President Obama’s last minute effort to save his trade authorities bill ultimately failed this afternoon as Washington buzzed over his surprise personal visit to Congress this morning and the surprise appearance at the Congressional baseball game last night.
But Obama struck out when the vote came to the floor, as some 300 Democrats opted to vote against it.
The White House waited in anticipation to hear from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who praised Obama during her floor speech for his “magnificent and courageous” effort, but ultimately announced her intentions to vote against it.
Earlier this week Obama boasted that he was confident he would get the votes necessary to pass the legislation.
“I’m not going to hypothesize about not getting it done. I intend to get it done,” he said after meeting with world leaders in Germany on Monday.
Yesterday, White House Press Secretary warned Democratic members of Congress from voting against the legislation, asserting that they were adding their names to the “death certificate” of trade adjustment assistance.
“What the president has said is that members of Congress should be more concerned about the jobs of Americans than their own jobs,” spokesman Josh Earnest explained to reporters, asserting it would “help” middle class families.
The White House press briefing, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. has been delayed for over an hour as aides scramble to respond to the failed vote.
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