The Obama administration says it remains determined to try and win congressional approval for TPP, but the chances of achieving that in the “lame duck” session after the November 8 election and before the new president takes office January 20 appear slim because of the depth of political opposition, not least from Obama’s fellow Democrats.
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Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged the United States to maintain its “indispensable role” in the Asia-Pacific and ratify the TPP as he joined Obama at the White House to celebrate the 50th anniversary of USA diplomatic relations with the Southeast Asian city state.
“What does this say about your party that this is your standard-bearer?”.
President Obama on Tuesday signaled he will push for congressional approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership in a lame-duck session, after the heated trade-related rhetoric surrounding the presidential election has subsided.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images News/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 02: US President Barack Obama, speaks about Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump during a news conference with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in the East Room at the White House August 2, 2016 in Washington, DC.
“They are distancing themselves from statements he’s making, but there has to be a point at which you say, ‘this is not somebody I can support for President of the United States”, Obama said of Trump-supporting Republicans.
The president – who is enjoying heightened popularity in his eighth and final year in office – plans to campaign robustly for Clinton through Election Day.
Khizr Kahn delivered an emotional address at last week’s Democratic convention, with his wife standing by his side.
The Khans also appeared at the convention, with Khizr Khan telling the story of his son, U.S. Army Capt. Humayun Khan, who was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart after his death in 2004.
“And if, at the end, waiting at the altar, the bride doesn’t arrive, I think there are people who are going to be very hurt, not just emotionally but really damaged for a long time to come”, Lee said.
For most politicians, tangling with a bereaved military family would be out of bounds.
Trump responded by implying Ghazala Khan’s religion preventing her from speaking at the convention, though she later said talking publicly about her late son was still too hard.
Those who have worked with him say that in private meetings he can often appear amenable to putting a controversy aside. But the businessman can quickly be drawn back in by an interview, especially if he believes he’s already answered the question, or if he grows irritated by commentary on cable television.
Mr Trump responded by attacking the “Gold Star” family, the term for families that have lost a relative in war. Missouri Senator Roy Blunt said the Khans “deserve to be heard and respected”.
Obama said the fact that the denunciations weren’t met with action makes them “ring hollow”. A growing number of GOP lawmakers are voicing concern about Trump’s comments, but most of those who have endorsed him are sticking by that stance.
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Obama also went the unusual route of singling out specific Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Arizona Sen.
