Obama Challenges Clinton on NAFTA, Trade Deals

[TeamJordan23]

Obama Challenges Clinton on Trade Deals

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton's doubts about big foreign trade deals came only in the heat of the presidential campaign, Democratic rival Barack Obama said Tuesday, addressing labor leaders who strongly oppose many of the agreements.

He focused in particular on the North American Free Trade Agreement, which many U.S. unions contend has sent American jobs outside the nation's borders and held down wages here.

"So, when a candidate rails against NAFTA today, it's fair to ask her where she was with NAFTA 20 years ago," said Obama. "You don't just suddenly wake up and say NAFTA is a terrible thing when you were for it before."

Obama made his case at a regional convention of the United Auto Workers just a day after Clinton used the same forum to call for a "time out" on new trade deals while their impact on American jobs is assessed.

In her speech, Clinton said she would be cautious on new trade agreements, but she carries the baggage of her husband's presidency during which NAFTA was negotiated and approved.

"Politicians often say they are pro-labor at election time, no matter what they've said or done before," said Obama. "And that leaves you wondering what they will say or do after the election."

Continue Reading: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jEtOI8ay_-XoZrKX9qFZBXsDQb7wD8SSUFVO2

[Bitwit1234]

1. Oh...is that one of the "sat out the vote" ones.

he has quite a few..I suppose he wants to sit em out, so he can fuss em out on who ever voted for or against.

[illinoisprogressive]

2. NAFTA was a disaster for the middle class and we have been suffering ever since

[MalloyLiberal]

3. Copycat. Edwards led on NAFTA

[Carrieyazel]

4. Good for Obama. Not too late my any measure, but he should have started this earlier.