1/ Long email chain viz China with a conservative policy type w whom I've maintained strained by mostly cordial disagreement viz Trump.
This person is in that "I hate him but I have to work in DC and my think tank wants XXXXX policy outcomes."
Set THAT aside for a moment.
This person is in that "I hate him but I have to work in DC and my think tank wants XXXXX policy outcomes."
Set THAT aside for a moment.
2/ "Why won't you attack China?" is the summary of their latest.
For the good of the order, some notes:
A. Pointing out Trump's denial, delay, and deception doesn't excuse China.
B. Folks who oppose Trump from the right have been FAR less starry-eyed about Xi than Trump.
For the good of the order, some notes:
A. Pointing out Trump's denial, delay, and deception doesn't excuse China.
B. Folks who oppose Trump from the right have been FAR less starry-eyed about Xi than Trump.
3/ C. China's lies about Coronavirus didn't stop Trump from getting intel about its realities.
He just chose not to believe our intel agencies, as he frequently does. He's taken the word of foreign powers on a wide spectrum of issues (cf Putin, MBS, Kim Jong Un, et al.)
He just chose not to believe our intel agencies, as he frequently does. He's taken the word of foreign powers on a wide spectrum of issues (cf Putin, MBS, Kim Jong Un, et al.)
4/ D. This is such a transparent hunt for a boogeyman to cover his own failings it hardly bears mentioning.
"Conservatives" trying to make this the centerpiece of a pushback are betting Trump won't flip AGAIN.
"Conservatives" trying to make this the centerpiece of a pushback are betting Trump won't flip AGAIN.
5/ One phone call with Xi and it'll be all, "Xi is my friend. I have a great relationship with Xi. We shared chocolate cake. He did everything right." This pattern has become very well established.
(Bannon's leprous funk is all over this strategy, btw.)
(Bannon's leprous funk is all over this strategy, btw.)
6/ Witness Trump's SUDDEN reversal on trying to "brand" the virus as "Wuhan Flu" or the "China Virus."
Xi popped Trump's leash and President Cuckley knuckled under and bowed. Hasn't used it since.
Every strongman knows how to play Trump, and does.
Xi popped Trump's leash and President Cuckley knuckled under and bowed. Hasn't used it since.
Every strongman knows how to play Trump, and does.
7/ E. Want a talk about the supply chain? Go for it. MIGHT want to focus on the CURRENT crisis first, though.
F. Also, China's expanding power is, in part, a result of Trump's abandonment of our role in the world.
G. For now, "CHYNA" is another Trump excuse, not a reason.
F. Also, China's expanding power is, in part, a result of Trump's abandonment of our role in the world.
G. For now, "CHYNA" is another Trump excuse, not a reason.
8/ H. A number of the GOP's China hawks have adopted the nationalist populist fantasy that America is crying out to pay $29 for a toilet brush or $3000 for an iPhone.
Tell me MORE about markets.
Anyway, just a little anthropology for you.
Proceed with your day.
Tell me MORE about markets.
Anyway, just a little anthropology for you.
Proceed with your day.
