Dissolving America
Obama Will Seek to Merge U.S./Mexico/Canada

Lou Dobbs Tonight -- CNN -- December 19 Ron Kirk, Obama's Trade Representative Bill Tucker (CNN): Ron Kirk is President-elect Obama's pick to be his front man on trade. Kirk made his name in politics serving as mayor of Dallas, where he was known as a staunch supporter of free trade agreements, NAFTA in particular. He was a big proponent of a trade corridor for Mexico up through Texas. A road he once referred to as a NAFTA freeway. His nomination was welcomed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers. Advocates for a change in trade policy are not so happy. Lori Wallach, Global Trade Watch: There's clearly been a gap between president-elect Obama's pledges to the American public, to truly transform our failed trade policy and some of the very important economic appointments he's made who represent people who helped implement or at least support the failed status quo. Tucker: Congressman Phil Hare, a Democrat from Obama's home state of Illinois issued a statement expressing his disappointment saying quote, "I have concerns about Mayor Kirk's vocal support for NAFTA and unfair trade with China. Mayor Kirk previously has said he wants to make Dallas the capital city of NAFTA. But for every Dallas, there are dozens of Galesburgs, a place President-elect Obama knows well."  Watch: NAU & Ron Kirk / Hilda Solis   Transcript