In an address to the National Federation of Independent Business yesterday, John McCain issued a rejoinder to Barack Obama's recent criticism of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA):
While Mr. Obama has talked of renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, or Nafta, Mr. McCain vowed that “in a time of uncertainty for American workers, we will not undo the gains of years in trade agreements.”
What "gains" does McCain have in mind? Perhaps he means the devastation of the Mexican agricultural economy, which has forced farmers to seek greener pastures further north by any means necessary. Or perhaps the loosened environmental and labor standards that most new trade deals include. Or maybe he just means the increased wage inequality (pdf) that trade necessarily creates and that the U.S. hasn't protected against via our withering safety net.
Back in Illinois, Rep. Phil Hare wasted no time blasting McCain on his comments:
“By every objective account, NAFTA has been an abysmal failure. It sent millions of good-paying manufacturing jobs overseas. It increased illegal immigration. It resulted in the importation of unsafe products and food. It lowered the standard of living in Mexico. And most of all, it lined the pockets of multinational corporations at the expense of average American families.
“Despite this failed record, Senator McCain continues to be one of NAFTA’s top cheerleaders. While Senator McCain chides Senator Obama for considering the renegotiation of this failed agreement, the fact is the American people are demanding a new direction on trade.
“Today’s speech makes it clear that a McCain presidency would bring even more hardship for American workers.”
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