Note that at present Trump is spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt, by tweeting the order but NOT making the declaration that would be required to give it effect. It’s thus a shot across the bow — a metaphor that fits this quite well, really.
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I’ve learned that whenever President Trump tweets something that surprises even me that it’s always just a chess move directed at someone who’s NOT me.
In this case, it makes the Chinese wonder if he could possibly be bold enough to carry out this threat, it keeps the left riled up and - who knows, it might actually make some companies re-think their Anti-American ways and bring their business home.
I don’t see a downside anywhere.
Maybe so but there is also a whole lot of collateral damage.
If it is the equivalent of Reagan saying the bombing starts in 30 minutes or whatever it is posturing but really disturbing to a lot and their money.
I also believe there is no such thing as a throw away comment. Nothing people say can fall into the category of “just kidding”. What they say is what they would do if given the chance and I am forever wary of those kinds of people and what they say.