If you’ve ever bought a house, you’ve probably engaged in a confidential negotiation. Perhaps you told a real-estate agent about how much you’re willing to pay or whether the owner must fix that leaky roof before you sign a contract. Maybe you want the house so much you’re willing to fix the roof on your own later.

It would make no sense to let the seller read a transcript of this private conversation.

Surely the critics of TPP know this. When Sen. Warren meets with her staff about a bill they’re writing, do they conduct “secret” discussions? Or do they merely have a private talk about what to put in, what to leave out and where she’s willing to compromise?

So until Sen. Warren starts to broadcast her staff meetings on C-SPAN, none of us should take seriously her denunciations of a “secret” trade deal whose details are still not finalized.