The White House NAFTA NOTES Monday, October 18, 1993 _________________________________________________________________ President Argues for NAFTA in Radio Address * In his weekly Saturday radio address, President Clinton took his case in support of NAFTA directly to the American people, telling them that the pact will create new American jobs, and help keep existing jobs in the U.S. "[U]nder NAFTA more jobs will stay at home here in America, and more American exports will head to Mexico," the President told the nation. "NAFTA means exports and exports mean jobs." * "With NAFTA," the President argued, "our products will have easier access to Canada and the second fastest growing market in the entire world: Latin America. Without NAFTA, one of our best markets, Mexico, could turn to Japan and Europe to make a sweetheart deal for trade. With NAFTA, we'll be creating the biggest trading block in the world right at our doorstep and led by the United States. Without NAFTA, Mexico could well become an export platform allowing more products from Japan and Europe into America." * The President reiterated that NAFTA is supported by every living former President, most of the nation's governors, and leaders in both parties, "[a]nd yet, I know many Americans are worried about the agreement," the President said. The President addressed many of American's fears about NAFTA and concluded: "I believe with all my heart the fears stirred up over NAFTA flow from the pounding the middle class took over the past decade and a half, not from NAFTA itself. But I have to tell you, as your President, I could not be for this trade agreement unless I believed strongly that we needed it to ensure the economic security of our hard-working middle class families." NAFTA Jobs and Products Day * This Wednesday morning, the President will join members of Congress on the South Lawn of the White House to review many of American-made products which make up America's $5.6 billion trade surplus with Mexico. Hundreds of products from nearly 200 companies will be displayed by the workers who produce them. USTR Kantor, Mayor of San Diego Advocate NAFTA on Brinkley Show * Discussing NAFTA on ABC's This Week with David Brinkley, USTR Mickey Kantor and San Diego Mayor Susan Golding promoted the agreement's job-creating benefits, especially for the U.S. automobile industry. Responding to Flint Mayor Woodrow Stanley who stated "I just don't think the case has been made" for NAFTA, Golding said: "The president of Chrysler has said very clearly that if NAFTA had existed, he would not have had to produce his new car, Neon, in Mexico. The reason he is in Mexico is because he cannot sell to Mexico unless he produces in Mexico. When NAFTA passes, he can produce in the United States and sell to Mexico." # # #