In 2008, Sen. Bernie Sanders sharply criticized what he described as a policy of “unfettered free trade,” arguing that abandoning tariffs and shifting manufacturing overseas would damage American workers and weaken domestic industry.

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Speaking on the Senate floor, Sanders rejected the idea that the United States should deprioritize manufacturing in favor of expanded global trade without protective measures.

“Further, what they have said is that we need to not worry about manufacturing in America, because what we should establish is a policy of unfettered free trade,” Sanders said.

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“We don't need tariffs. What we need is to allow corporate America the freedom, the freedom to throw American workers out on the street,” he continued.

Sanders described the potential consequences for workers earning middle-class wages with benefits.

“People are making 1520, 25 bucks an hour, health care, pensions, throw them out on the street, because somehow, Madam President, we are going to create wealth in America and good paying jobs in America,” Sanders said.

He argued that such a policy would encourage companies to relocate production to countries with significantly lower labor costs.

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“As we shut down plants, we move to China. Corporations may pay workers 20-30 cents an hour, and we bring the product back into this country,” Sanders said.

Sanders pointed to consumer experiences as evidence of what he viewed as the impact of offshoring.

“And anyone who goes shopping in a mall knows how difficult it is today to find the product made in America,” he said.

He characterized the approach as a broader ideological position.

“But that is the philosophy,” Sanders said.

Sanders then referenced then-Sen. John McCain, who was a presidential candidate at the time, and addressed his position on trade.

“And I have to say in that regard, the champion and he is honest on this one, Senator McCain has been criticized recently for not being the most honest candidate we have seen in terms of his ads and so forth,” Sanders said.

“He has been honest on this one. He is the lead advocate of unfettered free trade,” Sanders continued.

“And that's an also important part of this right wing ideology that it is good for America, that corporations can go to China, bring products back into this country,” he added.

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