First, I am probably in the minority but I admire Obama for going into the Lion’s Den of the House Democratic minority to plead his case Friday morning. Yes, you could absolutely argue that he has paid the price for a “hands off” style, and the deplorable lack of rapport with Congress—his own party. But even if it was a kamikaze mission, at least he didn’t just “lead from behind.” Conversely, Pelosi’s betrayal is astonishing: It is too early to know whether she had given the president personally any indication that she would ultimately come down against him. But for now, there is no indication that she gave much advanced notice. Her weak explanation that her stand aimed to achieve a better Trade Promotion Authority deserves only a Bronx cheer.
Certainly, the House Democrats delivered a stinging temporary defeat for the president and for pro-trade Republicans. And this will reverberate not only around the US but also in the capitols of major US trading partners in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and beyond in Europe. But it is too early to tell whether this is a permanent defeat, or whether we are heading for new votes next week that will give the president and Republicans a new shot at TPA—much as an initial defeat in the Senate several weeks ago was followed by ultimately victory.
Both heartening and frustrating is the fact that on a separate vote today, the House voted in favor of TPA, 219-211, with 28 Democrats joining 191 Republicans. Speaker Boehner at the end of the proceedings made a motions to reconsider Trade Adjustment Assistance renewal next week, June 15 or June 16. No doubt there will be a scramble by the administration and Republicans to put Humpty-Dumpty back together again. Republicans are also preparing to vote on the TPA as a separate bill that, if passed, would require a separate vote and conference in the Senate. Still, the key remains working out some deal on TAA, as Democrats will need that companion bill as cover for any positive vote on TPA.
Alas, at a minimum we all will have to endure a weekend of gloating by the anti-trade coalition. These modern King Canutes still think they can turn back the tide of globalization.
from AEI » Latest Content http://ift.tt/1HALVQB
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