Just as the President’s persuasion skills were at play in the TAA (Trade Adjustment Assistance) and the TPA (Trade Promotion Authority) legislative battle, it must be noted that there was another factor at play…the other factions also lobbying.

Now this was not any kind of lobbying, but rather negative lobbying. Negative lobbying, as highlighted by McKay, is recognized as the efforts of persons going against a proposal and often found to be more effective than positive lobbying.

Once again this reality was observed firsthand when the TAA and TPA legislative measures were set to be considered. The groups most lobbying in opposition of the two bills viewed the bills as a negative for American business. One of the methods (that I did not know was utilized) for hot topics is the use of “robo” calling. This consists of groups or organizations with vested interests, contacting Congressional members and utilizing automated systems to push constituents thru to the congressional office of choice.

The absolutely intriguing part is when a constituent is connected to the office, stating point blank that they were directed to call and didn’t know for what other than to just say “vote no”. It absolutely floored me that people are willing to call and support or oppose a measure just because their affiliated organization mandated it, not taking any effort to comprehend what is or is not at stake!

This was one of those moments where Winston Churchill immediately came to mind when he stated, “The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.”

Ah, the D.C. life!