Fire Critic An Unadulterated View of the Fire Service
Duane speaking with then Presidential Candidate Barack Obama at the 2008 Presidential Forum in D.C.
As you know, in 2016 we will be welcoming in a new President. I can remember being at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Presidential Forum in 2008 (or might have actually been 2007). I had a front seat to the speakers and even snagged the picture to the right of Duane Dixon (RIP). Duane was elected President Emeritus for Local 1132 and Secretary Treasurer Emeritus for the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters. It was neat to be there, have the seats we had, and hear from all of the potential candidates.
The IAFF Presidential Forum is the first big event for everyone to see who is running and what they are all about. Many will drop out prior to the Democrats and Republicans picking their candidate. One thing we have learned in the past is that anything can happen.
Keep reading/watching for links and video to coverage of the IAFF Presidential Forum.
Ted Cruz Without Applause is the Most Gripping Video You’ll See All Day – Bloomberg.com
Still, the firefighters assembled to hear from possible presidents gave Cruz one of the coldest receptions he’s ever given before a camera. The Now This News crew clipped together the highlights, which include some of the CPAC applause lines. (the video is added below)
Republicans love firefighters. But firefighters aren’t too sure about the Republicans.– Washington Post
Despite the praise, though, the affection was largely not returned. Jokes at Hillary Rodham Clinton’s expense fell flat, and saber rattling over Iran elicited little response, as did typical conservative arguments about getting government out of the way — as a firefighter, you might reasonably ask whether they had your interests at heart.
Scott Walker Skips Firefighters Conference – Huffington Post
Presidential hopefuls from both parties made their way to the Hyatt Regency hotel on Capitol Hill this week, where they spoke to thousands of firefighters at the International Association of Fire Fighters conference. Everyone from Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) stopped by, with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) sending a short video message.
Noticeably absent, however, was Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R), who signed anti-union legislation into law just one day earlier.
Firefighters union casts lot with Elizabeth Warren – Washington Times
International Association of Fire Fighters to the growing list of Democrats clamoring for liberal firebrand Sen. Elizabeth Warren to run for president and give the party an alternative to Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2016.
Mrs. Warren on Monday wowed the IAFF annual conference
in Washington with her trademark pitch, garnering a standing ovation as she railed against a government that she says doles out subsidies for big corporations while doing less and less for working families.
Webb, O’Malley seek support among firefighters – Washington Post
Former senator James Webb of Virginia told a crowd of firefighters Tuesday that he may be asking for their help soon with a 2016 presidential bid. Recalling the “Firefighters for Webb” who helped elect him to the Senate in 2006, the ex-lawmaker said, “I’m here today to say, I may call on you again. So stay tuned.”
While he got an enthusiastic reception from the International Association of Fire Fighters, it was another local Democrat who got the biggest standing ovation at the presidential forum.
And now the videos from the IAFF
