Did the Teamsters Hire a Charlottesville White Nationalist?
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If this is true, this is the worst thing that has ever happened in Teamsters history and trust me, I know what has happened in Teamsters history.
When people tell you who they are, believe them the first time. This is who Sean O'Brien is. m.facebook.com/story.php?st…
— Evan Sutton (@evansutton.bsky.social) July 15, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Three things. First, John Palmer is the chief critic of Sean O’Brien within Teamsters leadership and is running against him next year for the presidency. So he’s not a clown. He is furious at what Sean O’Brien has become.
Second, commenters need to use this information the right way. This has nothing to do with the labor movement as a whole. It has nothing to do with ancient history such as George Meany not endorsing George McGovern in 1972 or a few building trades locals beating up hippies during the Vietnam War. This is not a place to use this as a cudgel against the entire labor movement, which would show the commenter as an idiot who should not speak at LGM anymore. But to use this to speak against Sean O’Brien and the Teamsters? Yes, that is appropriate.
Third, union democracy–or democracy in general–is not some panacea that allows for more progressive leadership. O’Brien is perhaps the first truly democratically elected president in Teamsters history. James Hoffa never would have done any of that. So when you think about unions and your beloved liberal values of voting and democracy, consider that reality.