[Zhang Fei]

Job #1 is re-election in 2020. If Trump is defeated, the tariffs are off. So he needs (1) low gas prices and (2) a strong economy. The China thing is damaging the Chinese economy to a significant extent, but it is also damaging the US economy, to a lesser extent. In combo with a moribund European economy, this is what has led to the manufacturing purchasing managers’ index to signal a contraction:

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/01/us-manufacturing-economy-contracts-to-worst-level-in-a-decade.html
- The ISM U.S. manufacturing purchasing managers’ index came in at 47.8% in September, the lowest since June 2009.
- This marks the second consecutive month of contraction.
- The new export orders index tanked to only 41%, the lowest level since March 2009.

I’d consider this a tactical freeze until after Election Day in 2020.

[central_va]

Cancelling the tariff increase is how you lose MI, IN, OH etc. etc. etc. Trump is now in trouble. He is caving into big ag and then Chinks JUST LIKE EVERY REPUBLICAN POS before him.

The Dems are going to make hay out of this big time.