For several years, the trade policy debate in Washington has revolved around
whether trade agreements should be structured to improve labor rights and
environmental standards. The impasse has led to a feud between labor and
environmental organizations against the business community. The deadlock
has stymied efforts to grant the president new trade-negotiating authority
and the launching of a new round of international trade negotiations.
Both presidential candidates profess to be free traders. They support
granting China permanent normal trade relations and they advocate moderate
reforms for the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. However,
there are still major differences between the two.
Gore has repeatedly pledged that he will find a way to use trade deals
to enforce worker and human rights, and protect the environment. However,
the Vice President has never spelled out how he might be more successful
than the Clinton White House in convincing Congress and developing countries,
which oppose such linkage, to go along.
Republicans and much of the business community believe that Gore will
be too quick to compromise on these issues. "The Vice President's ability
to deliver greater trade liberalization as president will be constantly
obstructed by the compromises he will make to satisfy his labor and environmental
supporters," says the Bush side. (Gore supporters counter that it is the
Vice President's credibility with these constituencies that will enable
him to break the current logjam on trade initiatives.) Republicans say
that only a principled free trader, such as Bush, can end the stalemate
on trade liberalization without major concessions to labor and environmental
activists.
Bush is more of a reflexive free trader, which poses its own electoral
problems. The election is likely to be decided in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Advocacy of trade liberalization in those states may undercut Bush's support
in union households.
Want to get more specific information on where each candidate stands
on the issue of free and fair trade? Attend the AWPA Fall meeting (September
27-29) during which representatives from each campaign will outline the
candidates' platforms. Then participate in an animated question-and-answer
session featuring both speakers. Register Today!
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