27 Jul TPP, Trade In Crosshairs At Party Conventions
It’s been an interesting turn of events in the past few weeks for those watching the future of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Political platforms and shifting candidate viewpoints have further complicated the footwear industry’s hopes for passage.
The Republican Party has historically been the one in favor of free trade, but its platform and presidential nominee, Donald Trump, have been resoundingly anti-TPP and shifted the party significantly during the election process. At its convention this week in Philadelphia, the Democratic Party is finding its candidates in the crosshairs of anti-free traders frustrations, too. (Just look to Sen. Bernie Sanders supporters waving #noTPP signs in the crowd at the convention on Monday.)
Ultimately, insiders say the best strategy to get the deal through is for a lame-duck session. Experts say it will be easier if Hillary Clinton is the winner in November and if the GOP doesn’t lose its Senate majority. Should Trump win, the situation is much tougher.