This recommended diary discusses whether Hillary Clinton, while Secretary of State, supported TPP. But I think my title, which is AN OPINION, not a fact, applies to Keystone as well.
The thrust of that diary is that as Secretary of State, Clinton supported the Obama Administration's position on TPP. This is neither breaking nor deniable. Now as to what is in TPP, I repeat, no one on THIS web site knows what's in it. (Indeed that's why I opposed fast track for TPP - public did not know what was in it. Full disclosure - there is a strong likelihood I think that I will support TPP once I know what is in it.)
Similarly, on Keystone, I expect (MY OPINION, NOT A FACT) that Clinton will support whatever position Obama takes on it.
It is MY OPINION that the reasons for this are political - the tradeoff between breaking with Obama or breaking with those strong contingents that oppose either of these projects is not one Clinton wishes to have to take.
Now it is perfectly fair to draw a negative conclusion about Clinton as a result of this stance. But let's not turn our opinions into facts.
As for the political calculus, I think Clinton is making a shrewd one for now, but eventually she's going to have to back TPP if a deal is reached, because Obama is all in on that.
On Keystone, I have a sneaking suspicion the project is making less and less economic sense and Obama is not likely to approve it, so Clinton will get to oppose it too.
Now all of this sounds cynical and jaded I know, but pols are pols and do what they do.
I will concede this - Sanders GENERALLY does not operate this way. But let's be clear, he's never had to. Running for President is different and there will come a time when, if Sanders is serious about winning, where he'll have to make some pol choices. What those will be I don't know, but if you are a Sanders supporter you hope that day comes.
Because that would mean Sanders has a real shot at winning the whole thing.
REPEAT - Everything in this diary is an OPINION, not a fact.