President Trump: Making America Great Again...

[beefytee]

I'm a big believer in free trade. I was unhappy that Trump pulled out of the TPP (could have given us even more leverage against China) and that he has brought the aluminium, steel, and all the other tariffs and threats of tariffs on countries that play by the rules.

But I don't currently have a problem with the way he is approaching China. China isn't playing fair and needs to be addressed. The US economy is hot right now and a temporary tax (tariff) can help keep things in check. On the other end, China's economy is struggling so the US has the upper hand and can put more pressure on them.

Things definitely have the potential to go south quickly with this, but at this point I'm fine with the the approach Trump is taking.

[BlueK]

I'm a big believer in free trade. I was unhappy that Trump pulled out of the TPP (could have given us even more leverage against China) and that he has brought the aluminium, steel, and all the other tariffs and threats of tariffs on countries that play by the rules.

But I don't currently have a problem with the way he is approaching China. China isn't playing fair and needs to be addressed. The US economy is hot right now and a temporary tax (tariff) can help keep things in check. On the other end, China's economy is struggling so the US has the upper hand and can put more pressure on them.

Things definitely have the potential to go south quickly with this, but at this point I'm fine with the the approach Trump is taking.

This is definitely a popular take these days among GOP who have always been pro free trade. It's hopeful for sure. The TPP would have been more effective in getting China to behave better. I just don't think this approach is ultimately going to be very effective because China doesn't have to respond very quickly to unpopular policies or economic downturns. There are no elections to force that.

They are likely thinking they can last until the next election here. I think what happens in the next few weeks is Trump gets pissed with their stubbornness and implements the last round of tariffs, which unlike previous rounds of tariffs will mostly impact hundreds of direct to consumer goods that finally get noticed by average people in the US when prices shoot up. Also, the effect of the previous tariffs having gone from 10% to 25% is also going to start to be more noticed throughout the economy. China will eventually offer up some pretty minor or unenforceable concessions and Trump will declare complete and total victory and then move on to messing with Europe. But I think that only happens after our own economy starts to slow down and Trump's approval drops down to a lower level.

[Walter Sobchak]

I think what happens in the next few weeks is Trump gets pissed with their stubbornness and implements the last round of tariffs, which unlike previous rounds of tariffs will mostly impact hundreds of direct to consumer goods that finally get noticed by average people in the US when prices shoot up.

"Libertarians tend to put the consumer first and conservatives tend to put the country first." --Pat Buchanan.

I hope President Trump sticks to his tactics re: China. But has President Trump ever exhibited such stamina?! No. He doesn't have the patience for the long game. (To be fair, US consumers don't either.)

[frank ryan]

"Libertarians tend to put the consumer first and conservatives tend to put the country first." --Pat Buchanan.

I hope President Trump sticks to his tactics re: China. But has President Trump ever exhibited such stamina?! No. He doesn't have the patience for the long game. (To be fair, US consumers don't either.)

Trump is neither a conservative nor a libertarian.

[frank ryan]

oh good lord, Ben Carson can barely function:

[BlueK]

oh good lord, Ben Carson can barely function:

Take it easy on these guys. It must be really hard to find anyone who wants to work under Trump.

[Commando]

It's hard to hide the kid inside when eating O. R. E. O.

[falafel]

oh good lord, Ben Carson can barely function:

That video was embarrassing, and I agree that he is barely functioning.

The title is dumb though (not your title). He didn't "confuse" REO with Oreo.

[Commando]

I feel bad for Ben Carson. He seems like he shouldn't be anywhere near this administration or in politics in general.

[Sleeping in EQ]

oh good lord, Ben Carson can barely function:

Clearly impossible that a 67-year-old just didn't hear what she said.

[Northwestcoug]

I didn't know about the second gaffe ('Amway?' for 'OMWI'). Hilarious.

I'm no neurosurgeon, but if I'm going to appear before a hostile congressional committee I'll bring an aide to help me with any questions I can't answer.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Both of those women were being condescending.

[Sleeping in EQ]

Both of those women were being condescending.

Yes.

[frank ryan]

Both of those women were being condescending.

Oh brother. It would’ve gone over his head anyway. I’m sure they are tired of him being so underprepared and stupid.

[frank ryan]

Clearly impossible that a 67-year-old just didn't hear what she said.

Also likely he is not qualified for his job nor is he interested in the details of it.

He didn’t know what they meant, that was obvious.