Free trade
Tariffs on many goods exported to and imported from other nations have been eliminated by several regional free trade agreements. Supporters say they mean more opportunities to sell U.S. goods overseas; critics say U.S. jobs have been lost. Read the stances of the presidential candidates below. The views of the vice presidential candidates are shown where available.
DEMOCRATS
Barack Obama
Would immediately call the leaders of Mexico and Canada to try to amend NAFTA. Would eliminate tax breaks for companies that are moving overseas. He stated, "We also have to have an intentional strategy on the part of the federal government to make sure that we are reinvesting in those communities that are being burdened by globalization and not benefiting from it."
Joe Biden
Asked during a Democratic primary debate in August 2007 whether he would "scrap NAFTA or fix it," Biden said, "The president's job is to create jobs, not to export jobs. And the idea that we are not willing to take the prime minister of Canada and the president of Mexico to the mat to make this agreement work is just a lack of presidential leadership. I would lead. I would do that. I would change it." Voted against CAFTA.
REPUBLICANS
John McCain
Voted yes on NAFTA in 1993. He stated, "Free trade is something I think is vital to the future of America." He has called himself "the biggest free marketer and free trader that you will ever see."
Obama and McCain: Key Senate Votes from 2005 through 2008

Central America Trade

June 30, 2005 -- The U.S. Senate passes -- by a vote of 54-45 -- a bill to implement tariff reductions and other changes to U.S. trade law that were part of a Central America Free Trade Agreement, which includes the Dominican Republic.

McCain: Yea
Obama: Nay

(Sources: CQ Weekly; U.S. Senate Legislation Database)
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Resources
The issues that make up American politics have many voices. Here are a few governmental organizations, interest groups and companies from across the political spectrum that are actors in the debate over trade policy. * CNN does not endorse external sites.
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