Trump to labor leaders in Cleveland: You'll have friend in White House

CLEVELAND

Republican nominee Donald Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s initial event today was a roundtable with a dozen local labor leaders at American Legion post 610 hall in Brook Park near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The group included Nick Nardi, president of Teamsters local 416; Thomas Austin, president of the Ohio Police Benevolent Association; Steve Loomis, president of the Cleveland Police Patrolman’s Association; Louis Cayet, retired president of Laborers local 1099; Larry Moran, retired president of United Auto Workers local 1005; and Brook Park Mayor Tom Coyne, a Democrat who is supporting Trump.

Also present were Chris Corrigan of Teamsters local 436; Martin Surella, retired ex-board member of Plumbers local 55; Michael Norman, first vice president of local 93, Cleveland Firefighters Union; David Byrnes, retired president of Northern Ohio Firefighters and AFL-CIO vice president; Tom Klein, United Steel Workers of America committeeman; Thomas George, Teamsters; and Susan Moran, AFL-CIO retiree.

Trump walked past several pool tables in an adjoining room into the Legion’s bar area, where tables were set up for the roundtable. He greeted each participant with a handshake. Trump noted the fiasco on the airport tarmac when President Barack Obama arrived in China last week and they “won’t even give him proper stairs” to exit Air Force One.

“Did you see that? They have pictures of other leaders who go over there, and they’re coming down with a beautiful red carpet. And Obama’s coming down a metal staircase, I guarantee you was made in China. He’s coming down a metal staircase in the back of the plane. “I got to tell you, if that were me, I would’ve said ‘you know what folks? I respect you a lot. But close the doors, and let’s get out of here. It’s a sign of intense disrespect.’” Saying other countries have displayed similar disrespect, Trump wondered, “And he’s going to negotiate for us? I don’t think so.” Trump said the upshot of the nuclear deal the Obama administration negotiated with Iran “is going to destroy Israel – unless I get elected.

Then Israel will be just fine.” Trump cited new poll results from several states, including one he said shows him up in Ohio by 3 points. Loomis, citing what he called “the false narrative” of Black Lives Matter, asked whether Trump would support law enforcement. The GOP nominee promised the police union leader “you’re going to have a friend in the White House.”

Trump also recounted his quickly planned visit to talk trade with Mexican president last week for the union leaders. “I have great respect for him,” Trump said. “I really liked him a lot. But it has to be a two-way street.” Ohioans should know about the problem all too well since the state has lost so many jobs to Mexico, he said. “Right now, as we speak, they’re negotiating to move jobs out of Ohio to Mexico,” Trump said. After the labor roundtable, Trump traveled by motorcade to Goody’s Diner, on Snow Road near I-71, where Trump and Pence shook the hands of every patron.

Mike and Ellie Skoutas, who own the place known for serving breakfast all day, said they got only 24 hours notice that “a VIP” might be visiting. Both were glad that Trump stopped by, but said as small business owners they don’t share who they are supporting in the election.