Player: Barack Obama

Surrogates(s): The International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Surrogate Type: Proxy: The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents about 1.4 million Americans and is recognized as a political force at the local, state and national levels. Endorsement of the union is fiercely sought by presidential candidates because of its influence over so many voter bases and delegates. According to a Teamster press release, the union acted freely and conducted its own survey of its members.

1. Fit/Friction: Fit: Obama appeals to the conventions, interests and issues of the Teamsters. He advocates strong labor unions and a socialized healthcare system that would benefit union finances.

2. Play Call: Condition/Frame/Screen

3. Play Run: Teamsters and Obama announce the endorsement in Texas where a critical primary election will be held in two weeks on March 4. Along with Obama’s press release and spokesperson comments, the union also issued a press release and had ranking officials speak with media.

4. Pause: Obama camp may wait to gauge reactions from media and other national labor organizations. However, time is a critical factor and only two weeks remain until the final primary elections. Hillary Clinton has been courting the auto workers’ union (UAW) in Ohio for several days. Perhaps the UAW will be the next major union to announce an endorsement. Currently there are about 400,000 active UAW members in the U.S., a figure much less than the 1.4 million Teamster constituents.

5. Prediction: Keep Running: Elections are a game of numbers and the candidate with most votes wins. National labor organizations influence thousands of voters. Although he has a substantial lead, Obama cannot rest and must continue to seek endorsements from other unions. If not even to gain an endorsement prior to March 4 primaries, he can attempt to stall unions into not announcing their support of Hillary prior to the primaries.