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Trump in Mexico City
Donald Trump just wrapped up a joint appearance with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto in which the two men delivered speeches and answered a handful of questions. Trump read his statement in a quiet, measured manner, striking a conciliatory tone. Referring to his private meeting with Peña Nieto, he said, “We recognize and respect the right of either country to build a physical barrier or wall.” However, he added that the two men “didn’t discuss payment of the wall.”
The GOP nominee shed his talk of leaving NAFTA and suggested instead that the two nations work to improve the trade agreement. “A strong, prosperous, and vibrant Mexico is in the best interest of the United States,” Trump said. “Both of our countries will work together for mutual good and most importantly for the mutual good of our people.” He also stressed the importance of keeping manufacturing jobs in the “Northern Hemisphere,” rather than in the US exclusively.
For his part, Peña Nieto said that the closed-door meeting was “open and constructive” and added, “even though we may not agree on everything, I trust that together we’ll be able to find better prosperity.” However, he asked his northern neighbor to stop the flow of guns and illicit money into Mexico, as it fuels the nation’s violent drug cartels.
Later on Wednesday, Trump will deliver his much anticipated immigration speech in Phoenix.
Published in Foreign Policy, Immigration
Kevin, would that I could be such an optimist.
Huh? You mean the part where I reacted to the piece above and the way it quoted the man? Give me a break dude at this point you’re just trolling me.
That is basically what I heard him say, Z. Yea, let’s do that! First he needs to get elected.
Sorry DUDE.
Hey! Go easy on Jamie. He was expecting Trump to hold a rally in front of the Mexican press corps..
Okay. This is a bit much. Let’s all cool off.
He’s different – and addressing topics that have been unspoken and sensitive for a very long time – that makes many people uncomfortable – but it tells me he recognizes it’s time – there are so many serious problems – why not go to the top – and roll up our sleeves – you cannot criticize that there isn’t a drug and crime problem from Mexico, not to mention that many cross the border to work but pay no taxes – some are criminals and terrorists – how to handle? Let’s start figuring it out. I believe he is sensitive to the fact that many Hispanics are good hard working and decent people – they can apply for legal status – do the right thing – why continue turning your back to the problems of so many undocumented people in a country – any country?
I don’t know if this was much of a change he has always said he would negotiate a better agreement, and today he said that he would negotiate a better agreement.
Oh was I now? If you could let me know what else I’m expecting on a weekly basis it will save me so much time. An email every Sunday morning should be sufficient.
There was a vast shift in tone on the nationalism front though. It was a bit strange to hear him speak of “hemispheres” don’t you think?
So we’ve never met. How long have you been around these parts? You got any comments for the DUDE or are you a neverTrumper as well?
OK, I’m done. I don’t need any help with my blood pressure. It’s just fine the way it is.
Jamie, your comments are similar in tone to what I just read in the Daily Kos and Huffington Post.
Eeeasy, Jamie. Are you trying to tell us that you were only joking about the tranq dart?
Before NAFTA, our trade stance with Mexico was +1.6B, after it is -60B. Yeah, he’s an idiot.
Heh.
And?
I am not usually a fan of Andy Borowitz’s humor but this one is priceless: (parody)
Obama pays Mexico five billion dollars to keep Donald Trump
“I have been assured by the government of Mexico that Mr. Trump will be well taken care of and, if he proves to be a productive member of their society, will be provided a pathway to Mexican citizenship,” Obama said.
http://www.newyorker.com/humor/borowitz-report/obama-pays-mexico-five-billion-dollars-to-keep-donald-trump
It would be funnier if Obama was offering his own money, not ours.
Funny, I felt the same way about building a wall.
…funnier still if Obama had offerred himself as a sweetener.
Do you want to sound like the Daily Kos and Huffington Post?
I can’t help what those yahoos say nor do I particularly care. I thought those things were funny so I said them.
OK
Anyway…
And the what really matters.
Seriously though, Trump has been doing a better job as a candidate recently, which is probably a good thing. The only problem I’ve ever had with Trump is that I think he’d be a horrible candidate and an even worse president. Hillary is still awful, and I have no other country to move to, so if he can prove me wrong, I’m totally okay with that.
I will give praise where praise is due. What resonated for me was Mr. Trumps criticism of Fast and Furious. Regardless of what one thinks of Mexico Mr. Trump was forthright in his remarks, he was not on an apology tour. When I think of President’s Obama’s apology tour in Cairo and Mr. Trumps remarks on the weapons that went across the border on the misguided Fast and Furious program, approximately 2,000 firearms it was a violation of Mexico’s sovereignty. I have not heard of any apology to Mexico from the Obama Administration. Mr. Trump did well.
President Nieto may not totally agree with Mr. Trump, but his appearance in Mexico cost him far less than any donation to the Clinton Foundation to have Hillary stand next to him on the stage.
We got something in return in spades: cheap goods, low inflation, financing of our debt. And I assume you are aware that 60 billion is 0.3% of our GDP, right?
BTW, how come he never rants about our trade deficit with Germany which at $75 billion is higher than with Mexico. It’s ok if they’re Mercedeses and BMWs made by people who look like him?
So I would not say ‘idiot’ but demagogue, badly informed, scapegoater, etc.
Iow, a typical politician of either party.
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