Steve Chapman has a great column on Dick’s protectionism and the political consequences.
In presidential politics, the only thing worse than not getting the AFL-CIO’s endorsement is getting it. The last two candidates to get its blessing early in the race were Walter Mondale and Al Gore, neither of whom spent the following four years being serenaded with "Hail to the Chief." Bill Clinton won even though the labor organization didn’t get behind him until he already had the 1992 nomination sewn up.
Gephardt was one of the most responsive Members of Congress I’ve ever had–up there with Jim Leach which is high praise from me. And his staff say he is truly a great guy, which I don’t doubt.
I’m sympathetic to some sort of environmental riders on some free trade agreements despite that I am unsure if they can be effective. Howard Dean has been discussing this issue in relation to how he disagrees with Robert Rubin over including such protections. I tend to side with Rubin thinking they won’t do much good, but also recognize the problem.
That being said, free trade benefits the poor in the developing world more than anything else. Having been in Nicaragua just post embargo and their strong desire not for aid from the U.S., but for trade brought home the importance of this. Secondly, it benefits consumers. Third, free trade stops the U.S. from favoring some businesses over others. Despite cheaper labor in the U.S. many of Chicago’s candy makers are moving to Canada because the cost of sugar is closer to world market rates. But the US chooses to support corn producers because of ADM: Supermarket to the Politicians.
Gephardt is a decent man and I have a great deal of respect for him, but I can’t endorse in a primary someone so mediocre on such an issue.