World Trade Organization

The Geneva-based World Trade Organization regulates global trade and is a vehicle for negotiating tariff reductions. Its meeting in Seattle has been disrupted by protesters who say the 135-nation WTO has too much power and too little concern for the rights of workers and the environment. Supporters say freer trade spurs job growth and the WTO can ensure member nations trade fairly.
Bill Bradley
   Bill Bradley (Democrat)
A "major backer" of the WTO. Says environmental policy-makers should have a permanent role in WTO talks. "I think that the answer to a lot of our economic problems is more trade, more fairly shared worldwide." Favors making China a WTO member.
Al Gore
   Al Gore (Democrat)
Supports WTO, which was formed with strong backing of the Clinton administration. Says WTO should take a more formal role in safeguarding labor and environmental standards. "I have fought for free trade and open markets for my whole career because I believe it's the way to create good jobs and higher living standards for our people." Clinton administration reached agreement with China to support its WTO membership.
Gary Bauer
   Gary Bauer (Republican)
Opposes letting China into WTO.
George W. Bush
   George W. Bush (Republican)
Supports WTO and China's entry. "Trade is freedom. Trade yields freedom because of the marketplace and its promise and its potential."
Steve Forbes
   Steve Forbes (Republican)
Has said the WTO may be effective in opening trade and resolving disputes. Says Taiwan, not China, should be admitted. Would "tear down trade barriers and establish free trade."
Orrin Hatch
   Orrin Hatch (Republican)
Supports WTO. Criticizes what he sees as tendency of some in the group's leadership to attack American trade policy. "The current approach taken by the WTO leadership will not help those of us in the U.S. who strongly support and promote the WTO."
Alan Keyes
   Alan Keyes (Republican)
Opposes WTO and calls free trade agreements "socialist." U.S. needs a trade policy "that is not willing to surrender the sovereignty of the American people to the World Trade Organization or any other international body."
John McCain
   John McCain (Republican)
Supports WTO. "All members of the WTO have to make commitments to reduce barriers to goods and services, and protect intellectual property rights. The WTO has an established procedure to ensure that countries meet their obligations. The United States should ensure that our trading partners meet their commitments." Would admit China and Taiwan.

  Pat Buchanan (Reform Party)
Calls WTO "embryonic monster" and went to Seattle to praise the protests. "We Americans alone should decide issues of vital significance to our destiny and our national security. No global organization is ever going to be allowed to impose its rule against the sovereignty of the United States of America."