TPP could not have happened without TPA. And you know what? Those of us who know how that thing played out don’t like being called “intellectually incompetent and politically irresponsible”.
FALSE - TPA is simply a up or down vote on any trade deals brought before congress, no amendments allowed. It is a good thing.
TPP has never happened
Then don't conflate two very different things and accuse supporters of the one as being necessarily supporters of the other. Fast track authority lapsed during the Bush 43 years because the Democrats on Congress were doing their union stooge act and going protectionist. The reality, however, is that the rest of the world is moving ahead rapidly with bilateral and trade deals excluding the U.S. They are perfectly willing to eat Uncle Stupid's lunch if we are too lazy to get into the game. The U.S. is a major exporter. We need expanded market access in many areas. As the world' leading innovator, we need strengthened protection on intellectual property issues. Whether we like it or not, the rest of the world has figured out it doesn't have to be poor. Most of the world's economic growth is happening in the emerging economies, and the world's purchasing power is shifting inexorably to Asia. We can compete for these markets, or pull up the drawbridge and accept being second rate.
All TPA means is that the President has the ability to negotiate a proposed agreement. It is no guarantee that he will negotiate a good one, or that Congress will or should approve it. But if we want to be in the game, we have to at least be able to sit down at the table and negotiate seriously.