Throughout this election season, I’ve pointed out numerous times that the tide has shifted on trade, moving against so-called "free trade" and towards a trade policy that starts with the notion that trade is supposed to advance communities first, and corporations second. Believe me, I’m not saying the battle is over–far from it. But, the forces of so-called "free trade" are definitely on the defensive–as witnessed by the REPUBLICAN party platform.

   Here is what the Republican party says about trade:

Greater international trade, aggressively advanced on a truly level playing field, will mean more American jobs, higher wages, and a better standard of living. It is also a matter of national security and an instrument to promote democracy and civil society in developing nations.

With 95 percent of the world’s customers outside our borders, we need to be at the table when trade rules are written to make sure that free trade is indeed a two-way street. We encourage multilateral, regional, and bilateral agreements to reduce trade barriers that limit market access for U.S. products, commodities and services. To achieve that goal, Congress should reinstate the trade promotion authority every president should have in dealing with foreign governments. Trade agreements that have already been signed and are pending before Congress should be debated and voted on immediately. An aggressive trade strategy is especially important with regard to agriculture. Our farm economy produces for the world; its prosperity depends, more than ever before, on open markets. U.S. agricultural exports will top $100 billion this year. We will contest any restrictions upon our farm products within the World Trade Organization and will work to make the WTO’s decision-making process more receptive to the arguments of American producers.

We pledge stronger action to protect intellectual property rights against pirating and will aggressively oppose the direct and indirect subsidies by which some governments tilt the world playing field against American producers. To protect American consumers, we call for greater vigilance and more resources to guard against the importation of tainted food, poisonous products, and dangerous toys. Additionally, we recognize the need to support our growth in trade through appropriate development and support of our ports in order to ensure safe, efficient and timely handling of all goods.

   Let’s be clear–the Republicans are still holding on to the mumbo-jumbo about "free trade" and calling for reinstituting "fast track" (trade promotion authority), which allows a president to submit trade agreements for an up-or-down vote by Congress with no amendments allowed–a power we should oppose whether the president is a Democrat or Republican.

   BUT–the fact that the platform has to talk about a "level playing field" and "tainted food, poisonous products and dangerous toys" is a direct reaction to the public’s rejection, by widening majorities, including by Republicans, of the so-called "free trade" model. I am not arguing that the Republican ELITES and political leaders are going to throw so-called "free trade" over the side. But, it is clear that they have to assuage the deep skepticism voters feel about so-called "free trade".

   Certainly, don’t count out the pro- so-called "free trade" forces. But, there is reason to be optimistic.