Hillary Clinton on the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Updated July 27, 2016

Let's open this posting by looking at what President Obama had to say about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP):

Furthermore, here's what Hillary Clinton has said about the TPP deal when she was Secretary of State:

Let's look at some of her pro-TPP comments in more detail when she was serving as Secretary of State:

1.) January 18, 2013 - When speaking with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida after their meeting in Washington, she commented that:

"We also discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership and we shared perspectives on Japan's possible participation, because we think this holds out great economic opportunities to all participating nations."

2.) November 29, 2012 - When speaking to the Foreign Policy Group's "Transformational Trends 2013" Forum, she commented that:

"Last year I laid out America’s economic statecraft agenda in a series of speeches in Washington, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and New York. Since then, we’ve accelerated the process of updating our foreign policy priorities to take economics more into account. And that includes emphasizing the Asia Pacific region and elevating economics in relations with other regions, like in Latin America, for example, the destination for 40 percent of U.S. exports. We have ratified free trade agreements with Colombia and Panama. We are welcoming more of our neighbors, including Canada and Mexico, into the Trans-Pacific Partnership process. And we think it’s imperative that we continue to build an economic relationship that covers the entire hemisphere for the future."

3.) November 15, 2012 - When speaking at Techport Australia held in Adelaide, she commented that:

"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."

4.) September 8, 2012 - When speaking at the APEC CEO Summit in Vladivostok, Russia, she commented that:

"Turning to the second line of action, the United States has made a major push to pursue trade agreements with partners across the Asia-Pacific that open markets and reduce barriers. Our landmark deal with South Korea could increase exports of American goods by more than $10 billion and grow South Korea’s economy by 6 percent. In addition to lowering tariffs, the agreement also includes improvements on intellectual property protection and enforcement, fair labor practices, environmental protection, regulatory due process.

That’s also true of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a new far-reaching regional trade agreement that will bring together at least 11 economies, developed and developing alike, into a single Pacific trading community. It will lower trade barriers while raising standards, creating more and better growth. And this agreement will set a new precedent by covering emerging trade issues such as the competitive impact of state-owned enterprises, the connectivity of regional supply chains, and opportunities for more small- and-medium-sized businesses that are truly the engine of economic growth and employment everywhere."

5.) July 13, 2012 - When speaking at the Lower Mekong Initiative Women's Gender Equality and Empowerment Dialogue, she commented that:

"We've also made workers rights a centerpiece of a new far-reaching trade agreement called the Trans-Pacific Partnership. We are working with Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and others in these negotiations."

6.) July 10, 2012 - When speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce Reception held in Hanoi, Vietnam, she commented that:

"Domestic and international businesses alike continue to face rules that restrict their activities, and that, in turn, deters investment and slows growth. So we are encouraging the Government of Vietnam to keep on the path of economic and administrative reform to open its markets to greater private investment. And through the Trans-Pacific Partnership, we're working with Vietnam and seven other nations to lower trade barriers throughout the region, as we ensure the highest standards for labor, environmental, and intellectual property protections. Vietnam was an early entrant to the TPP, and we're hoping we can finalize the agreement this year. And the economic analysis is that of all the countries that will be participating -- Australia, Canada, Mexico, others -- of all the countries participating in the TPP, Vietnam stands to benefit the most. So we're hoping to really see this agreement finalized and then watch it take off."

There's not a negative word anywhere when it comes to Hillary Clinton touting the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Interestingly and in relatively sharp contrast, here's what she had to say once the deal was reached and she had declared her candidacy for Democratic Presidential nominee:

All of a sudden, Ms. Clinton has developed "worries" about the Trans-Pacific Partnership.  Can we say flip flop?  Can we say doing whatever it takes to scrounge for a few more votes?

For comparison's sake, here's what Senator Bernie Sanders had to say about the Trans-Pacific Partnership:

There's absolutely no question about where Mr. Sanders stands on the TPP, is there?

Looking back in time, here's what Hillary Clinton's husband had to say about the big trade deal of his time, the admission of China into the World Trade Organization in 2000:

Despite touting it as a significant benefit for America workers, here's what happened to manufacturing jobs in the United States after Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China were established:

Within seven years, over 3.4 million well-paying, permanent domestic manufacturing jobs had magically disappeared from the American economy.

At the very least, you'd think that one Clinton could learn from the other about the colossal failure of international trade deals, wouldn't you?

Addendum:

Here is a screen capture from the Washington Post showing how even Hillary's followers are unsure of her stance on TPP: