In a move that defies the conventional wisdom of a few months back, John McCain is set to make trade a significant issue in the coming weeks with trips to Canada and Colombia.
Trade didn't appear set to become a much-discussed, general election issue as the economy gained traction as a voter concern - particularly given the populist economic leanings of many swing voters. Yet, the near unanimity of MSM editorial board opinion against the protectionist rhetoric of the Democratic primaries gave McCain an opening.
Now, a lecture on a serious issue like trade at this point in the campaign simply adds to a broader narrative currently building that Barack Obama is too inexperienced a naif to be trusted with the serious economic and foreign policy issues that define our modern international relations.
It would be somewhat surprising to see the issue continue to be a focal point for events in the later months, as more general election voters tune in to the campaign with more seriousness. For now, however, it fits nicely into a broader theme Obama's opponents would like to hammer home.
Posted by Eric Earling at June 12, 2008 08:08 PM | Email ThisFareed Zakaria: The Post-American World
He was on The Speaker's forum (you may need to scroll for the 06/12 date).
http://kuow.org/programs/speakers_forum.asp
I found it worth the listen.
He actually acknowledged that most of the people of the world LIKE America, and appreciate the business that we have brought to their countries. Sadly he noted that we were turning our backs on free trade just as it was taking off around the world. But somebody on KUOW actually giving America props. Huh.
I particularly enjoyed his answer to a whiny questioner at the end. The questioner was dismayed by the obvious poverty in third world industrial cities, and wondered if the people wouldn't be better off living a peaceful rural existence. Fareed blasted it out of the park. He said that a rural existence might look more peaceful and pleasant, but it was far deadlier. A rural family making $1 a day was a head cold away from a death in the family. Let the family breadwinner be unable to work for a few days, and everybody starves. People in the city might be living under a corrugated piece of plastic, but they are making $2 a day. Doubling the income dramatically increases survival.
I just ordered the book.
McCain can nail the trade issue. Barry O is dead wrong with a losing argument.
Hairy
Posted by: Hairy Buddah on June 12, 2008 10:59 PMLet's also hope that the candidates positions can be discussed reasonably and honestly and without hyperbole. To state for example, McCain doesn't care one bit about worker or human rights in foreign countries, to me, would be a hyperbole. Just as, to state that Obama is against all trade.
Posted by: tc on June 13, 2008 07:40 AMBut energy independence is an anti-free trade position. Arguing for more trade in most areas but less in energy is strange, and contradictory. Every industry can be seen as critical, not just energy.
Isn't it interesting that this important issue draws so few comments? Most people do not understand the importance of free trade.
Posted by: Bruce Guthrie on June 16, 2008 12:25 PM