The Morning Line: Sep. 27, 1993

NAFTA has partisanship on its head as Republicans rally to Clinton in the looming free-trade battle. What are the odds of its passing? And when will the first floor vote be?

PLAYER

R.W. APPLE JR.

New York Times

ODDS

3 to 2 against

VOTE DATE

Nov. 1993

COMMENTS

“The only way ((Clinton)) can win it is to rally support from industrial- state Democrats.”

PLAYER

SENATOR PHIL GRAMM

(R., Texas)

ODDS

even

VOTE DATE

Nov. 1993

COMMENTS

“Politics says no, history says yes. If lawmakers are going to catch hell no matter what they do, they’ll normally do the right thing.”

PLAYER

JODY POWELL

Chairman, Powell Tate

ODDS

3 to 5

VOTE DATE

Dec. 1993

COMMENTS

“If NAFTA wins, it will be in large measure because the Congress recognizes the severe consequences of rejecting it.”