United Steelworkers International President Leo W. Gerard talked with progressive talk show host Ed Schultz about President Obama’s plan to create opportunities to secure American manufacturing jobs.

They talked about the decline in education and how Republicans have been cutting back on funding for training and community college. They agreed that the future cannot be built on just banking and services.

“The future is in creating real wealth … giving people real skills so that they can make things,” said Gerard.

When asked if he thought the Republicans would change their attitude toward manufacturing, Gerard said, “When this election cycle is over later this year, I think what you’re going to see is Republicans taking a very heavy toll at the ballot box.”

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