Pulling up drawbridge on trade would hurt US workers, Obama says

WASHINGTON — President Obama found common cause with the leader of Singapore in the face of growing political headwinds against the Trans-Pacific Partnership, warning that to “pull up a drawbridge” on trade would only hurt the United States and its workers.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged the United States to maintain its “indispensable role” in the Asia-Pacific and ratify the TPP as he joined Obama at the White House to celebrate the 50th anniversary of U.S. diplomatic relations with the Southeast Asian city state.

Calling Singapore a “rock solid” partner, Obama welcomed Lee after an elaborate ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, where hundreds of U.S. military members in blue and white uniforms formed an honor guard.

The Obama administration says it remains determined to try to win congressional approval for TPP, but the chances of achieving that in the “lame duck” session after the Nov. 8 election and before the new president takes office Jan. 20 appear slim because of the depth of political opposition, not least from Obama’s fellow Democrats.