The White House welcomes back the labor and environmental movement

Every keynote speaker at the Good Jobs Green Jobs National Conference alluded to the fact that finally after eight long years, the labor and environmental movements are no longer enemies of the President.  It’s crazy to think that simply by acknowledging two of the most important political movements — movements that in every other democracy are kind of a big deal — President Obama is making great strides.

For example, this is from the Apollo Alliance’s weekly update (sign up for the updates here):

On Friday morning last week, two days after the House of Representatives passed an $819 stimulus package and sent it on to the Senate, Jerome Ringo joined a number of other national leaders at the White House for the formal announcement of the Obama administration’s Middle Class Task Force.

Like the other guests, Jerome was personally greeted by President Barack Obama. Jerome says that when he extended his hand and said, “Mr. President, I’m Jerome Ringo,” he was interrupted. “I know who you are,” said President Obama. “You’re president of the Apollo Alliance. You guys are doing great work. Keep up the great work.”

“Let me tell you,” Jerome said this week as he related the encounter, “the hair stood up on the back of my neck.”