Donald Trump Is Lost in Space – The New York Times

Bret: Well, it pains me to say this, but Elizabeth Warrens chances just got a lot better: Her case is that she can help save capitalism from itself by fighting against all the inequalities of American life. And Stacey Abramss chances improved too, as a way for Biden to signal that he will heal racial divisions and unrest.

Gail: Every day feels like a Biden ad now. While Minneapolis was in turmoil, Trump came out to address reporters. And very, very low as my opinion of our president is, I did not expect him to ignore the subject entirely. But he just talked about China. Then walked off without answering any questions.

Im in awe of Trumps China obsession. Its second only to his Obama obsession. Really, if something bad is going on hell blame one of those two. Sometimes both. I was sort of impressed by the way he managed to celebrate the space launch only good news of the entire week by taking credit for rescuing NASA from Obama neglect.

But Im still interested in why he seems to feel that blaming everything on China works. You have a way better sense of foreign affairs than I do. Give me an analysis.

Bret: The tinpot leaders instinct is always to find someone else to blame for whatever misfortunes befall the country. But in Chinas case, that someone else happens to be exceedingly blameworthy.

Theres no question Beijings initial cover-up in Wuhan helped the virus spread. Now it is behaving tyrannically when it comes to the people of Hong Kong. It is treaty-bound to honor the principle of one country, two systems. But it has constantly tried to undermine the citys civic freedoms, which is what sparked last years massive demonstrations. This time around, Chinas leaders figured the world was too preoccupied to try to stand in the way of their attempts to impose draconian limitations on Hong Kongs long-held rights of speech and public protest.

Any American president would be bound to respond somehow. The problem we have is that Trump has squandered so much of Americas moral capital, and behaved so obsequiously with despots like Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, that his words just dont carry the weight of former presidents. And the same goes for crises at home.

Gail: So youre saying that even when hes right, hes wrong? Sounds like a perfect campaign slogan.

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Donald Trump Is Lost in Space - The New York Times