The Made in the USA Foundation has tabulated the results of its Made in the USA Presidential Survey.
“None of the candidates are really very pro-American on trade. They talk like they are, but this survey judged the candidates by their actions as well. For example, we based points on what cars the candidates have owned and if their campaigns purchased imported T-shirts and other products.” -?Joel D. Joseph Foundation Chairman
Points were also awarded if the candidates opposed NAFTA and other free trade agreements, like those recently enacted concerning Panama, Columbia and South Korea. Points were given to those who supported bailing out General Motors and Chrysler. The Foundation evaluated how the candidates would respond to China’s trade policies.
Out of a potential 100 points, President Obama led the pack with 75 points. The President lost points for supporting new free trade agreements and with being soft on trade with China.
Surprisingly, pro-free trade candidate Ron Paul came in second place with 60 points. Congressman Paul, although a supporter of free trade, has opposed trade agreements like NAFTA because he believes that they are really managed trade, not free trade.
Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum tied with 50 points each, a mediocre rating on trade. Santorum would have beat Mr. Romney had he purchased American-made T-shirts for his campaign.
Sitting all alone in last place is former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich with 20 points. Speaker Gingrich has favored NAFTA and other trade agreements, and opposed bailing out the U.S. auto industry. His only points were garnered by driving American-made cars.
The Made in the USA Foundation is a 23-year old non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes American-made products in the U.S.A. and overseas.
The Foundation’s website is www.madeusafdn.org.
