[xzins]

So-called “populist conservatism” is actually the conservatism of the middle class. As one of those ‘populist’ conservatives, I’ve always seen a ‘free’ market as a market that is not manipulated. I’ve always seen America as an exceptional market, and that other nations should have to pay to play in it.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Free market fan, I...
But this president finds himself in a curious place; few friends among his Donk buddies, supported by Republicans he's demagogued for six years.

[BlackAdderess]

...because if you don’t take care of nice things (like America), you won’t have them very long.

[SaraJohnson]

“Populist” versus global multinationals (rich foreigners and American traitors).

[dadfly]

right. it’s the same political vein that Reagan tapped. Jeff Sessions has redeclared the path to conservative victory. i’m behind him and those who will follow him all the way.

[ek_hornbeck]

There are two separate issues here. The first is whether Obama (or any President) should be given fast track authority to negotiate trade deals and bypass Congress. Even if somebody supports free trade in principle, they should oppose giving fast track authority to the Executive because it's constitutionally the responsibility of the Legislative Branch. It's the same issue we face when we fight undeclared wars.

The other issue is whether free trade is a net plus for America's economy. I would argue that as long as other nations manipulate their currencies to make their goods artificially cheaper for export, we have no business giving those countries a level playing field at our end unilaterally. Those who argue that this agreement should have a clause to impose tariffs on currency manipulators are on the right track.