Is Obama going for protectionism?

Bloomberg and others are reporting that the Obama camp are considering measures which could be interpreted as protectionist.

“We are reviewing the buy American proposal and we are committed to a plan that will save or create 3 million jobs, including jobs in manufacturing,” said Jen Psaki, a spokeswoman for Obama’s transition team.

Chris Van Hollen the Maryland Democrat liaises between Congress and Obama’s transition team in an interview on Bloomberg Television said the aim wasn’t to “set up walls”. Van Hollen, clearly sensitive to potential accusations of protectionism added that any package would be aimed at “generating American jobs,” not triggering a “trade war.”