How Was President Clinton Able to Build a Winning Political Coalition on NAFTA?
Abstract
On November 17 and 19, 1993, the US House of Representatives and Senate cast historic votes ratifying the implementing legislation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) creating the largest free trade area in history with a market of $7 trillion and 365 million consumers. Congress' decision was an extraordinary triumph for President Clinton who in his first year in office put his political prestige on the line lobbying Congress for an unprecedented trade agreement conceived and negotiated by his predecessor. The NAFTA set off a wrenching and defining national debate about America's role in the post-Cold War global economy spurring into opposition an unusual political alliance of a conservative Texas billionaire, a right-wing Republican politician, liberal consumer rights advocates, environmental organizations and the AFL-CIO. At times facing seemingly hopeless odds, President Clinton used his considerable political, public speaking and bargaining skills to secure a stunning bipartisan victory in favor of free trade. The following paper examines President Clinton's trade policy objectives, strategy and tactics in successfully pushing through the NAFTA.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA442227
Entities
People
- Hugo Llorens
Organizations
- National War College