In a tense White House press briefing on Monday, reporters pressed Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s decision to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) on the picket line amid the ongoing strike against major car manufacturers. The President’s move sparked a flurry of questions about the administration’s stance on the negotiations between the UAW and the auto companies.
As Jean-Pierre faced a barrage of inquiries, reporters sought clarity on whether Biden’s presence on the picket line indicated his explicit support for the union’s demands, including a substantial pay increase and a shorter work week. Unfazed by the persistent questioning, Jean-Pierre maintained a steadfast position, refusing to delve into the specifics of the ongoing negotiations.
Joe Biden at UAW picket line: “Wall Street didn’t build this country, the middle class built this country. The unions built the middle class. That’s a fact. Let’s keep going, you deserve what you’ve earned. And you’ve earned a hell of a lot more than you’re getting paid now.” pic.twitter.com/OMcIEuZxjn
— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) September 26, 2023
One reporter, in particular, pressed on whether Biden’s actions amounted to taking sides, suggesting that his presence on the picket line was not that of an arbiter but a clear endorsement of the union’s cause. Jean-Pierre staunchly defended the President, emphasizing that Biden’s intent was to ensure workers receive a fair share of the record profits generated by the auto industry.
The exchange intensified when a reporter suggested that Biden’s involvement on the picket line might be perceived as interference in the negotiation process. Jean-Pierre swiftly rejected the notion, asserting that the President’s solidarity with the workers was aimed at securing a fair deal for them.
Joe Biden’s UAW picket line appearance is INSANE. He wears a UAW hat and pledges solidarity with their absurd demands, all in a desperate attempt to shore up his political support. If the UAW gets what it wants, the car industry will be bankrupted, at Biden’s behest.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) September 27, 2023
Despite the reporters’ attempts to extract specifics about Biden’s role on the picket line and the potential political risks involved, Jean-Pierre remained resolute in her responses. She reiterated that the President stood with the autoworkers, emphasizing his commitment to being the most pro-union president in history.
