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DonViejo

(60,536 posts)
Thu Apr 23, 2015, 11:56 PM Apr 2015

Obama chides Democrats criticizing trans-pacific trade deal: ‘I take that personally’

Source: Reuters

President Barack Obama fought back on Thursday against the biggest domestic obstacle to the Pacific trade pact he wants to conclude before he leaves office: the trade skeptics in his own Democratic party.

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?”

-snip-

Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/2015/04/obama-chides-democrats-criticizing-trans-pacific-trade-deal-i-take-that-personally/

154 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Obama chides Democrats criticizing trans-pacific trade deal: ‘I take that personally’ (Original Post) DonViejo Apr 2015 OP
father is getting mad cuz the kids are asking why again nt msongs Apr 2015 #1
Obama: “Why would I pass a deal that would be bad for U.S. auto workers?” candelista Apr 2015 #2
didn't they already do that? Skittles Apr 2015 #98
It's a never-ending process. :( candelista Apr 2015 #120
Must have promised it to somebody rich MannyGoldstein Apr 2015 #3
Next time Mr President Joe Worker Apr 2015 #4
No Kidding Tace Apr 2015 #51
Where's MIRT when we need it? eom BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #78
good job burning a fairly decent username snooper2 Apr 2015 #89
He's probably already back, with some equally "Demmy" or "Progressive" moniker. MADem May 2015 #149
Fortunately ann--- Apr 2015 #94
He could be sincere, I think he is daleo Apr 2015 #5
Yup. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Apr 2015 #60
If Obama was sincere, then he would acknowledge that reality. stillwaiting Apr 2015 #65
Well, those of us who are FDR Democrats take it personally that you are a Trojan Horse, Mr Prez. kath Apr 2015 #6
+10000 n/t MissDeeds Apr 2015 #17
Exactly! n/t RKP5637 Apr 2015 #56
So do we Mr. President.... daleanime Apr 2015 #7
You took the words out of my mouth Populist_Prole Apr 2015 #10
I remember that Joe Worker Apr 2015 #31
arguments for NAFTA Angel Martin May 2015 #134
Yep, same thing again, just different people, different times. n/t RKP5637 Apr 2015 #54
+a kazillion! marym625 Apr 2015 #13
That is my response as well n/t fredamae Apr 2015 #80
The average American takes getting f*cked over personally as well Mr. President DJ13 Apr 2015 #8
that's the best response yurbud May 2015 #145
that's the best response yurbud May 2015 #148
People who will lose their jobs take it personally. People who have to pay more for GoneFishin Apr 2015 #9
exactly! n/t wildbilln864 Apr 2015 #12
+10. And what would Rahm say? appalachiablue Apr 2015 #95
Very easy way to fix this marym625 Apr 2015 #11
This message was self-deleted by its author 1000words Apr 2015 #15
yep marym625 Apr 2015 #16
I'll walk the picket line with union workers etc boomer55 Apr 2015 #30
So many times Joe Worker Apr 2015 #32
In this area marym625 Apr 2015 #66
Right! He should just publish the agreement. Not a summary of the agree- JDPriestly Apr 2015 #28
exactly marym625 Apr 2015 #68
Exactly davidpdx Apr 2015 #69
That's what really irks me. If it's so great, why all of the secrecy. I'm just so skeptical of any RKP5637 Apr 2015 #59
frankly, we always should be. marym625 Apr 2015 #67
Yep!!! n/t RKP5637 Apr 2015 #73
Timothy Geithner and his ilk have Obama believing their market mantra it seems newthinking Apr 2015 #14
He promised TPP so he would get elected the second time around ... MindMover Apr 2015 #18
And he promised to cut social security to get elected the first time. JoePhilly Apr 2015 #87
That's interesting, hadn't thought about it that way. appalachiablue Apr 2015 #96
Huh? tularetom Apr 2015 #110
Just a few things I take personally SamKnause Apr 2015 #19
Great list you have there. Pretty much identical to mine. Thanks for posting it. nt 99th_Monkey Apr 2015 #25
You are welcome. SamKnause Apr 2015 #42
+1,000,000 cosmicone Apr 2015 #26
Exactly !!! SamKnause Apr 2015 #43
it's kind of funny DonCoquixote Apr 2015 #113
It is all about WYSIWYG cosmicone Apr 2015 #114
er... DonCoquixote Apr 2015 #115
ignore what they say Angel Martin May 2015 #135
Very nice but Joe Worker Apr 2015 #33
22. Called the torturerers patriots. cui bono Apr 2015 #37
I had forgotten SamKnause Apr 2015 #45
Nice additions. SamKnause Apr 2015 #44
Bingo! cui bono Apr 2015 #38
+1000 BeanMusical Apr 2015 #39
awesome list! ut oh Apr 2015 #52
We misinterpreted what he meant by hope and change, looks like this was what RKP5637 Apr 2015 #58
Well, he DID Jackpine Radical Apr 2015 #86
Ah, I know it now! It was a question of semantics! I just did not understand him! n/t RKP5637 Apr 2015 #90
That real hope and change guy is not Hillary Morely Dotes Apr 2015 #119
Hell of a list. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Apr 2015 #61
Thank you. SamKnause Apr 2015 #62
Exactly... sendero Apr 2015 #70
Exactly. SamKnause Apr 2015 #72
+1000!!! Javaman Apr 2015 #74
You are welcome. SamKnause Apr 2015 #75
I'm forwarding your 840high Apr 2015 #102
Thank you. SamKnause Apr 2015 #112
Great list yurbud May 2015 #147
^this Marrah_G May 2015 #154
Then he hasn't been listening. Simple as that. delrem Apr 2015 #20
Obama's proven record of favoring Wall St over Main St FreakinDJ Apr 2015 #21
... Spitfire of ATJ Apr 2015 #22
Show us the details. SoapBox Apr 2015 #23
Obama took a shot at MSNBC about their trade deal concerns. Ed Shultz oasis Apr 2015 #24
He wont do it Joe Worker Apr 2015 #34
He should tell it to Jamie and Lloyd. pa28 Apr 2015 #27
Ding Ding Ding !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SamKnause Apr 2015 #46
By Their Deeds... Tace Apr 2015 #55
Post removed Post removed Apr 2015 #29
If you wanted a perfect president youceyec Apr 2015 #35
Not perfect? Joe Worker Apr 2015 #36
how could you doubt the word of this man ? Angel Martin May 2015 #138
pfft cui bono Apr 2015 #40
http://image.slidesharecdn.com/howtospotaliar-111129151312-phpapp02/95/how-to-spot-a-liar-1-728.jpg blkmusclmachine Apr 2015 #41
If you think that's personal, maybe you should try being affected by the TPP Fearless Apr 2015 #47
Fuck Wall Street! RandiFan1290 Apr 2015 #48
Mr. President, have you considered that we're tired of being stabbed in the back? Scuba Apr 2015 #49
Then why continue to make it so secretive? ut oh Apr 2015 #50
If the deal is so F'en great, then why has it been so secret like some backroom swindle! n/t RKP5637 Apr 2015 #53
The problem for him is that we do not have any Baitball Blogger Apr 2015 #57
Thanks Obama. Deadbeat Republicans Apr 2015 #63
That is too much. And he is pissing me off regarding this matter right now. stillwaiting Apr 2015 #64
Duly noted, Mr. President. Alkene Apr 2015 #71
Well, Mr. President rock Apr 2015 #76
This! BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #77
Thank you for that, BlueCaliDem. The President says he take's it personally and the usuals on DU Cha Apr 2015 #99
If anything, President Obama has deserved our trust after all he's done for working Americans BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #116
Well said, BlueCali! Cha Apr 2015 #130
Thanks, Cha. BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #131
Isn't that cute? A mutual appreciation society. :) Sgt Preston May 2015 #140
Your money is also on John Boehner and Mitch McConnell DisgustipatedinCA May 2015 #141
It appears that the usual ObamaCritics and a troll or two has descended on your OP, Don. BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #79
It's not "personal" ann--- Apr 2015 #83
Oh, but it IS personal to a president who has worked tirelessly for working Americans. BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #85
Sorry ann--- Apr 2015 #93
Well, you're entitled to your opinion. eom BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #97
BS 840high Apr 2015 #104
As I've stated in my post... BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #118
I took my rose colored glasses 840high Apr 2015 #121
And blinded you for the facts. Have fun! eom BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #122
It's ok to disagree - enjoy your week-end. 840high Apr 2015 #123
You, too, 840high. eom BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #124
You're defending a president who supported Chained CPI that would rob seniors Larkspur Apr 2015 #103
First off, you underestimate President Obama's strategy dealing with obstructionist Republicans. BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #117
B.S. Obama should have attacked the Rethrugs then with the same intensity that he is Larkspur Apr 2015 #125
Uh-huh. You don't really understand political reality, do you? BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #127
Obama wants the same lucrative lifestyle that Bill Clinton has today Larkspur May 2015 #133
I think you are the one confusing the real with the ideal. Larry Engels May 2015 #142
"Big Union"? Brickbat May 2015 #137
I knew that he was going to personalize this... elzenmahn Apr 2015 #81
Elizabeth Warren is lying and I'll take the President's Word over hers or any of the cheap ignorant Cha Apr 2015 #100
Open your eyes. 840high Apr 2015 #105
You Open your eyes. Cha Apr 2015 #107
Show me where you think she's lying... elzenmahn Apr 2015 #109
+1. nt Larry Engels May 2015 #143
+1000, Cha! BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #128
So will I. 840high Apr 2015 #108
Too bad ann--- Apr 2015 #82
Taking it personally won't accomplish squat. winter is coming Apr 2015 #84
Mr. President, it is not up to the American people asiliveandbreathe Apr 2015 #88
Why? JayNev Apr 2015 #91
Do you always answer a question with a question, Mr Obama? malthaussen Apr 2015 #92
Obama supported Chained CPI and the Catfood Commission, aka Simpson Bowles Commission Larkspur Apr 2015 #101
Thank you for reality. 840high Apr 2015 #106
I trust him. That is all. nt ALBliberal Apr 2015 #111
I'm Ready For Oligarchy - Are You? - Support Obama On TPP - Elect HRC To Continue The Charade cantbeserious Apr 2015 #126
+1. Sgt Preston May 2015 #139
he should ibegurpard Apr 2015 #129
Right back atcha Mr President Doctor_J Apr 2015 #132
Nike and Republicans being the biggest cheerleaders Bradical79 May 2015 #136
The forefathers were very concerned with a too-powerful executive. Trillo May 2015 #144
"Larry Summers and bankers like Jamie Dimon say it will be GREAT for American workers" yurbud May 2015 #146
All anyone is asking is that is fully disclosed TexasBushwhacker May 2015 #150
My response: I too take it personally Mr. President! nt snappyturtle May 2015 #151
Wow. Such arrogance. He is nothing but a corporate tool...... pathetic bowens43 May 2015 #152
Why does any politician do things that benefit big business? Marrah_G May 2015 #153
 

candelista

(1,986 posts)
2. Obama: “Why would I pass a deal that would be bad for U.S. auto workers?”
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 12:01 AM
Apr 2015

To reduce wages and thereby increase profits for auto manufacturers? That might be one reason.

 

candelista

(1,986 posts)
120. It's a never-ending process. :(
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 11:55 AM
Apr 2015

Eventually big business cuts wages so much that it impoverishes its own customers, and we get a depression.

Tace

(6,800 posts)
51. No Kidding
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 06:53 AM
Apr 2015

Lots of hope and change during the successful campaign, then the sellout became obvious, and awful, when the rubber hit the road.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
149. He's probably already back, with some equally "Demmy" or "Progressive" moniker.
Sun May 10, 2015, 05:58 PM
May 2015

This place is starting to look like the underside of a bridge, lately. Low post count + assholish comments abound.

daleo

(21,317 posts)
5. He could be sincere, I think he is
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 12:04 AM
Apr 2015

But people can sincerely do the wrong thing, thinking it is the right thing.

Erich Bloodaxe BSN

(14,733 posts)
60. Yup.
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 07:18 AM
Apr 2015

I'd actually prefer to think he is sincere and mistaken, just as in his choice of Republican economic advisors, who steered 93% of the 'recovery' to the obscenely wealthy, and made sure the people who crashed the economy walked away without any jail time, while so many of the 99% lost homes and what meagre accumulated wealth they had.

stillwaiting

(3,795 posts)
65. If Obama was sincere, then he would acknowledge that reality.
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 08:01 AM
Apr 2015

He would say that it's unacceptable that the economic recovery has played out the way that it has, and he would be proposing policies and legislation that would actually help to rectify that situation instead of exacerbating it.

Obama talks proudly of the economic recovery without speaking about who has benefitted from the recovery and who has not (i.e. just about all of us).

So, we get fucking Republicans getting the chance to talk about income and wealth inequality because Democrats (with very few exceptions) are not acknowledging the reality of what's happened throughout the Obama Administration (i.e. the continuing increase in wealth/income inequality and the continuing loss of financial security for more and more people). Democrats should be BLASTING Republicans for blocking legislation that would actually help turn around the unrelenting trend of increasing income/wealth inequality and the continuing loss of economic security and freedom for the masses). Instead, they pretend there has been a miraculous economic recovery and our country is doing swimmingly. That's not a recipe for political success.

Populist_Prole

(5,364 posts)
10. You took the words out of my mouth
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 12:15 AM
Apr 2015

He wants to talk about angry? If he's not aware of populists disdain for the party's 3rd-Way direction, he's so tone deaf, he'll never get it.

Plus. he's using the same exact condescending tone Bill Clinton used against those opposed to NAFTA.

Angel Martin

(942 posts)
134. arguments for NAFTA
Sun May 10, 2015, 03:26 AM
May 2015

my favourite argument that they made in favour of NAFTA was when they said that we had to pass it, or there would be a flood of illegal immigrants coming across the southern border.

DJ13

(23,671 posts)
8. The average American takes getting f*cked over personally as well Mr. President
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 12:12 AM
Apr 2015

Not that you seem to care.

GoneFishin

(5,217 posts)
9. People who will lose their jobs take it personally. People who have to pay more for
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 12:13 AM
Apr 2015

life sustaining medications will take it personally. People who have fracking fluids in their drinking water will take it personally. People who want safe food for their kids to eat will take it personally.

So suck it up.

Response to marym625 (Reply #11)

 

boomer55

(592 posts)
30. I'll walk the picket line with union workers etc
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 01:32 AM
Apr 2015

I've been very disappointed and fossil listed with president Obama for quite a while

JDPriestly

(57,936 posts)
28. Right! He should just publish the agreement. Not a summary of the agree-
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 01:22 AM
Apr 2015

ment, but the full text of the agreement.

Does he expect us to take his word for the vague proposition that the agreement doesn't hurt us?

NAFTA was a horrible lesson. We don't trust even Obama on the TPP.

If we want enforceable, fair agreements, we should negotiate them one on one, one by one, with each of our trading partners.

These group agreements are not enforceable. We should have learned that by now.

I will believe that currency manipulation is ended with this agreement when I see it. The only way to end currency manipulation is to end trading with a country that does it.

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
69. Exactly
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 08:16 AM
Apr 2015

I think that is the ONLY way to get it passed. Sure everyone is going to be pissed about something in it, but it would be a lot easier to support if we knew the exact details.

Also I think it would inadvertently help Secretary Clinton because she could come out against the TPP and state that it would cost too many jobs and that we need to get a better deal. That would probably make be one thing that would sway people to her side.

RKP5637

(67,108 posts)
59. That's what really irks me. If it's so great, why all of the secrecy. I'm just so skeptical of any
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 07:07 AM
Apr 2015

of TPTB anymore.

marym625

(17,997 posts)
67. frankly, we always should be.
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 08:09 AM
Apr 2015

I don't care if god himself was ruling the world, we should question authority.

I don't believe in god but it's the best example I could come up with

newthinking

(3,982 posts)
14. Timothy Geithner and his ilk have Obama believing their market mantra it seems
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 12:18 AM
Apr 2015

He genuinely seems to think this stuff works.

MindMover

(5,016 posts)
18. He promised TPP so he would get elected the second time around ...
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 12:39 AM
Apr 2015


Politics sucks bigtime and my father was right about politicians, they become politicians because they can't do anything else.

JoePhilly

(27,787 posts)
87. And he promised to cut social security to get elected the first time.
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 11:36 AM
Apr 2015

At least that used to be the common wisdom on DU.

And that he'd never end DADT.
And that he'd make all the Bush tax cuts permanent.
And that Obamacare would kill us all.

tularetom

(23,664 posts)
110. Huh?
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 01:50 AM
Apr 2015

Are you shitting me? He promised to implement a crappy treaty that would send American jobs overseas, tilt the balance of trade even further away from us, grant gianormous corporations permission to destroy the environment, and cause a ton of other problems that would adversely effect 99% of the population of the country, so he would get elected?



SamKnause

(13,103 posts)
19. Just a few things I take personally
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 12:41 AM
Apr 2015

1. You didn't hold the Bush administration accountable. (you continued his failed policies) You interfered

when other countries tried to hold them accountable. You referred to torturers as patriots.

2. You didn't hold Wall Street accountable. (Too big to fail, too big too jail) Eric Holder has

been a total failure.

3. You kept trying bipartisanship with the INSANE people.

4. You filled the White House with Wall Street and Federal Reserve cronies.

5. You referred to the Wall Street thieves as 'The Best and the Brightest'.

6. You didn't stand up for the protesters in Wisconsin. (couldn't find your walking shoes ?)

7. You ignored and insulted your base.

8. You didn't fight for the public option.

9. It took you 5+ years to address raising the minimum wage.

10. It took you 5+ years to address police brutality.

11. You ordered drone strikes that killed 4 U.S. citizens ( one was an innocent 16 year old boy)

12. You campaigned for Rahm Emanuel.

13. Your treatment of Edward Snowden, Chelsea Manning, and Julian Assange. (the

worst administration for protecting whistle blowers)

14. Your failure to address the ridiculous and immoral war on cannabis. You laugh and

smirk every time the issue is brought up on social media.

15. The failed Free Trade Deal that you signed with South Korea, that to date has cost the

U.S. 75,000 jobs and added billions to our trade deficit.

16. You signed a Free Trade Deal with Colombia. Columbia, a country that kills union

organizers.

17. Your administration pushed Charter Schools.

18. 2009, you squandered your mandate and refused to use the bully pulpit.

19. 2009, you didn't take advantage of the short time the Democratic Party had control

of the Senate, the Congress, and the Presidency.

20. You offered up CPI for Social Security.

21. You promised transparency. (your definition of transparency must be different than mine)

22. You have disenfranchised young voters.

23. You represent the needs of the wealthy and super wealthy. (you ignored the cries of

the 99%)












DonCoquixote

(13,616 posts)
113. it's kind of funny
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 08:26 AM
Apr 2015

how I see people talk about Obama being a disappointment because he was not the liberal he should have been, but then they have Hillary signs up. Not denying anger at Obama, but honestly, is Hillary going to walk to his left? She sure did not in 2008.

Call it picky, but at least when I see someone with the Liz Warren signs, or Bernie Sanders signs, or even the socialist signs, I at least know that person wants liberal politics, or at least wants to steer towards the left. When I see people support Hillary, aka the person who got into power by helping to drag what used to be America's liberal party to the center, slam Obama for following in Clinton footsteps, I am a little confused, then amused.

 

cosmicone

(11,014 posts)
114. It is all about WYSIWYG
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 09:48 AM
Apr 2015

Obama ran as someone different than he actually purported to be and ran to the right when he had no reason to do so.

At least we know that Hillary is running as a centrist (because that is how people get elected) and considering her history, she is more likely to make a left tern from the center.

Also, methinks Hillary is only interested in making history as the first woman POTUS and may not run again (considering her age) - in which case she can afford to take more populist positions to leave a legacy.

She will also position her VP for an 8 year term if she doesn't run again in 2016. Her pick for a VP will be the key.

DonCoquixote

(13,616 posts)
115. er...
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 10:18 AM
Apr 2015

"At least we know that Hillary is running as a centrist (because that is how people get elected) and considering her history, she is more likely to make a left tern from the center. "


What in her history shows she is willing to turn leftward?

"Also, methinks Hillary is only interested in making history as the first woman POTUS and may not run again (considering her age) - in which case she can afford to take more populist positions to leave a legacy. "

Or she can follow the bad examples set by Maggie Thatcher, Angela Merkel and Golda Meir and try to preove she can be as much a right winger as many man.

"Obama ran as someone different than he actually purported to be and ran to the right when he had no reason to do so. "

Except for many Hillary voters that kept saying that Obama was too far to the left and therefore could not win. I read the Huffington post in those days, where Mark Penn got to strut his stuff.

You are right about one thing, WYSIWG, and when I SEE a Hillary sticker, I know that person will support Hillary when she does what made her famous, be a centre-right pol.

Angel Martin

(942 posts)
135. ignore what they say
Sun May 10, 2015, 03:36 AM
May 2015

watch what they do.

i have to just shake my head when i see people on this site writing things like: "Hillary is finally showing her true liberal nature."



Hillary / Rahm 2016

Embrace the Suck !

 

Joe Worker

(88 posts)
33. Very nice but
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 02:00 AM
Apr 2015

I would just like to add one more.......

21. He let a rider written by Citigroup to be attached to the omnibus spending bill that let trustees off the hook for pension plans with some last minute canvassing for votes. He put thousands of workers retirement in jeopardy while bailing out Wall Street. (I don't know what he has against the elderly)

He is also too chummy with Paul Ryan.

 

Morely Dotes

(8 posts)
119. That real hope and change guy is not Hillary
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 11:51 AM
Apr 2015

but a guy named Bernie.

I trust him to bring the real hope and change to the Democratic Party. He will make the switch and make himself well-known. He knows how to play the media and get the right-wingers to shut up and let him say his messages.

I do believe that Bernie can deliver to the 99%, and should be seriously considered. He's the One.



sendero

(28,552 posts)
70. Exactly...
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 08:17 AM
Apr 2015

... now we are supposed to "trust" you? That's rich. This is the FIRST ISSUE I've seen you actually get up and FIGHT for. The public option wasn't important enough. Rolling back disastrous tax cuts wasn't important enough. Actually doing something real about the bankers, who are going take us down again thanks to your inaction, wasn't enough.

But a $#%^#$% "trade" bill IS important enough.

It doesn't take a swami-guru to see where your priorities lie, and it is not with working Americans.

delrem

(9,688 posts)
20. Then he hasn't been listening. Simple as that.
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 12:42 AM
Apr 2015

He wouldn't be pressuring for fast-track before we've even seen it if he cared about listening.

We would have the whole thing in front of us NOW, with no unreasonable time pressure to pass it before the world has even seen it.

oasis

(49,383 posts)
24. Obama took a shot at MSNBC about their trade deal concerns. Ed Shultz
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 01:04 AM
Apr 2015

Welcomed him to come on his show to discuss it.

 

Joe Worker

(88 posts)
34. He wont do it
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 02:04 AM
Apr 2015

because he only knows the "facts" not what Wall Street lobbyists are writing into it.

Response to DonViejo (Original post)

 

youceyec

(394 posts)
35. If you wanted a perfect president
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 02:18 AM
Apr 2015

you should have voted for God. Obama is not a perfect pres, but hes damn close to being one relative to anyone since Carter (who was even more perfect than Obama).

Fearless

(18,421 posts)
47. If you think that's personal, maybe you should try being affected by the TPP
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 05:11 AM
Apr 2015

Like the average person would be.

ut oh

(895 posts)
50. Then why continue to make it so secretive?
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 06:50 AM
Apr 2015

Allowing us to see it would give the middle class to ability to see if it was for or againsts them. What little information we've been able to get out of it so far seems to go against what he is claiming.

Baitball Blogger

(46,705 posts)
57. The problem for him is that we do not have any
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 06:59 AM
Apr 2015

reason to be optimistic given the track record of these trade deals. I think Obama is the best president in my life time, but I think he's wrong on this one. First, if he really felt that sure about this treaty he wouldn't have needed to operate in secrecy. And second, when it begins to fail as NAFTA did, he won't be in the oval office to take the heat for the failure.

63. Thanks Obama.
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 07:44 AM
Apr 2015

The Democratic Party will have to wear the TPP around our necks for decades because of your support.

stillwaiting

(3,795 posts)
64. That is too much. And he is pissing me off regarding this matter right now.
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 07:48 AM
Apr 2015

The Chamber of Commerce and nearly all Senate Republicans support the TPP Mr. President.

The TPP is MASSIVE and deals with many different areas of our lives (in addition to trade issues).

And, The Chamber of Commerce and Senate Republicans have a HORRID track record in lobbying for legislation that helps working families.

So, to reduce opposition to the TPP down to a personal affront is outrageous.

Alkene

(752 posts)
71. Duly noted, Mr. President.
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 08:26 AM
Apr 2015

I imagine you will get over it, someday, somehow, and go on to live a fairly comfortable and contented life.
As for many of the rest of us "working folks"*...


*would you like fries with that?

rock

(13,218 posts)
76. Well, Mr. President
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 09:27 AM
Apr 2015

You are the person that's on that end of the stick. So I'd say that's a good assessment of the situation. You're a politician and angry that we the voters don't trust you to make a secret deal when it would be just as easy to tell us what that deal is.

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
77. This!
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 09:34 AM
Apr 2015
My entire presidency has been about helping working families. The Chamber of Commerce didn’t elect me twice – working folks did,” he said.

It just baffles me why some are attacking him and the TPP (but not the TTIP, for some reason - perhaps because the TPP is Asia and South and Central America trade while the TTIP is about U.S. and European trade?) while President Obama has always, always stood up for and fought for us working folks. And this is documented FACT.

So why this undeserved distrust of him and his motives now?

Cha

(297,210 posts)
99. Thank you for that, BlueCaliDem. The President says he take's it personally and the usuals on DU
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 11:39 PM
Apr 2015

bring out their gd pitchforks.. frothing out their mouths while lighting their torches.

My money is on the President and not those who think they know so gd much but are ever so woefully ignorant.

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
116. If anything, President Obama has deserved our trust after all he's done for working Americans
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 10:19 AM
Apr 2015

and this country. Those people who constantly harp on him that he hasn't given them their rainbow-farting unicorn would rather embrace feel-good rhetoric over real actions that actually help American workers and the American economy. President Obama will never be good enough, do enough, or dictate enough for them. They'll embrace each and every one of his public detractors as if they're flawless gods...just as long as they can attack him.

So I share your opinion on "the usuals", Cha.

 

DisgustipatedinCA

(12,530 posts)
141. Your money is also on John Boehner and Mitch McConnell
Sun May 10, 2015, 11:43 AM
May 2015

We ignorant liberals will sit here in the corner while you make common cause with those who love the TPP. And you and the President and the GOP clowns can continue to call us names.

What other Boehner/McConnell-approved legislation do you support? Or is TPP the only issue on which you agree with Republicans? If so, why?

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
79. It appears that the usual ObamaCritics and a troll or two has descended on your OP, Don.
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 09:46 AM
Apr 2015

Good thing they're in the MINORITY and losing the debate as the TPA has passed a key Senate committee and is on to pass in the Senate.

The president has every right to chide those Democrats, especially Elizabeth Warren. And Big Union is not always right. I mean, the biggest Unions were pro-Keystone XL while the president vetoed the bill passed through a Republican-controlled Congress because he SAW the adverse environmental impact it would have. Yet these staunch ObamaCritics - supported by gratuitous trolls - take the words of Big Union against this president??

 

ann---

(1,933 posts)
83. It's not "personal"
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 10:10 AM
Apr 2015

And for Obama to say that is condescending to those who are intelligent enough to
disagree with him on this.

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
85. Oh, but it IS personal to a president who has worked tirelessly for working Americans.
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 10:44 AM
Apr 2015

And anyone who believes themselves to be intelligent enough to know the facts, based on his past accomplishments that has helped American workers and the American industry, agrees with him. Anyone worth their political sauce understands that he's not going to do anything to jeopardize 61 months and 12.1 million net job growth. To think otherwise is beyond comprehension.

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
118. As I've stated in my post...
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 11:18 AM
Apr 2015
"anyone who believes themselves to be intelligent enough to know the facts, based on his past accomplishments that has helped American workers and the American industry, agrees with him. Anyone worth their political sauce understands that he's not going to do anything to jeopardize 61 months and 12.1 million net job growth."

You clearly aren't part of that group. Oh well.
 

Larkspur

(12,804 posts)
103. You're defending a president who supported Chained CPI that would rob seniors
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 12:24 AM
Apr 2015

of earned Social Security benefits as they got older and needed it most. Obama was defeated in that by Congressional Dems and Progressive groups.

Obama did NOTHING to get card check passed to help Unions increase membership when he said that he'd support it during the campaign. Obama is dishonest about helping the middle class.

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
117. First off, you underestimate President Obama's strategy dealing with obstructionist Republicans.
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 11:14 AM
Apr 2015

I don't know if you can recall, but Republicans won the majority in the House two years prior (thanks Dems!), where the budget is supposed to originate. For some strange reason, M$M and pundits on the Left had begun to believe that the president, not Congress, was obligated to propose and draft the nation's budgets. But that's not the president's job.

Congress, however, was once again dragging their collective feet while taking advantage of the humongous deficits they had helped create but the president was being blamed for. They presented "entitlement reform" while completely ignoring the growing deficit caused by Bush's tax cuts to the wealthy and rushing to be on teevee everywhere demanding that the president present a budget while taking the advantage of not being called on and reminded by these same "journalists" that it's their job, not the president's to pass a budget.

Anyway, since the Republican House wasn't doing anything (so that they can run to the mics and teevee cameras to once again complain that "the president hasn't presented a budget!!), the president decided to present one himself - as a strategy.

The offer of chained CPI was part of the budget package that would raise taxes on the wealthy - significantly, btw. He damned well knew, just like you should know, that Republicans would never go for it, therefore, there was NO real threat of any chained CPI ever coming to fruition. So all that "hair on fire" from the Left was unnecessary, and they should've known better since the Left is the most informed, most analytical in the political spectrum. Unfortunately, they actually believed that House Republicans would go for the chained CPI which would require them to raise taxes on the rich. Mindboggling, really.

Now, you ask, how do I know that President Obama merely used the chained CPI card in order to get Republicans to raise taxes on the rich and to shut them up that he hasn't proposed a budget? The fact that he's never presented it again afterward. If you think it's because of the anger from Democrats and just about everyone from the left-of-center, you forget that when President Obama does what he thinks is best even if he angers a lot of people. So if he were serious and wanted chained CPI - as you allege - then he would've presented it in the 2014 budget - and he didn't. Chained CPI was forgotten.

House Speaker John Boehner on Wednesday morning gave the president credit for including "some incremental entitlement reforms" ... . But I would hope that he would not hold hostage these modest reforms for his demand for bigger tax hikes. Why don't we do what we can agree to do?"


That's called strategy.
 

Larkspur

(12,804 posts)
125. B.S. Obama should have attacked the Rethrugs then with the same intensity that he is
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 02:08 PM
Apr 2015

attacking Senator Warren, the Unions and the Left today over TPP and Fast Track.

Obama has always been dishonest. He just wants to make millions in dollars like the Clintons are after his term as President expires. He's not fighting for middle class families. He's fighting to make millions in dollars for himself.

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
127. Uh-huh. You don't really understand political reality, do you?
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 06:14 PM
Apr 2015
Obama has always been dishonest. He just wants to make millions in dollars like the Clintons are after his term as President expires. He's not fighting for middle class families. He's fighting to make millions in dollars for himself.

Now you sound like a Tea Partier.
 

Larkspur

(12,804 posts)
133. Obama wants the same lucrative lifestyle that Bill Clinton has today
Sun May 10, 2015, 03:06 AM
May 2015

so he has to please his Wall Street donors.

 

Larry Engels

(387 posts)
142. I think you are the one confusing the real with the ideal.
Sun May 10, 2015, 02:46 PM
May 2015

And accusing someone of being in the Tea Party just because he criticizes your idol is evidence of your lack of understanding of political reality. There is a left in this country, and there are people who criticize President Obama from the left.

elzenmahn

(904 posts)
81. I knew that he was going to personalize this...
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 09:58 AM
Apr 2015

...as in "how dare you NOT TRUST ME"?!?!?!?!

I don't care how insulted/hurt/whatever the POTUS is on this deal. If the TPP is so damned great, then declassify the details and LET US SEE IT!

And BTW - Warren and the critics know DAMNED WELL what they are talking about, and I'll take their word on this over anything that our "just trust me" POTUS says on this issue.

Cha

(297,210 posts)
100. Elizabeth Warren is lying and I'll take the President's Word over hers or any of the cheap ignorant
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 11:42 PM
Apr 2015

pot shots thrown around here.

elzenmahn

(904 posts)
109. Show me where you think she's lying...
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 12:59 AM
Apr 2015

...and what you think she can possibly gain from it?

Remember the old saying, "Follow The Money"? Who is supporting this trade deal? And how much money and lobbying are they throwing behind this effort? A LOT of those banks and corporations contribute to the Dems, and have contributed to Obama's campaigns. Lose this trade deal, and where do you think that campaign cash is going to go?

On the opposite end, who is opposing this deal? The constituency opposing TPP (which is becoming increasingly bipartisan, BTW) does not NEARLY have the financial muscle nor the access to the media that the supporters do. They're the underdogs in this.

And if you think trade deals like this benefit American workers - think again.

President Obama has the burden of proof in this matter. All he has to do is release the details of the proposed agreement to the PUBLIC (who pays his salary and to whom he ultimately answers). I would submit that if the TPP was really as great and beneficial to the middle class as he says it is, he would have no problem with releasing this information. But his response at these requests is, essentially, "trust me - take my word for it." His reaction, to me, only implies that he's hiding something.

I'm sorry - but we were burned before by NAFTA. I'm not interested in being burned again by what Thom Hartmann calls SHAFTA.

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
128. +1000, Cha!
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 06:19 PM
Apr 2015

Remember...we are entering a presidential election year. Some are sent out to tear down President Obama so that they can damage the other Democrat who is poised to run for the White House. Do it from the Left, and no one will be the wiser. In fact, much like many disruptors who had received their pizzas, too many DUers support anyone who tears into President Obama.

But you're correct...Senator Warren is lying about this and she still gets the benefit of the doubt from her known supporters - something that President Obama could only dream of ever getting (but never got) from the same self-proclaimed "base".

winter is coming

(11,785 posts)
84. Taking it personally won't accomplish squat.
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 10:16 AM
Apr 2015

If you want to change people's minds, prove them wrong. Show them the details.

asiliveandbreathe

(8,203 posts)
88. Mr. President, it is not up to the American people
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 11:40 AM
Apr 2015

to answer the question you pose..“Why would I pass a deal that would be bad for U.S. auto workers?”

You need to answer the questions the American people have concerning the corporate TPP and fast track...spell it out..

There was a time you said you couldn't do it alone...okay, you want our support then tell us what we should be fighting for...

This TPP just doesn't fit your SOP - should the current SOP re TPP continue..then, expect push back....from sea to shining sea...sorry sir - but unless we only have leaks, and no transparency, we march against TPP and fast track.....

 

JayNev

(23 posts)
91. Why?
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 01:58 PM
Apr 2015

Why is Obama pushing the TPP so hard, when it obviously is going to damage US workers who are supposed to be the Democratic base? The reason is that Obama knows that Bill Clintons made tens of millions after his presidency from corporations. A similar payoff waits for Obama.

It is mind blowing that Obama who campaigned on creating the “most transparent Presidency” is now keeping the details of TPP secret due to the fear that it will energize its opponents. It is hard to oppose something without knowing what it is.

The TPP is going to push the US worker down even further. Free trade agreements like NAFTA and MNF for China are the reason why workers wages are stagnant while corporations make record profits.

Back in 2008 voters had a lot of illusions about Obama, but I felt he could not be trusted. His dealings with Exelon had shown he would do corporations’ bidding.

McCain would have led the US into new foolish wars, but he is too honest to try to pass secret trade agreements. The damage to US workers from free trade agreements is practically permanent. The rotten economy has led to a spike in suicides, especially among middle aged white males. Expect this sorry situation to continue.

Obama likely cares about the US workers, but just not enough to forsake the post presidency millions that wait for him.

Those who fantasize that Warren is the savior should go back and read the things Obama said before the 2008 elections, it sounds a lot like what Warren is saying now.

malthaussen

(17,195 posts)
92. Do you always answer a question with a question, Mr Obama?
Fri Apr 24, 2015, 01:59 PM
Apr 2015

"Why would I pass a deal that would be bad for U.S. auto workers?" is what we call a non-response response. Coincindentally, it is exactly the question we are asking you, too.

-- Mal

 

Larkspur

(12,804 posts)
101. Obama supported Chained CPI and the Catfood Commission, aka Simpson Bowles Commission
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 12:17 AM
Apr 2015

Obama is dishonest when he says he fights for middle class familes. He did nothing to help middle class families keep their homes in the wake of the economic meltdown but he made sure that the banksters who caused the greatest economic catastrophe since the Great Depression got their multi million dollar bonuses and were not prosecuted.

Obama is for his legacy and for making millions in speaking fees like the Clintons do.

ibegurpard

(16,685 posts)
129. he should
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 06:43 PM
Apr 2015

the same shit he pulled with the ACA...strong-arming progressives who were insisting on a public option.

 

Doctor_J

(36,392 posts)
132. Right back atcha Mr President
Sat Apr 25, 2015, 08:06 PM
Apr 2015

You decide to sign on with Republicans and against Dems in this fight, then expect us to shut up after 6 years of appeasement and betrayal. Maybe you shouldn't have killed the party and ignored all of its traditional groups. Reap what you sow.

 

Bradical79

(4,490 posts)
136. Nike and Republicans being the biggest cheerleaders
Sun May 10, 2015, 05:50 AM
May 2015

Plus the top secret nature of the deal, make it difficult for me to get on board.

Trillo

(9,154 posts)
144. The forefathers were very concerned with a too-powerful executive.
Sun May 10, 2015, 04:19 PM
May 2015

It's all in the Declaration of Independence, the powerful executive was known as "King."

President Obama, don't take it personally. One of Congress' jobs is to keep executive-branch actions within reason, to act as a check on King-like power. In the same way governments empower cyber-warriors to infiltrate discussion boards around the world to act as a check on threatening ideas, changing the nature of the Internet as it existed as little as 15 years ago from one of camaraderie to today's open warfare and hatred, your office is held in check by the Legislative Branch. It is their job, it's not personal. It might not feel good, but it's not personal.

TexasBushwhacker

(20,187 posts)
150. All anyone is asking is that is fully disclosed
Sun May 10, 2015, 06:43 PM
May 2015

and open for review, ie. NO fast tracking. If it's as wonderful as he says it is, it will hold up to rigorous scrutiny. Considering that NAFTA and CAFTA cost thousands of American jobs, I would think he would understand that a quick rubber stamp approval is inappropriate. He takes it personally? Being POTUS isn't for sissies.

 

bowens43

(16,064 posts)
152. Wow. Such arrogance. He is nothing but a corporate tool...... pathetic
Sun May 10, 2015, 06:57 PM
May 2015

Obama despises the middle class.

Marrah_G

(28,581 posts)
153. Why does any politician do things that benefit big business?
Sun May 10, 2015, 08:26 PM
May 2015


He doesn't get a pass because he is a Dem. Clinton signed a shitty deal also.
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