45 times Secretary Clinton pushed the trade bill she now opposes (TPP)

[yallerdawg]

43. "Basic due diligence?"

I have "Hard Choices" right here in front of me. This is a big book, 632 pages counting index.

In the index, under "Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), 77-78, 254" Only these pages.

Out of all this material, these are the only citations in the book!

"China: Uncharted Waters" pgs. 77-78:

(pg. 77) One of our most important tools for engaging with Vietnam was a proposed new trade agreement called the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which would link markets throughout Asia and the Americas, lowering trade barriers while raising standards on labor, the environment, and intellectual property. As President Obama explained, the goal of the TPP negotiations is to establish "a high standard, enforceable, meaningful trade agreement" that "is going to be incredibly powerful for American companies who, up until this point, have often been locked out of those markets." It was also important for American workers, who would benefit from competing on a more level playing field. And it was a strategic initiative that would strengthen the position of the United States in Asia.

(cont'd on pg. 78) Our country has learned the hard way over the past several decades that globalization and the expansion of international trade brings costs as well as benefits. On the 2008 campaign trail, both then-Senator Obama and I had promised to pursue smarter, fairer trade agreements. Because TPP negotiations are still ongoing, it makes sense to reserve judgment until we can evaluate the final proposed agreement. It's safe to say that the TPP won't be perfect -- no deal negotiated among a dozen countries ever will be -- but its higher standards, if implemented and enforced, should benefit American businesses and workers.

Vietnam also stood to gain a lot from this deal -- the TPP would cover a third of world trade -- so its leaders were willing to make some reforms to reach an agreement. As negotiations gained momentum, other countries in the region felt the same way. The TPP became the signature economic pillar of our strategy in Asia, demonstrating the benefits of a rule-based order and greater cooperation with the United States. (end of TPP citation)

"Latin America: Democrats and Demagogues" pg. 254:

So we worked hard to improve and ratify trade agreements with Columbia and Panama and encouraged Canada and the group of countries that became known as the Pacific Alliance -- Mexico, Columbia, Peru, and Chile -- all open-market democracies driving toward a more prosperous future to join negotiations with Asian nations on TPP, the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The Aliance stood in stark contrast to Venezuea, with its more authoritarian policies and state-controlled economy.

Due diligence?

Where is the reference to "the gold standard of trade treaties" so often cited as being in her book?

Where indeed? Actually, not in her book.

Remarks at Techport Australia

Let us also include this entire TPP reference:

So it's fair to say that our economies are entwined, and we need to keep upping our game both bilaterally and with partners across the region through agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership or TPP. Australia is a critical partner. This TPP sets the gold standard in trade agreements to open free, transparent, fair trade, the kind of environment that has the rule of law and a level playing field. And when negotiated, this agreement will cover 40 percent of the world's total trade and build in strong protections for workers and the environment.

That's key, because we know from experience, and of course research proves it, that respecting workers' rights leads to positive long-term economic outcomes, better jobs with higher wages and safer working conditions. And including everybody in that, those who have been previously left out of the formal economy will help build a strong middle class, not only here in Australia or in our country, but across Asia. And that will be good for us.

If we do this right, and that's what we're trying to do, then globalization, which is inevitable, can become a race to the top with rising standards of living and more broadly shared prosperity. Now, this is what I call jobs diplomacy, and that's what I've been focused on in part as Secretary of State. And that's one of the reasons that I wanted to come here to Adelaide and come to this impressive facility.

This all supports the unpopular narrative that Hillary still has the same position on TPP she has always had -- a reasonable desire to reserve judgment until we can see the best final draft of the negotiations.

Same thing President Obama has said over and over.