Go America! Go Trump!
Yesterday, Donald Trump went to bat and took his most solid stance towards exposing the economic fraud perpetrated against the American people in a speech he delivered in Monessen, Pennsylvania — a city in a steel-producing region hard-hit under the failed policies of Obama et al., (read: Hillary Clinton.)
Recent changes in and additions to Trump’s staff have caused speculation as to how much of a paradigm shift his campaign might undergo. Some wondered, for example, whether the Donald could ever really be presidential. For anyone in doubt, yesterday should assuage any concerns. A full PDF transcript of the speech is here.
History will record it as his “Declaring American Economic Independence” speech — where Trump went up to bat, and hit a home run. In it, he:
— identifies the central problem (globalization);
— summarizes the effects (extracting American jobs and wealth);
— allocates the blame (powerful corporations, media elites, political dynasties);
— suggests motive (control by special interests);
— offers an optimistic message (take back economy, politics, borders for brighter future for America);
— presents an option (hope or Hillary);
— applauds American values, work ethic, and proud history;
— cites examples of bad decisions (NAFTA and China in the WTO, attributable to Clinton by proxy);
— illustrates outcomes of those decisions (job loss, trade imbalance);
— predicts a bad Clinton response (ratification of TPP with China seeking a back door);
— explains basic problems (result of trade deficit, subsidized goods, currency manipulation, and IP theft)
— provides national and local statistics from objective, reliable sources (quotes Bernie Sanders re: Clinton policies); and
— distinguishes himself and offers an alternative policy (bilateral trade deals).
He then presented a 7-step process to rectify current problems:
1. Withdraw US from TPP (not yet ratified);
2. Appoint good trade negotiators;
3. Identify violations of trade abuses and use U.S. and international law to end them;
4. Either renegotiate NAFTA or give notice pursuant to Article 2205 of intent to withdraw;
5. Label China a currency manipulator and impose tariffs and taxes accordingly;
6. Prosecute China, in the U.S. and at the WTO, for unfair trade practices;
7. Use any statutory remedies available to prohibit China theft of trade secrets (noting Reagan did this with the motorcycle and semiconductor industries)
He put his policy in the context of making the U.S. the best place in the world to start a business, hire a workforce, and open a factory through tax and regulatory reforms, tapping energy sources, and reducing the budget/trade deficits.
What might have a focus group said about his speech? “Strong,” “hopeful,” “patriotic,” “nostalgic,” and “specific” are adjectives that come to mind. They also evoke a positive emotional response — one which could sway the election.
I’ve never considered Trump a particularly gifted English orator or writer. His extemporaneous style makes me edgy in that way that someone who sings the national anthem does when you don’t know if they’ll be off-key when they try to reach the high notes. But this speech was almost masterful, appealing to the most incontrovertible of American virtues.
This was a prepared speech. And aside from a dog, a TelePrompTer is a politician’s best friend. (Trump doesn’t have a dog.)
Here, he could stay on message. He was able to provide a transcript, including footnotes, where he cited credible sources, such as the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and including others, like The Washington Post, that one wouldn’t expect to be sympathetic to his vision. Effectively, this ensures Clinton will strike out when she or her surrogates claim Trump doesn’t provide specifics. Or when the media “fact-checks” him erroneously.
It was a compelling speech, but don’t take my word for it. Whether he persuaded you to vote for him is one thing, but it’s quite another to suggest he didn’t deliver on all of the above. If you conclude he didn’t, you either didn’t read it or hear it.
Still, after its spring training (primaries), Trump’s team still has to win the game (at the convention) to get to the series (officially the general election). He’ll have to swing at the ballsy attacks Hillary will undoubtedly throw his way. He’ll need to hit the Clinton machine with some curve balls.
One thing he didn’t do, though, but should have, was ask for the vote. Trump should know to close the sale.
And unfortunately, the TTP has fast track authority which may mean Trump cannot prevent its passage, and, as a treaty, would require honoring its terms in a new administration, regardless of how pernicious its provisions may be.
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June 27, 2016
P.S. Whether Trump’s quoting of Senator Jeff Sessions on TPP in his speech gives us anything more than merely an indication of a source remains to be seen, and something new to speculate about.
sua sponte 