The NEA’s Circus
- Bill Balderston's blog
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Despite fewer delegates than previous years—just about 9,000, down from 10,000—the National Education Association’s annual convention is still the largest delegated decision-making body in the world.
At times a P.T. Barnum-like spectacle conducted under the thumb of staff, the assembly representing the nation’s largest union, with 3.1 million members, is also an impressive demonstration of a democratic decision-making body.
Two major controversies at the gathering in Chicago last month received national visibility. First was the early endorsement of President Obama’s re-election bid, advocated by the national leadership despite some resistance from several state affiliates, including the California Teachers Association.
Most of the debate occurred within the state caucuses, which was very contentious in some states, such as