On TPP and NAFTA: There are some who argue that we need trade deals like those to keep our consumer goods cheap. With automation and outsourcing, we're losing middle class jobs, and we need cheaper goods. Trade deals get you cheaper goods. Could they be negotiated better? Surely. But they are nowhere near as bad as anyone thinks. And, to quote the West Wing: "Free trade stops wars." With North Korean and Russian tensions rising, TPP would have strengthened relationships with several countries, including China, with whom we have a less-than-ideal relationship. TPP could have been big to build a coalition with China. Big league.
On infrastructure: There is a coalition of over a dozen Congressional Democrats, including two, I believe, from Maryland, who wrote to Trump telling him "we will work with you on tax reform and infrastructure from day one. Let's do this." That he has abandoned that is disappointing. Like manufacturing, infrastructure investment is one of the best economic multipliers you can ask for. It directly creates low skill and high skill jobs, and it drives economic growth. Not to mention, our infrastructure is among the worst in the first world. We're decades behind most of the first world.
I'll say Trump is doing better than I expected. He's held office past his first 100 days, and we're not at war -- with allies or enemies. My biggest fear about Trump is assuaged. I don't think the problems are all on the party either. I think that the party is split between trying to do exactly what Trump wants -- which would kill the deficit worse than ever before -- and tarting it out to do a more realistic plan.
Yeah I can't express enough my disappointment on the infrastructure topic, ESPECIALLY since it was one of his big promises. That in my opinion, should have been priority 1A, day one stuff -- particularly from the guy who coined "Make America Great Again" and ran on a "America First" platform.
Interestingly, war seemed to be the biggest fear with both candidates. Everyone (of HRC's critics) were certain we'd be at war with Russia before the year's end had she won. Everyone (of Trump's critics) were afraid he's going to start WW3.
To that, I say, he still has over 3.5 years to accomplish that one LOL.
I actually think he is doing okay, so far. Certainly not as bad as his approval ratings suggest. My reasons for voting for him:
1a. Infrastructure
1b. Infrastructure
2. Getting rid of AHA
3. Drain the swamp. I cannot stand the direction this country has taken over the past 10 years. I really liked Obama, the man. Obama, the president, he was a mixed bag. A lot of good things I can say for him. Just as many negative things. But the bathroom controversy and pronoun policing and taking PC to absurd new levels just destroyed his legacy in my eyes.
So far, Trump has shit the bed with #1.
#2 has been a joke. But in his defense, much of that blame doesn't even lie with him in my opinion.
#3 Well, he has certainly changed the culture in the world of politics. I don't like the fact that he is still a crass, petty human being. But him being blamed for the division in this country is totally unfair. That division has always been there, made infinitely worse during Obama's run and now is coming to a head with Trump's election. The media and ignorant fools who believe everything they hear are to blame for that. This country is polluted with people who are convinced Hillary is a murderer and Trump is racist, sexist, xenophobic, homophobic, misogynist, fascist, and every other "ist" or "bic" in the book. Those people are to blame for the division, not Trump.