How Ron Wyden Became the Scourge of the Left on Trade

Ron Wyden has long aspired to be a major Senate dealmaker, but one of his biggest breakthroughs to date — negotiating a landmark trade bill — has put him at odds with his Senate leader and Democratic friends, and has earned him scorn from liberals who think he’s sold out. Wyden worked for months with Orrin Hatch, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Rep. Paul Ryan and others to craft a deal that would allow “fast-track” status for the 12-nation TPP, as long as the Obama administration consults Congress. Jim Dean, chair of Democracy for America, said, “Like a vote for the Iraq War or statements of support for the Social Security-cutting Bowles-Simpson plan, a vote for fast track and the TPP [Trans-Pacific Partnership] will never be forgotten and will haunt members of Congress for years to come."