Battleground Over Globalization

The presidential candidates repeatedly describe some voters as “real Americans” and “the lifeblood of this country.” Even for those voters, American” issues are international issues. Debates over NAFTA take center stage in industrial hotspots like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where steelworkers and other blue-collar communities harbor justifiable fears over how the trade deal has affected the US economy and manufacturing. Democratic candidates, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, favored what Republican John McCain labeled a “protectionist” approach – a proposal to cut subsidies to companies that outsource jobs. Democratic candidates support creating incentives for US firms to restore manufacturing operations in the United States, while also championing strong environmental and safety regulations overseas. But Democrats do not agree on all issues. Both Clinton and McCain supported suspension of the US gas tax, which covers road maintenance, throughout the summer to “stimulate” the economy and sooth citizen anger over rising prices. Other proposals include financial and educational support for workers whose jobs have been displaced by trade. Experts agree that protectionism and compensation can only go so far, and that the national economy must foster new industry – particularly “knowledge economy jobs” – rather than struggle to revitalize a manufacturing industry that has already suffered so many harsh blows. – YaleGlobal