One
of the major issues that has caused a divide of late in the Republican
presidential field is the granting of fast track authority to the Obama
administration to negotiate the Trans Pacific Partnership. Earlier tonight,
Senator Rand Paul came out against granting Obama fast track authority.
Paul told WMUR.com that “the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement ‘is being held
under lock and key’ by the Obama administration ‘because they’re afraid that if
the public knows what we are going to vote on, that somehow that would destroy
the republic.'” This is a move that builds on Paul’s long record of being an
advocate of US sovereignty, notably being the most anti-UN candidate in the race.
It
also stands in clear contrast to two other candidates in the race, Marco Rubio
and Ted Cruz, who have advocated
in favor of granting Obama this authority. This is notable for Ted Cruz in
particular, whose position is very out of step with the conservative grassroots
he is currently courting for votes. It will be interesting to see Cruz attempt
to explain how this lines up with his constitutionalist platform, as it clearly
makes a mockery of congress’s advice and consent role under the Constitution.
It will also be interesting to see if the Paul camp capitalizes on this contrast
to attempt to gain further ground in tea party groups.
There
will be a major debate over this trade agreement during the 2016 elections, and
it will be fascinating to see where the candidates come down on removing this
power from congress and placing it in the hands of the executive. As we have
more candidates enter the race, the politics of the issue may heat up as
candidates use it to set a clear contrast with their rivals. A Republican
electorate that is as weary of a powerful executive as ever after 6+ years of
Barack Obama may not treat those on the president’s side of the issue very
kindly.
http://blog.libertyconservatives.com/rand-paul-opposes-obama-fast-track-authority-cruz-rubio-in-favor/
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