"Pelosi said Friday that she is searching for a 'path to yes.'"

Obama cranks up trade pitch to Dems



The president and Joe Biden both made their case at the House Democrats’ retreat in Philadelphia.



President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and a phalanx of top administration officials are making the sales pitch to congressional Democrats for fast-track authority on trade deals.



Obama and Biden each made that plea during their appearances at this week’s House Democratic retreat in Philadelphia, which ended Friday. Top White House economic adviser Jeffrey Zients, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and Labor Secretary Tom Perez have also joined the effort to sway House and Senate Democrats, as well as some skeptical Republicans.







Obama also pledged to work with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) so that members have better access to the “substance of the agreements,” sources said.



Biden also gave a forceful pitch for trade during his closed-door appearance at the retreat Friday.



The legislation also has support from the New Democrat Coalition, an alliance of pro-business lawmakers. The group estimates that roughly 30 of its members will ultimately support the fast-track measure, according to a private memo obtained by POLITICO. ...



Any legislation from Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), top committee Democrat Ron Wyden of Oregon, and House Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) will probably be unveiled in late February. The Finance Committee is expected to first. ...



“We only have one of three options,” [Rep. Ron] Kind said. “Continue the status quo; have a global trading world with a China rule; or us being at the head of the table. That’s all we got.” ...



House Democratic leaders say they’re keeping an opening mind but that lawmakers will pay close attention to how wage protections are included in any proposal.



Pelosi said Friday that she is searching for a “path to yes.” ...