Paul Begala, CNN talk show host and political pundit, gave a lively address in Toronto.

August 31, 2006 – Political Analyst Paul Begala and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers President Tom Buffenbarger called for a stronger labor movement in their respective remarks on Thursday, the final day of the IAFF 48th Biennial Convention in Toronto.

The federal government’s flawed foreign policy in Iraq is the result of horrible planning, CNN talk show host Begala told delegates during a lively speech that included multiple impersonations of former President Bill Clinton.

“This administration didn’t have enough resources in Iraq or develop a sound plan for the reconstruction of the country,” Begala said, “and has failed to find the terrorists who are killing American troops and Iraqi citizens.

Domestically, the administration is removing the rungs of the ladder that people use to pull themselves up and improve their lives, Begala said. They’ve made it harder for people to earn a living wage, earn overtime pay or get federal funding, he said.

“We need to clean house, from the House of Representatives to the White House to the House of Labor," said Tom Buffenbarger.

Buffenbarger also criticized this administration for its Iraq policy. He also called for a stronger House of Labor and more aggressive labor leaders.

“Urgently, we need to clean house, from the House of Representatives to the White House to the House of Labor. We need to clean house, from top to bottom,” Buffenbarger said. He also urged union members to vote in the November general elections. “If labor won’t stand up and be counted, then who will?” he asked.

Buffenbarger said the machinists union intends to work with the IAFF “to elect congressional leaders who will fight for the rights and interests or working men and women.”

Watch Begala video

Watch Buffenbarger video