NYT: Globalism Minus Jobs Equals Campaign Issue

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/31/politics/campaign/31TRAD.html

Challenging the wisdom of free-trade agreements(FTAs) has become a blood sport in South Carolina. Local newspapers here trumpeted the state's latest job-loss figures — 22,400 in 2003, the worst in the nation. One newspaper said the job losses suffered by South Carolina in the past three years marked the worst period since "the Great Depression." New billboards ask passing drivers: "Lost your job to free trade or offshoring yet?"

South Carolina offers the most extreme example of the anxiety coursing through the country as white-collar and blue-collar jobs alike disappear to foreign competition. A CBS News poll of likely Democratic primary voters in South Carolina released Friday night found that 56 percent want the party's nominee to support more trade restrictions. In addition, three-quarters of the likely primary voters attributed the loss of jobs in their area to trade with other nations.


...

We could win South Carolina(!) on this issue alone.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. I've always said

that if someone is worried about their job, other 'issues' become less important.

[lastknowngood]

2. we have no issues unless we have someone who

actually believes and expresses them. For now we are without a "front runner" with a message or passion.

[Frances]

4. You must not have a TV

The "I have a scream" speech was played over and over and over. Dean's whole campaign is in jeopardy because the media said he had too much passion.

That said I am for ABB.

[Devlzown]

3. That poll was of likely Democratic primary voters.

I don't think most people in South Carolina are Democrats. While I think it would be great if our candidate were in favor of repealing NAFTA, I think our chances of carrying South Carolina are about as good as carrying Mississippi and Alabama.

[Frances]

5. I agree that something really big would have to happen

before SC went Democratic. I have relatives in South Carolina whose jobs are not secure. They are strong Republicans but I think they need to hear that Bush is making their jobs even less secure.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

6. I think in SC

the Republicans have a majority, but it's not a huge majority. We need to fight them on their own turf anyway. The best defense is a good offense.

[gate of the sun]

7. My Mother a republican

and pretty ignorant on the issues said she would vote for anyone who would stop all the factories and jobs moving out of the US.....She said alot of people she knows in this small Missouri town up in arms.They are starting to boycott certain companies products etc. This could really make a difference with the people. If my mother could say that....it really means alot.....This should be a campaign issue....the only one of course who is taking this on is Kucinich.