Trump dumps on Japan

[Samurai_Jerk]

Donald Trump seems to be stuck in the 80s when it comes to Japan.

During his recent presidential campaign announcement, Donald Trump didn't hide his distrust of foreigners. Presumably as part of his campaign promise to "Make America Great Again," Trump bashed several of America's economic partners, most notably Mexico, China, and Japan.

Distrust of Mexico and China is fairly standard for Republicans. The right is generally critical of Mexican immigration, for a mix of xenophobic and political reasons — in the GOP, there is a (false) assumption that an influx of Latino immigrants would swell Democratic voter rolls. As for China, the GOP has long distrusted the rising superpower, and sees it as a major competitor to America's global standing. But when it comes to Japan, Trump's criticisms seem outside the norm, at best. Most Republicans view Japan quite favorably — more than most Democrats, in fact.

Furthermore, none of the fears — reasonable or otherwise — that motivate anti-Mexican or anti-Chinese bias apply to Japan. Japanese immigration to America is almost negligible, and the country's economy is currently faltering; both Japan's GDP and GDP growth lag behind China and the US.

But this wasn't always the case. Although many Americans forget it, it wasn't so long ago that Japan was poised to overtake America as the world's largest economy. Trump's rhetoric really seems to belong back in the '80s, during the heyday of Japan's economic might. Take this quote: "So many countries are whipping America . . . I respect the Japanese, but we have to fight back." It sounds like a lot of what Trump said during his announcement speech. In fact, it's from a graduation address of his in 1988.

[matsuki]

Well, technically speaking, there are still plenty of areas that need "fighting back" against Japan...not that I think Trump is the guy to do it. (though he may be more entertaining than the other choices)

[Coligny]

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I'd dump in that Trump...

[Russell]

Donald Trump says African-American youths have 'no spirit'

[matsuki]

Donald Trump says African-American youths have 'no spirit'

What a magician with words...he could have easily said "African-American youths need more spirit" while making his argument. (though why he has to single out ethnic groups is beyond me...all kids could use a little more motivation)