> Who is “his base”?

Folks whose pet issue is IP reform, presumably. If that’s your drum, beat it. But it’s good context for anyone tuning in that it’s going to be your beat.

> What responsibility to affect meaningful trade regulation did he abdicate

What are you talking about? Where was this responsibility suggested?

All I did was point out hyperbole for what it is. Doctorow is speaking metaphorically. He isn’t literally suggesting tearing up trade agreements over IP because he isn’t an idiot.