Writer's Strike Threatens CBS Prez Debate
According to Variety , Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Bill Richardson and John Edwards said that they will not cross picket lines for a CBS-sponsored debate in Los Angeles on Dec. 10 if writers strike.
So far, Edwards is the only candidate to join the strike lines, and recently announced he was canceling an appearance on ABC's "The View" because of the strike. "In addition, we will also honor any picket lines at CBS News, up to and including the CBS presidential debate on December 10th. As I said when I walked the WGA picket line in California last Friday, these workers are making a simple request for their fair share of the huge profits being made by multinational media corporations."
In a statement, Clinton said "the workers at CBS News have been without a contract for close to two-and-a-half years. It is my hope that both sides will reach an agreement that results in a secure contract for the workers at CBS News, but let me be clear: I will honor the picket line if the workers at CBS News decide to strike. America's unions are the backbone of America's middle class, and I will always stand with America's working men and women in the fight to ensure that they are able to earn a fair wage."
The Obama campaign issued this statement: "If CBS News is unable to reach an agreement with its workers and they decide to strike, Barack Obama will not cross the picket line to attend the debate." There have also been unconfirmed reports that Michelle Obama has canceled her upcoming appearance on "The View."
Meanwhile, Gov. Bill Richardson said: "I have long stood with labor. If the CBS writers are still on strike, I will not cross the picket line for the upcoming Presidential debate. Supporting workers' rights is more important than anything I will say at the debate."
Strike Threatens CBS News Debate {Wilshire & Washington]