Barack Obama took a hard line against NAFTA during the 2008 primaries, but even then, hints emerged that his tough talk wouldn't turn into tough action.

Now anonymous sources confirm what we suspected: "tear up NAFTA" isn't even on Obama's to-do list…

After he becomes president in January, Obama will order a study on the world's largest trade agreement, then seek longer-term negotiations with Mexico and Canada on how to change it, according to three advisers, who spoke on condition that they not be identified. The recession, the collapsing auto industry, a record trade deficit with China and other issues are pushing Nafta aside, analysts and industry representatives said.

A study? Vague negotiations? Uh, way to tackle one of the most important international issues of our time, O…

"The whole issue of renegotiating Nafta was always a symbolic argument about the failed trade policies of the last 20 years," said Leo Gerard, president of the United Steelworkers union.

Man, if NAFTA-bashing isn't a national sport, we'll have nothing to symbolize the failed trade policies of the last 20 years.

Except the failed trade policies of the last 20 years.