But would go very far in cementing his legacy while doing the right thing. I'm skeptical yet hopeful.

Withdrawing TPP from consideration WOULD unify the party.

If the Dems aren't united going into the November elections, then get ready for
President Donald J. Trump!

(Getting rid of DWS would also help "unite the party&quot

But, it ain't happening.

We can have an 'interconnected world' without TPP or with a better 'TPP' but withdrawing it in the face of Trump's nativist populism would be a victory for Trump and might empower him. You don't defeat people like Trump by adopting their policies.

Trump's and Obama's Views on Globalization Reflect Broader Gap

Donald Trump's vow to rip up free trade agreements and return America to "economic independence" is not only a strident counter to President Obama's calls for a more interconnected world, but an illustration of a broader debate between advocates of globalization and those who oppose it.

"You can look at Trump's campaign as one big push-back against globalization, and the Britain vote too," said Daniel Cox, director of research at the Public Religion Research Institute, a non-partisan group that analyzes cultural, religious and political trends in the U.S.

In a speech last week, Trump criticized a "leadership class that worships globalism over Americanism." ... a backlash, particularly on the right, to a long-held belief by party elites in the U.S. and Europe that open borders, pro-immigration policies, increased trade and overall international cooperation are the best ways to improve the global economy. ... The next day, Obama, in a speech following a meeting with other North American leaders in Canada, warned that pulling out of trade deals "is the wrong medicine for dealing with inequality."

Obama seems aware that his side is not winning the globalization argument. Even as he continually criticizes Trump, the president is acknowledging the concerns of voters here and abroad who have doubts about globalization. ... He added, "And politicians — some sincere, and some entirely cynical — will tap that anger and fear, harkening back to bygone days of order and predictability and national glory, arguing that we must rebuild walls and disengage from a chaotic world, or rid ourselves of the supposed ills brought on by immigrants — all in order to regain control of our lives."

http://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/trump-s-obama-s-views-globalization-reflect-broader-gap-n601901

I find myself surrounded by his supporters, unfortunately...and even they agree with Graydon Carter's assessment of the man: "He's a small-handed vulgarian."

...they just really like him for his "outsiderness", his opposition to FTAs, "Amnerica First" rhetoric, his racist anti-immigration policies, and their belief that he still listens to them when the establishment of both parties do not.

Obama withdrawing TPP takes 4 out of 5 away from Trump. (and frankly I don't want the support of the racists that remain.) It's not empowering for Trump...it takes his campaign to the woodshed and puts it down like Old Yeller.

worked for Clinton in getting elected and re-elected.

Doing that now would work well with independents, I think. And our base is going to vote for Clinton but Trump's 35-40% base is unreachable for any number of reasons. If we limit Trump to 40% of the vote, we will win in a landslide.

I don't think Obama will back away from the TPP unless Trump looks like a real threat in October, let's say, and by then it would be too late. Caving on TPP in the face of a surging Trump that late in the campaign would prove Trump was 'right' in the eyes of many voters and would not do much good in stopping him.

If Obama backed away from TPP now with Trump looking weak and falling in the polls, it would be good campaign strategy but I have not seen any signs that he is thinking about doing that.

It's not as though Obama or anyone else in his administration has anything to gain from Siegelman staying in his cell.

It has stronger labor and enviro protections. And we need to lead on trade or get steamrolled by China. TPP would make American manufacturing more competitive and raising global wages helps keep jobs here.

I think Obama is a lot smarter than me on TPP