Democrats are opposed to the trade deal Barack Obama is pushing in Asia

 While there has been much talk about the civil war which is currently brewing in the Republican party Barack Obama seems to be quietly losing influence within his own party–to an extent.

  Last week Barack Obama drew the ire of many in the Democratic party when he punted on the Keystone Pipeline. On top of that many Democrats in red-leaning states are distancing themselves from Obamacare despite his pleas for them to embrace it, and this week he is in Asia promoting a trade policy which is dead on arrival in the Congress because the Democrats (and the unions) are united with the Republicans in opposition.

  Here is more:

President Barack Obama’s in Asia this week pushing a deal that almost none of his allies at home want.

Neither party in Congress supports the Trans Pacific Partnership — but most of the pushback is coming from the president’s fellow Democrats, who say it undercuts the economic fairness argument that’s a central focus of his midterm strategy.

Despite Obama’s support for the agreement, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi have made clear they don’t have much interest in TPP or broader fast-track trade authority passing before November — if then.

Progressives on Capitol Hill and beyond warn that any deal before Election Day this year would likely depress turnout among the Democratic base, including in the close races that will determine control of the Senate and the make-up of the House.

  Here are a couple of quotes from Democrats:

“His push for the TPP is at cross purposes with his stated goal of lifting the middle class and providing opportunity for those striving to reach the middle class,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.). “Ultimately he will have to choose between that and trade policies that would only further exacerbate the economic problems in this country.”

“It’s hard to be for reducing inequality and the TPP,” said Progressive Caucus co-chair Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), saying the trade deal undercuts the president’s praiseworthy work on raising the minimum wage, infrastructure investment and establishing equal pay. “It’s like trying to sit down and stand up at the same time.”

  While the mainstream media is lustfully covering the split in the Republican party they are largely ignoring the fissure which appears to be growing between the president and his own party. Funny how that works, isn’t it? Move along, nothing to see here…..