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Trade Deals Shift Political Landscapes
The passage of NAFTA in 1993 marked a turning point in American politics, facilitating increased trade with Mexico and Canada while simultaneously enabling the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs, particularly affecting the Rust Belt. This agreement not only indicated a significant economic transformation but also highlighted a broader political realignment within the Democratic Party, moving its focus from traditional working-class roots to the professional and college-educated classes, including influential Wall Street figures. Conversely, the Republican Party began adopting a rhetoric of working-class support despite its historical ties to big business, showcasing a notable shift in political dynamics.