The article critiques the Democrats' muted response to Trump's economically devastating tariffs. It argues their strategy of subtly supporting tariffs to appeal to working-class voters, while avoiding outright endorsement of free trade, is flawed and will become increasingly problematic.
The Democrats' approach stems from a decade-long effort to win over working-class voters by aligning with labor unions' anti-free trade stance. This involved opposing trade deals and tacitly accepting Trump's initial tariffs. However, the article contends that Trump's actions have created disastrous economic consequences, undermining this strategy's foundation.
Trump's tariffs have significantly damaged the economy, leading to decreased growth, increased inflation, and a high probability of a recession. This is impacting even regions where anti-trade sentiment is strong, as shown by the effects on Michigan's auto industry. The reality of these consequences is changing public opinion, even among those initially supportive of tariffs.
The Democrats' ambiguous messaging on tariffs sounds tone-deaf, particularly as their base is strongly anti-Trump. Even Bernie Sanders's critique of Trump's trade policies is deemed insufficiently forceful. The article suggests the Democrats' pro-tariff stance, once politically astute, is rapidly losing its relevance as Trump's actions demonstrate the devastating effects of protectionism.
The article draws a parallel to the Democrats' position on the Iraq War, highlighting how initially nuanced positions can become politically damaging when the consequences become stark. It concludes that the Democrats' current pro-tariff strategy is becoming increasingly untenable as Trump's economic mismanagement exposes the severe flaws of protectionist policies.