Webb blasts trade deal over lack of transparency

Former Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) told an Iowa newspaper that he is concerned by a lack of transparency over President Obama’s proposed trading agreement.

Webb, a potential 2016 Democratic presidential candidate, said there is not enough public knowledge available to judge the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) fairly.

“I think it’s unnecessary, the opaque nature of this agreement even now,” Webb said during an interview late Tuesday with The Des Moines Register.

“I can’t say whether I’m for it or against it because I’m not allowed to read it,” he added of the potential trading deal between the U.S. and 12 Pacific Rim nations.

Webb also said he would have voted “no” on giving Obama fast-track trading authority.

That would allow the president’s trade agreements to get an up-or-down vote in Congress without amendments.

“I don’t think there’s a hurry to this,” Webb said of fast-track abilities.

Webb also rebuked criticisms that he was too inexperienced for the White House.

The former Virginia lawmaker served one term, from 2007 to 2013.

“People say, ‘Well, you only spent one term,’” Webb said. “Well, that’s six years – that’s more than half the presidency.”

He additionally cited his extensive military experience as further qualification for the Oval Office.

“I served in combat in a very difficult time,” Webb said. “I understand what it’s like to be on the end of that policy.”

“I’ve worked as a military planner,” he added.

“I spent five years in the Pentagon, one as a Marine and four as a defense executive. I’ve covered the military as a journalist. I was in Beirut when the Marines were there in 1983. I was in Afghanistan in 2004.”