Obama Challenges Clinton on Trade Deals - - says, "I've been consistent."

Obama Challenges Clinton on Trade Deals
By MIKE GLOVER – 3 hours ago

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."

He singled out rivals Clinton and John Edwards.

"I've been consistent. You can't say that about the other two major candidates," said Obama. "When a candidate says he opposes right-to-work laws or trade rules that hurt workers today, ask him where he's been before. Because America needs a president who will fight for you when it's hard, and not when it's politically convenient."

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

The rest of them will revise.

Hillary has spoken about the impact of NAFTA ans its need to be reassessed.

Is that different from Obama's approach?

Also I see he is starting to fire back at Edwards.

""The nice thing about my candidacy is I don't have to apologize for a lot of mistakes," said Obama." :)


I wonder if he talked about the China trade legislation. I don't remember hearing from him on that, do you, Jeff_Dem?