Sunday, November 16, 2003
The Guardian reports that a British pol is calling for the EU to issue retaliatory tariffs against the US as a response to our steel tariff. Fair enough. What is loopy is that the proposed tariffs are targeting particular swing states. I quote a list of targeted states:
Florida and its citrus products. The state was the scene of the "hanging chad" saga in the 2000 presidential election, after Mr Bush and Al Gore virtually tied there;
· Wisconsin and its apples and paper. Mr Gore won this state by a tiny margin;
· Tennessee and its chemicals. Mr Bush scored a narrow victory in Mr Gore's home state;
· Iowa and its agricultural equipment. This state will play a key role when the nominations battle starts in January.
This seems a bit much. It's not quite an endorsement, but a bit over the line as far as trying to play a role in another state's election. Imagine what might happen if the US added a huge tariff on French wine on the eve of a French election, would we expect the EU to receive it with equanimity. I hope all four states go to a good Dem, but stay the hell out of our elections, Europe.
(hat tip: Andrew Sullivan)
Florida and its citrus products. The state was the scene of the "hanging chad" saga in the 2000 presidential election, after Mr Bush and Al Gore virtually tied there;
· Wisconsin and its apples and paper. Mr Gore won this state by a tiny margin;
· Tennessee and its chemicals. Mr Bush scored a narrow victory in Mr Gore's home state;
· Iowa and its agricultural equipment. This state will play a key role when the nominations battle starts in January.
This seems a bit much. It's not quite an endorsement, but a bit over the line as far as trying to play a role in another state's election. Imagine what might happen if the US added a huge tariff on French wine on the eve of a French election, would we expect the EU to receive it with equanimity. I hope all four states go to a good Dem, but stay the hell out of our elections, Europe.
(hat tip: Andrew Sullivan)
