will meet Wednesday to decide whether to begin the labor federation's endorsement process immediately or wait.

The AFL-CIO, the nation's largest federation of labor unions, didn't endorse a candidate in the 2004 primary. Its rules say two-thirds of the AFL-CIO's individual unions must agree on a candidate before an endorsement, and that didn't happen.

If the executive council doesn't begin its endorsement process — the result most observers expect — individual unions will be free to endorse whoever they want.

The AFL-CIO — which has 55 member unions and represents 10 million workers — said in 2006 that it knocked on 8.25 million doors for union candidates, made 30 million telephone calls, distributed 14 million fliers and sent out 20 million pieces of mail.

MSNBC televised the debate moderated by Keith Olbermann.