Two leaders of a prominent New York City union slammed the Democratic Party and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) for being out of touch with blue-collar members of the working class — the very people they ran their campaigns on supporting."I think they're communists, and I don't think they have the benefit of the working class — the real working class, the taxpayers' — support," Robert "Bobby" Bartels, Jr., the business manager of Steamfitters Local 638 in New York City, told Fox News Digital.The union, which has existed for 150 years and has mostly supported Democrat candidates in the past, represents blue-collar steamfitters, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, welders and industrial and mechanical service technicians.It previously broke ranks with Democrats and endorsed President Donald Trump in 2024.Robert "Bobby" Bartels speaks during the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis., on July 15, 2024.
(Patrick T.Fallon/AFP)Bartels ripped the far-left DSA candidates who won primary elections in New York last week against incumbent and establishment Democrats.Winners include Darializa Avila Chevalier in New York's 13th Congressional District and Claire Valdez in New York's 7th Congressional District.
Both are members of the Democratic Socialists of America and have radical views that were highlighted by rivals during the campaign.RISING SOCIALIST STARS ON TRACK TO CONGRESS: WHO ARE DARIALIZA AVILA CHEVALIER, BRAD LANDER AND CLAIRE VALDEZ?"They do have the people's support that want everything for free and want everything handed to them without working for it, and I think the Democratic Party is going way far to the left," Bartels acknowledged."And as a matter of fact, the more building trades people you speak to, the more they're going away from the Democratic Party."Bartels described Democrats in power as "narcissists," and expressed frustration that when progressive policies fail, the party doubles down a...