Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump took his campaign to a roundtable discussion with labor leaders and union workers on Monday.
The event was held at the American Legion Brook Park Post 610.
Participants in the roundtable included:
- Chris Corrigan - Teamsters Local 436
- David Byrnes - Retired President Northern Ohio Firefighter & AFCIO Vice President
- Larry Moran - Retired President of UAW LOCAL 1005
- Louis Cayet - Retired President of Labors Local 1099
- Martin Surella - Retired Ex-Board Member Plumbers Local 55
- Michael Norman - First Vice President of Local 94 Cleveland Fire Fighters
- Nick Nardi - President of Teamsters Local 416
- Stephan Loomis - President of Cleveland Police Patrolman's Association
- Susan Moran - Retiree of AFL-CIO
- Thomas George - Teamsters
- Thomas Austin - President of Ohio Police Benevolent Association
- Tom Coyne - Mayor of Brook Park
- Tom Klein - United Steel Workers of America Committeemen
Trump passed 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.
He noted an issue 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," Trump said.
“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.’”
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.
The GOP nominee promised Cleveland police union leader Steve Loomis, “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 Interstate 71, where Trump and Pence shook the hands of every patron.
Mike and Ellie Skoutas, who own the location 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.
According to the Toledo Blade, Columbiana County Republican Party Chairman David Johnson said Trump is also expected to campaign at the Canfield Fair in Mahoning County on Monday.
Also on Monday, democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Senator Tim Kaine will be at the Caucus Labor Day Festival in Luke Easter Park on Cleveland's east side to deliver speeches about Clinton's plans "to build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top."
