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 Trade unions, environmental groups and high-profile Democrats like
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts have come out swinging
against the Trans-Pacific Partnership, saying it would send American
jobs overseas.
"When people say that this trade deal is bad for working families,
they don't know what they're talking about," Obama told a group of
about 200 volunteers and donors with Organizing for Action, an
advocacy group formed by his former campaign team. "I take that
personally. My entire presidency has been about helping working
families.
"The Chamber of Commerce didn't elect me twice - working folks did,"
he said.
Obama argued it would be illogical for him to sign a trade deal that
would hurt middle-class jobs given his efforts to expand health care
insurance, bail out the auto industry and overhaul Wall Street
regulations.
"I spent a lot of time and a lot of political capital to save the
auto industry," Obama said, banging the lectern with a pointed
finger for emphasis. "Why would I pass a deal that would be bad for
U.S. auto workers?"
Obama is seeking fast-track authority from Congress to finalize the
TPP deal, which would link a dozen economies and cover a third of
global trade.
The Senate could vote on the fast-track legislation next week, but
it may face a tough ride in the House of Representatives, where many
Democrats oppose it.
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Democratic opponents say the deal would cause a repeat of the
factory closures and job losses seen after the North American Free
Trade Agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico was
approved in 1993.
Obama said he understands the fears, but said the criticism was out
of date, arguing the new deal will include strong protections for
labor and the environment, and warning that a failure to pass it
would cede economic power to China.
"You need to tell me what's wrong with this trade agreement, not one
that was passed 25 years ago," he said, urging his supporters to
spread the word.
"We can't just oppose trade on reflex alone."
(Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by Leslie Adler)
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