R. Reagan + tariff = saved Harley Davidson.
Cue “Apocalypse Now” movie:
“The Horror..............The Horror.........
Women and children hurt most.
You are correct. President Reagan engaged in a few instances of protectionism. The so-called voluntary trade restraints on textiles and automobiles come to mind.
Here’s what I’d say about that: The leader of a democratic nation ignores popular opinion not only to his own peril, but also to the peril of his long-term policy goals. Accordingly, it can be good to have small and temporary exceptions.
In assessing the accomplishment of Ronald Reagan, I’d say this: What was the NET movement in terms of inflation, taxes, deregulation, free trade, property rights, and so forth?