On Sunday, July 13, the delegates to the AFT Convention endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president of the United States of America.
Speaking for the Chicago Teachers Union, CTU President Marilyn Stewart said, “Mr. Obama for his years in the Illinois General Assembly and the U.S. Senate, has proven to be a friend to both education and organized labor. Today, more than ever this country needs great strength, as it addresses the many problems we face. The old solutions to our problems with the economy, international affairs and domestic relationships, will no longer do in the future. Barack Obama brings us hope and a new tomorrow for the United States. Illinois is proud to have in its heritage being the land of Lincoln. As we move into the future, we are filled with even greater pride in the realization that we soon be the land of Lincoln and Obama. I urge my brothers and sisters in this room to give their full and enthusiastic support for his candidacy. Yes we can! Yes we can!”
Senator Obama, spoke live via satelite from California, and thanked AFT for their support.
"If you stand up with me these next four months; if you march with me and knock on doors and make phone calls and register voters, and talk to your friends and co-workers and neighbors; then I promise you this: we will win this election; we will change education in this country; and we will bring about a better future for our children and for this country we love."