They hold controversial votes late at night just before the August Recess to hold them hostage for a yes vote.

Interesting what battles some politicians keep their powder dry for. What a headline.
Plus, I doubt very much that "Obama and the GOP" (great name for a rock band, right?) care about the TAA at all, except as K-Y Jelly for Fast Track. Well, maybe there is a little frisson of happiness at casually cutting Medicare. Kudos to the Kochs, by the way. I think cutting away at Medicare is one of their fondest wishes. And anyone who thinks that the ACA is leading to Single Payer - Bwah! No, now I think the ACA is leading to getting rid of Medicare, handing out vouchers, and then a spirited and fun game of Cut the Vouchers, whenever money is needed for important stuff like War or corporate subsidies.

you packed a punch in that paragraph

...to pass a provision which he had hoped would appeal to and persuade Democrats to vote for a trade bill mostly supported by republicans.

Thanks for putting it out there.

I'll be on Vacation, but Bonnie Watson will get a call from me none the less.