President Trump is THE rockstar of the global political world. I don't even know why other leaders bother showing up when this POTUS is in town . . . was anybody else at the meeting? Who knows? Who cares?We can make the same observation and ask the same questions after the just-concluded G-7 meeting in Canada. Was there anybody else there who matters? Look at the photos. All the other leaders seem to be crowding around Trump, all eyes on him. As in the GOP primary debates, one would be hard-pressed to recall anything said by any another participant. I don't think we have seen anybody dominate international meetings in this manner since . . . since, uh, well, maybe since Jackie Kennedy accompanied her husband to Paris . . ?
Trump sets the agenda, determines the pace, and sucks the oxygen out of the room at these meetings. And--surprise!--the others have no choice but to go along and serve as his foils; they highlight that Trump alone among them seems the nationalist concerned about his people first, and not at all about the international bureaucrats, their bureaucracy, and communiques.
Trump was correct to call for having Russia back into the G-7-8 process. What have we gained by excluding Russia? It was an act of virtue signaling by Obama and the other "leaders" of the West in the wake of Putin's take-over of Crimea. Is Crimea any more free now than it was when Russia was kicked out? Over four years ago, I wrote about dealing with Russia and Putin which,
will require resolve and determination. With the right policies, however, it should prove considerably less difficult than dealing with the once more powerful USSR. Russia is a much smaller nation, and one in serious demographic decline. It has not resolved its economic problems and has a shaky political system that is not certain to survive the departure--whenever that is--of Putin. What Putin has is Putin. He understands the multiplier effect of determined leadership and how that can make up for many orders of military inferiority.Before that, I wrote a piece on sanctions on Russia which basically said forget about sanctions and just go for energy independence as a way to cripple untoward Russian ambitions. We seem to be doing that, unlike the hapless Obama misadministration. It is now time for serious discussions with Russia, and to bring them into the international game. Russia will always be a problem, but we should be able to handle it better if they're inside the tent rather than out. There is no need to have Russia as an enemy.
Finally, please watch the press conference he held just before leaving Canada (skipping the climate meeting) and heading off to Singapore to meet Kim Jung-un. Can this man handle the press or what? Notice the loaded CNN question at about minute 17; Trump takes no prisoners.
Anyhow, this old Foreign Service Officer stands in awe of Trump's dominance of the international scene.
having worked at a few summits, imho at the latest g7, trump did exactly what should be done: arrived last, spoke his piece clearly and left early. being late to the gender equality breakfast and skipping the climate change dinner are two cherries on top.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletea third and fourth cherry: trump’s suggestion that russia have a seat at the table and his advice to the europeans to “smarten up.”
ReplyDeleteI watched the press conference. Read a couple of sneaky articles about him seeming unhinged. Didn't see it. Ahem, ahem, caveat, caveat.... I will be let down...
ReplyDeleteNonetheless i'm beginning to hope that trump may be the Lincoln of our times.
I said it when he was running, "It's Mount Rushmore or impeachment with this guy, there is no middle". I expect he is going to achieve what he sets out to do with North Korea. He is correct in saying the north has a huge chance at prosperity. I would hope that he is not only able to come out of the conference with a declaration that ends the Korean war, but put the two nations of a path of reunification. The only distasteful part of such a deal, is that it would have to guarantee those of the north's leadership are protected from punishment for their crimes against their own people in order to strike the deal, because they won't sign if the result is a Saddam noose for them.
ReplyDeleteAnd reunification under Seoul.
DeleteThe Left is so used to people being cowed by the Left's self proclaimed virtue and intelligence that when someone is not only uncowed but doesn't care about the Left's opinion that are completely nonplussed, it's funny to watch.
ReplyDeleteThey are completely nonplussed, not that
ReplyDeleteThere seem to be a lot of "Free Traders" around who believe in the very depth of their souls that tariffs -- or at least, US tariffs -- are evil. They seem to have dominated the bureaucracy for decades, resulting in something which approximates unilateral disarmament by the US on the trade front. Surprise! There is now an unsustainable trade deficit and a hollowed out US economy.
ReplyDeleteIt was masterful of the President to propose genuine multi-lateral free trade. It puts the ball where it belongs in the other countries' court, by drawing attention to their higher tariffs, which they could reduce to increase global trade and improve living standards for everyone. It shows that the threat of higher US tariffs is a negotiating tactic, aimed mainly at making Germany and China join the community of free trading nations.
Chrystia Freeland, the Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister (who I understand will be graduating from high school soon,) can only say that it's "illegal" for the US to impose tariffs. She doesn't hold back in this interview (note her sitting posture; hard to believe she's actually an adult.)
Deletehttps://youtu.be/6nSKOFM3E2k
I am embarrassed for Canadians. They deserve better.
NO, they don't! Canadians are descendants of the suck-ups to George III, the Loyalist/Tories who actively worked against the Patriots in the American Revolution!
Delete@Gavin,
ReplyDeleteYeah, they believe in free trade alright, the one way type.
Yes, FREE for them! Not so much when it's for the U.S.A.
DeleteAbsolutely agree with you, Mr DiploMad ( and President Trump ) Russia should be back in the G 7-8 process, should be brought back in the international political game. Well, they have been there all the time, one way or the other, this is perhaps more a question of etiquette for the fancy parlours and drawing-rooms. But I don´t share the impression that Trump is seen as the rockstar of the global political world. Rather, I see disturbance, new coalitions. The trade tariffs and the Iran-problem may have united the EU to look for other possibilities, even turn towards China. Of course Trump the nationalist must put his people first but so will the Europeans. So , hopefully there will be compromises. Next weekend the World Cup in football will kick off in Russia.I am glad that the orchestrated, failed poisoning affairs ( Skripal in Britain and the hilarious fake one in Ukraina ) couldn´t stop it. The worlds eyes will be on football. It is not a big sport in the US but in the rest of the world it is The Sport, the biggest of them all. Personally I am not so very interested but I think it is fine that the world can unite in such a big, friendly event. I hope terrorists will be kept out.
ReplyDeleteSwedishlady
..."Trump...must put his people first but so will the Europeans." S.lady
DeleteSooey! Don't expect that the Euro-peeons will be buying the 'EU' brand of slop this year -- no matter what chemical concoction Angela, Theresa, and the Frog Prince sprinkle over their Jihadi stew!
On Watch~~~
"Let's Roll"
P.S.
Delete"Next weekend the World Cup in football will kick off in Russia...The worlds eyes will be on football." S.lady
"The Worlds..." aye aye! Well maybe so, after the NFL consortium completes its ritualistic suicide, and the progs in the news convince mommies and daddies that its healthier for junior and junior miss, if they prance around in their shorts and halters in the park-- Lord knows they'll still be allowed to protest against the "American Way" and the MAGA Rock Star Trump, too!
Hell they could even invite vision-impaired, euro commentators to jingoisticly parrot Russian disinformation during the commercial breaks:
..."in Russia.I am glad that the orchestrated, failed poisoning affairs,"
~~~oh bla de oh bla da~~~
"The worlds eyes will be on football."
Or so they hope~~~
On Watch~~~
Russian and hired 'by the word' troll Tactics:
Deny, divert and distract: Russia's denials over spy poisoning claims have a familiar ring
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/06/deny-divert-distract-russias-denials-spy-poisoning-claims-have/
"Let's Roll"
You often sound so angry, "Let´s Roll". And you certainly don´t like Europe. I may misunderstand but do you insinuate that I am a Russian troll?
DeleteSwedishlady
"You often sound so angry, "Let´s Roll"."
DeleteNo problem, your First lesson is Free: FYI
"Let's Roll" is not my 'handle', 'On Watch' is.
It is a solemn remembrance for many Americans, of the 1st offensive action taken on 911 by American Compatriots Todd Beamer and others aboard United flight(#93)against a squad of armed Jihadi/Islamic terrorists! Todd and Company gave their all in that Battle, on that day 911. "Let's Roll"
As for "Europe", been to most every country in the Isles and on the Continent, still related to a few squareheads and other stragglers from overthere.
Glad the USA was able to save it for the europeons. Do hope they'll be able to do it for themselves someday, tho at present it doesn't look good.
With reference to your scribbles, you've made it quite clear that you are, at minimum a Putin apologist, and you'd be wise to realize that when you aid and abet Putin's poison propaganda tricks, you'll receive some flack, but probably not enough, as most hereabouts are very genteel. As for me, my 1st wife may attest that, although a curmudgeon on occasion, I still play ABBA tunes from time to time.
On Watch~~~
Trump is chasing the money changers out of the temple ...
ReplyDeleteBest comment by far: “If they thought they were going to lecture Trump on the glories of free trade, they got a rude awakening. He came to a gun fight armed with a stealth bomber,” one U.S. official told Breitbart News. So apparently there is at least 1 person at State that has POTUS' back.
ReplyDeleteTrump is doing and saying all the things I thought during my 20+ years at State. MAGA!
Delilah
“Is Crime any more free now than it was when Russia was kicked out?”
ReplyDeleteThe answer to your question is ‘yes.’ Crime in Russia is now freer than when Russia was kicked out.
You know it's kind of funny to watch the reactions of "ahem" world leaders, "the press", and the various and assorted "pundits" to Trump.
ReplyDeleteJames
Ps. They're reactions rarely change and in the rare times they do, the efforts they make are laughable.
Yeah, i have yet to see a good breakdown of international tariffs. On trade i am uninformed, largely. The USA gets to print the reserve currency. I begun to think that dollars are our primary export. The bankers print em, taking a cut of course. Then the other countries send us stuff for them. Gold might be looking good about now?? who knows?
ReplyDeleteTrump refused to sign the summit's official closing communiqué on the grounds that Trudeau had said something or rather duplicitous. I wonder whether that was merely an excuse, or whether he was never going to sign it. It is a document full of every piece of social justice gibberish that can be uttered in both domestic and international policy, and heavy on participation in international social justice projects. I have never read a communiqué from one of these summits; I don't know if this communiqué is typical or is unusual, reflecting the conference's host, Trudeau.
ReplyDeletehttps://g7.gc.ca/en/official-documents/charlevoix-g7-summit-communique/
Re the gender equality breakfast Trump was late to: I read that $6 bil. was pledged. I don't know if U.S. participated. What do countries do with money for gender equality? I'm female. I want my share of that $6 bil. NOW. How do I get it?
The picture from the conference is of a seated Trump being harangued by a standing Merkel while surrounded by everyone else. It was released by the German delegation. Clearly it shows only two people there counted: Trump and Merkel. The Germans and Trump's critics think the picture shows a strong Merkel giving an isolated Trump hell. Trump's supporters think it shows a resolute and perfectly comfortable Trump shrugging off Merkel's harangue, and notice in some shots that Japanese Abe might secretly be laughing.
I'm glad Trump didn't sign on to that load of jibberish! The media picture going around is one of Merkel staring at Trump and him staring back in effect saying 'put a sock in it'. The same setup photo a second before or after this one however shows Merkel smiling, Trump with a grin and John Bolton smiling. I haven't seen that frame since early this morning. Selective framing I do believe.
DeleteWhen you walk into your boss's office to discuss serious business, who sits and who stands?
DeleteYeah, and the Germans get it too; if they are man enough!
DeleteRemember that scene in "The Last Days of Hitler" when the German staff all comes in to speak with Hitler (used by our wags for the "When Hitler Finds Out... series).
All those powerful generals and staff members are STANDING while a sitting Hitler berates them! The powerful sit. Underlings stand.
When you walk into your boss's office to discuss serious business, who sits and who stands?
DeleteWhen you are a teacher lecturing a student, who sits and who stands?
You can read almost anything you want into a picture.
Msher,
ReplyDeleteJust a few observations on that picture. All the translation ear pieces were on the table opposite of Trump. The man at the left maybe Kudlow is looking through a series of papers that are orientated toward Trump (see signatures at bottom). The paper below Merkel is orientated toward her, though the majority of text seems typed there does seem to be a hand written addition at the bottom colored with a yellow high lighter. To Trumps left and orientated toward him looks to be cues for a speech (maybe tv).
Now I will guess. Trump seems to have a slightly bemused look on his face. I think the others handed him the typed paper to sign and he wrote an addition at the bottom which they have all just read and do not agree with.
JH
JH
DeleteThanks. I found the photo at the link you posted, plus have seen it a dozen other places. On the tablet I'm using I do not get a big enough version with clear enough resolution to see what you see on the typed pages. I'll take your word for it. Trump doesn't look like he's in the mood to sign anything.
I mentioned the $6 bil. fund for gender equality agreed to at the breakfast Trump was late to. I don't know whether the U.S. agreed to participate. But I saw no mention that we didn't. Could this have been the Executive Summary of that Agreement?
Msher,
Delete" Could this have been the Executive Summary of that Agreement?"
I don't know.
If I had to guess, it's either that or a communique draft.
They handed it to Trump thinking he'd accept it (go along get along) just to get out of there and go to Singapore. But he might of added something and threw it back on the table with a "how do you like these apples" attitude, but that is all a guess on my part. I know nothing about the breakfast affair.
JH
That should be top Trump's right not left.
ReplyDeleteJH
This should be the picture:
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/DavidMuir/status/1005497475615068160/photo/1
JH
Before that, I wrote a piece on sanctions on Russia which basically said forget about sanctions and just go for energy independence as a way to cripple untoward Russian ambitions. We seem to be doing that, unlike the hapless Obama misadministration.
ReplyDeleteWe have been been reducing our energy imports since about 2007, a pattern that continued during the Obama administration and that has not changed in speed since that administration.
Of course, now that Trump is President, you can acknowledge this positive trend.
...reducing our energy imports...a pattern that continued during the Obama admin... Of course, now that Trump is President, you can acknowledge this positive trend. The other 'Brow
DeleteAnd of course 'Brow Obama's windfall helped him to fund his Islamic Brothers in Iran, and his corrupt collaborators in 'Clean Energy' schemes at home. Naturally, the useful idiots in the Media didn't want to rock the Bama'boat, as they too pretended that 'solar and wind', the gift of Gaia. was the righteous path toward the progressive Nirvana. 'Cept then that dirty ol' Shale, stolen by the White man from under the Indian burial grounds, polluting water supplies, things began to get real messy! Just in time for The Donald's arrival on scene!
As usual Low Brow, you slide in with a sh!t sandwich and infer it was an Obama gift ! Truth is tho, as a little redhead lamented, "Where's the Beef?"! Here's a hint from Forbes that may help to clarify Obama 1/2 truths and jive talk, that you echo here.
excerpt: an Obama SOTU speech: Smoke n' mirrors through the lens of the progressives and prostituted press!
"Seven years ago, we made the single biggest investment in clean energy in our history. Here are the results. In fields from Iowa to Texas, wind power is now cheaper than dirtier, conventional power. On rooftops from Arizona to New York, solar is saving Americans tens of millions of dollars a year on their energy bills, and employs more Americans than coal — in jobs that pay better than average. We’re taking steps to give homeowners the freedom to generate and store their own energy — something environmentalists and Tea Partiers have teamed up to support. Meanwhile, we’ve cut our imports of foreign oil by nearly sixty percent, and cut carbon pollution more than any other country on Earth."
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rrapier/2016/01/15/president-obamas-petroleum-legacy/#18ad5fa3c10f
OW~~~
One Brow, Our imports of energy were in decline during the Obama misadministration because our economy was in the crapper. Less economic activity translates into less energy consumption. Obama blocked drilling wherever he could, and blocked oil pipeline building. We were saved only by the private sector engaging in fracking on non-federal lands. We are now consuming more energy, importing less of it, AND have become an energy exporter--and our economy is roaring along.
DeleteOn Watch,
DeleteIt's your obsessive hatred that read any credit to Obama in what I said. Notice that 2007 is well before the start of the Obama administration, and that I noted the decline has been steady.
DiploMad,
DeleteWhat you say is true now ("We are now consuming more energy, importing less of it, AND have become an energy exporter--and our economy is roaring along") was true two years ago as well. If you are going to take the position that Presidents have a major impact on the economy, then offer credit to the President of two years ago.
One Brow, If that were true I would acknowledge it. It's not.
DeleteWell, you are correct in that we were not *net* energy exporters then, but since we are not net energy exporters now, it's as true two years ago as it is now.
DeleteIf you don't think the economy was rolling along in 2016, I would be curious if you had a standard of measurement for that, which indicates some tremendous improvement since.
Now if only POTUS would do something about the rainbow flags flying over nearly every consulate and embassy during June. Some of these flags are even bigger than the US flag on the same flagpole - a violation of 36 USC that no front office cares about. Why can't old glory represent all Americans and why do the LGBT folks get their own flag when no one else does (no flag for black history, American Indian heritage, or Italian American Heritage months). Sadly, none of these missions will fly the POW/MIA flag.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading all sorts of pundits apoplectic that Trump blew off the Germans, French and Brits. Wasn't Obama talking about "a pivot to the Pacific?" (The TPP and what else I don't know as no one asked what he meant.) and the pundits were all for it?
ReplyDeleteThis is the photo that the press omitted as part of their narrative management. The Merkel-Trump photo was selected for reasons:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.neoneocon.com
I love Trump - not least because he can speak without autocue and without saying "er" 3 million times an hour. Incidentally, can Sweden ask for the fake Nobel Peace prize to be returned from Obama and the real one then awarded to The Donald?
ReplyDelete