Title: The League of American Workers: Unmasking the One-Man Show
Introduction:
The League of American Workers, a self-proclaimed pro-worker organization, has gained attention for its populist right agenda. However, a closer look reveals that this league may not be what it seems. With ties to GOP dark money and a network of conservative websites disguised as local news outlets, questions arise about its authenticity and representation of American workers.
The Astroturfing Allegation:
According to Jody Calemine, director of advocacy at AFL-CIO, the League of American Workers is an astroturfing organization. Its founder, Steve Cortes, a TV personality with a far-right agenda, seems to be using the league as a platform to promote his anti-union version of blue-collar populism. The league’s skeletal website and videos suggest a deliberate strategy to win over key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
From Suits to Baseball Caps:
Steve Cortes, a former hedge fund trader and Trump campaign spokesperson, has undergone numerous transformations throughout his career. From being a critic of Trump’s populism to becoming his advocate, Cortes has switched sides multiple times. His latest venture, the League of American Workers, sees him donning a baseball hat instead of a suit, as he presents himself as a champion for American workers.
The Mysterious League:
Despite its name, the League of American Workers does not function as a member organization. Cortes himself admitted that it lacks a democratic structure where workers have any real power. The league’s leadership structure and funding remain undisclosed, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. Its incorporation papers were filed by a lawyer with connections to conservative dark-money networks, further adding to the league’s enigmatic nature.
Questionable Media Outlets:
Cortes’s communication strategy includes publishing articles and videos through various media outlets. However, many of these outlets, such as the “Waukesha Times,” are part of a network of “pink slime” websites. These websites, operated by Metric Media, mimic local news outlets but lack transparency and individual bylines. Cortes’s relationship with Metric Media dates back to his time as a Trump campaign spokesperson, and the sites continue to promote his work.
Funding and Polling:
The League of American Workers’ funding remains undisclosed, with Cortes only mentioning “generous donors throughout the country.” Calls for transparency arise, urging Cortes to disclose every penny of funding received. Additionally, Cortes has commissioned multiple polls, sponsored by the league, to identify effective narratives and arguments to sway voters towards Trump. These polls, conducted by conservative polling firms, come at a significant cost.
Conclusion:
The League of American Workers, led by Steve Cortes, presents itself as a pro-worker organization. However, its ties to dark money, questionable media outlets, and lack of transparency raise doubts about its true intentions and representation of American workers. As the league continues to promote its agenda, it is crucial for the public to critically examine its claims and consider the authenticity and credibility of its message.
