Clinton has been ‘abundantly clear’ on trade, says aide

Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook on Sunday brushed off criticism that Hillary Clinton has failed to weigh in on the ongoing debate over a controversial free-trade agreement the Obama administration is negotiating with 11 other nations border the Pacific Ocean.

“Hillary has been abundantly clear about where she stands on the issue of trade,” Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook said Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”

{mosads}The emerging deal, known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), has split Democrats, with many arguing it would lower American wages and lead to job losses.

Many have chided Clinton for not expressing a specific stance on TPP.

“We don’t have the exact text, but when we do she will take a clear position,” Mook said. “In the meantime, she has laid out clearly where she stands on trade.”

Mook outlined “three key principles” that need to be a part of any trade deal. It must protect American jobs, increase wages for U.S. workers, and “needs to be consistent with our national security interests,” he said.

That guidance has not been enough for many. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) came out firing on “Fox News Sunday,” saying that Clinton’s “refusal to take a position is a little mystifying to me.”

House Democrats helped deal the White House’s trade agenda a stinging blow on Friday, refusing to advance legislation that would make it easier for President Obama to complete the TPP negotiations.