Obama panders to unions

Sen. Barak Obama, D-Ill., praised a union-led campaign to change working conditions at Wal-Mart (WMT), telling activists Wednesday that their efforts are part of a broader debate that is needed about jobs and economic opportunity in America.

The senator, weighing in on the increasingly politicized debate over Wal-Mart, told a conference call with the union-backed group WakeUpWalMart.com there is a "moral responsibility to stand up and fight" for a better economic future with adequate wages, health care and retirement benefits.

Obama was one of two potential Democratic presidential contenders to court WakeUpWalMart in the same day. Former Sen. John Edwards was due to speak on a similar national conference call with the group's supporters later Wednesday.

Wal-Mart, based at Bentonville, Ark., said it was disappointed that the two took part in what it called a "politically motivated event that is clearly attacking the wrong company."

"Americans know that Wal-Mart creates jobs, reduces the cost of health care through $4 generics, and is a leader on the environment," spokesman David Tovar said.

"We continue to offer real solution to challenges facing working families, including the skyrocketing costs of health care," Tovar said. As an example, he said, Wal-Mart this year introduced low-premium employee health plans for as little as $11 a month in some areas.

Obama said the fact that manufacturing jobs are increasingly being lost overseas left Americans with jobs that do not provide adequate wages, career opportunities, health care or retirement security.

The mystery is how my neighbors could have hung the libertarian "Don't Tread on Me" flag but also support Obama.