Very interesting that the fast track bill was introduced with no Democratic cosponsors, only Republicans. That's a sign that there may be real opposition to this deal forming within the President's own party.

I've often wondered why Obama is pushing this TPP deal in the first place. It seems to directly contradict what he said in the 2008 campaign about NAFTA hurting American workers. Of course it shouldn't be a surprise that politicians lie, but rarely do they get away with such a complete reversal.

Obama is first of all the US President, and then a Democratic Party member. The TPP follows long-established US foreign policy guidelines that are invariably supported by both major parties: what is good for US companies abroad, it's good for the US government. It's actually a very common foreign policy principle among countries. There is an understanding that what is paramount is that power is projected abroad as much as possible, and internal repercussions can be managed if necessary. This is not completely irrational: it's easier for the President to pass a bill than it is to make umpteen countries sign a treaty. For example, you first sign all the WTO treaties and force other countries to open their markets, then quickly impose tariffs on steel (Bush II), or on electronics (Reagan / Bush I) when strictly necessary. First you make it illegal to use firewalls among peers, then bring yours up at will.

s/rarely/often

Wow, House Democrats might do something useful? Or put up a fight for something, even if it's President Obama's Republican nonsense?

Wake me up, I must be dreaming.