The push for the TPP & the effect on Clinton's economic message

[think]

Last edited Fri Dec 9, 2016, 02:07 PM - Edit history (1)

There hasn't been much discussion as to how the push to get the TPP passed in congress effected Hillary Clinton's economic message to voters during the general election.

The TPP was opposed by Clinton, Sanders, and Trump during the campaign. It became a huge issue among working voters in the rust belt where outsourcing had already caused great losses in jobs for this area.

Considering Hillary Clinton lost the rust belt getting 1.17 million less votes than President Obama did in 2012 this would seem to be very significant. (Trump gained 335,000 votes in this same area.)

Hillary Clinton's long time friend Virginia governor Terry Mcauliffe stating Clinton would still support the TPP in light of her publicly stated opposition to the TPP was also not helpful.

Yes, Hillary Clinton did have a strong progressive economic message & plan in her campaign.

However, many groups like the unions and environmental groups were strongly opposed to the TPP. The majority of House Democrats were also opposed.

The push for the TPP and McCauliffe's statement seemed to be sending a mixed signal to voters as it wasn't lining up with Hillary's campaign message.

Hopefully people will consider the effect the TPP trade deal had on the election as it appears to have been an area where Democrats lost ground especially in the rust belt states that were so important in this last election.