NAFTA Casts Wide Shadow on Ohio Vote

Ohio and Michigan feel the worst of nation's woes

(NEWSER) - America’s Rust Belt continues to corrode a little more each day, reports Forbes in its analysis of the nation’s fastest-dying cities. Cities in Ohio and Michigan take 6 of the top 10 spots in the survey, which is based on population flight and unemployment:

• Canton, Ohio
• Youngstown, Ohio
• Flint, Mich.
• Scranton, Pa.
• Dayton, Ohio

President will discuss required conditions for further government aid

(NEWSER) - President Obama is nearing a decision on whether to give automakers more bailout money and will lay out his plan for the future of the industry Monday, the Detroit News reports. The president “will outline what he thinks is the best way forward," spokesman Robert Gibbs said, including the nature and conditions of any additional aid. Members of Obama’s auto advisory team met with GM CEO Rick Wagoner today, following a get-together with Chrysler's CEO earlier this week. More»

A 'prepackaged' plan likely would include government financing, take less time

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama’s transition team is looking at a streamlined, “prepackaged” bankruptcy for the Big Three automakers, Bloomberg reports. In a “prepack,” the companies already would have financing lined up when they go to court, and would have to reach agreements with banks, workers, and suppliers. The government likely would provide financing, but it “limits government financial commitment,” one lawyer said. More»

Ambassador admits speaking to reporter

(NEWSER) - The scope of the Barack Obama NAFTA memo scandal widened again yesterday, with Canadian opposition legislators calling for the resignation of Canada's ambassador to the US after he was implicated, the Globe and Mail reports. Michael Wilson admitted speaking to the reporter who broke the story that the candidate was voicing opposition to the trade agreement merely for political purposes. More»

Harper's chief of staff accused of releasing Obama memo

(NEWSER) - Amid cross-party outcry, the prime minister of Canada says he'll expand an investigation into the NAFTA leak that may have contributed to Barack Obama's loss in Ohio, reports the Globe and Mail. The opposition is calling for the head of Ian Brodie, PM Stephen Harper's chief of staff, who is reported to have leaked the memo that said Obama's campaign against the trade agreement was only "political positioning." More»