WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama and his legislative allies scrambled Monday to try to revive his severely wounded trade agenda, although Democrats and Republicans alike said all options have serious hurdles.
Obama’s chief of staff, Denis McDonough, spoke with Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic leader whose rejection of Obama’s pleas on Friday capped the stunning setback delivered mainly by the president’s own party. Details of the conversation weren’t immediately available. The White House said Obama himself was likely to speak with House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio).
Labor unions and many liberals adamantly oppose free-trade deals.
