This is from a speech today by Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden:
America's farmers have been crushed by his tariff war with China.No one knows that better than Iowa.He thinks he's being tough.Well, it's easy to be tough when someone else is feeling the pain.How many farmers across this state and across this nation have had to face the prospect of losing their business, of losing their farm because of Trump's tariffs?How many have had to stare at the ceiling at night wondering how they're going to make it?How many sleepless nights do you think Trump has had over what he's doing to America's farmers?Here's the answer: Just as many as he had when he stiffed the construction workers and electricians and plumbers who built his hotels and casinos. Zero.And how about manufacturing? Trump's tariffs and trade wars are hitting a lot of American manufacturing -- especially the American automobile industry -- Choking it to within an inch of its life.One of my proudest moments in the White House was when President Obama and I led the rescue of the American auto industry.We knew what it meant to the millions of jobs in the auto companies and the supply chain.We also knew what it meant to the pride of the nation.Now I'm watching Trump destroy the industry President Obama and I helped save.Do you think he just backed off his tariff threat with Mexico because he got some tough new deal? Maybe there's some secret development yet to be revealed — But based on what we know, it seems more like old wine in new bottles.And the truth is he's scared -- his economic folks told him his tough talk was about to cost to him Michigan and Ohio and Iowa.But don't kid yourself -- another bad news story -- and he'll be back with tariffs to change the subject. And the people who will get hurt are just pawns in his game.Trump doesn't get the basics.He thinks his tariffs are being paid by China. Any beginning econ student at Iowa or Iowa State could tell you that the American people are paying his tariffs. The cashiers at Target see what's going on -- they know more about economics than Trump.And let me take one additional moment to talk about this — because it's important, and I don't want anyone to misunderstand what I mean.We are in a competition with China.We need to get tough with China.They are a serious challenge to us, and in some areas a real threat.And every single step that Donald Trump is taking is only exacerbating the challenge.While Trump is tweeting, China is making massive investments in technologies of the future.While Trump is name-calling, China is building roads, bridges, and high-speed rail.While Trump is pursuing a damaging and erratic trade war, without any real strategy, China is positioning itself to lead the world in renewable energy.While Trump is attacking our friends, China is pressing its advantage all over the world.So you bet I'm worried about China — if we keep following Trump's path....So when it comes to taking on China, First, let's invest in ourselves — that's why I've proposed a historic initiative in scientific research, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a modern workforce that will help American workers and entrepreneurs compete and win.Second, let's build a united front of allies to challenge China's abusive behavior. Trump is attacking the very partners we need with us to deal with China. We need to rally more than half the world's economy to hold China to account for their cheating. And get a chorus of voices speaking out on China's repression.Third, let's tighten up our defenses so that American companies don't have to keep giving away technology to China, or having it stolen. In the Obama-Biden administration, we got China to curb its cyber-theft -- it's gotten worse under Trump.Finally, let's find areas to cooperate where it's in our interest. We got the Chinese to agree for the first time to limit their carbon pollution. There's a lot more we can do on climate change, and nuclear weapons, and other issues where our interests converge.But time and time again, on issue after issue, Trump makes the wrong choices. He is motivated by the wrong thing.
I didn't hear it delivered live, but this seems like a passionate rant. But as I asked with the post about Pete Buttigieg, what exactly would Biden's trade policy look like? Would it be the TPP/TTIP again, or has he learned some lessons from those battles and has some adjustments to make?
