Off Track on Trade

President Bush and Senator Kerry took pot shots at each other today over trade and jobs. The President expressed optimism about the economy and downplayed some difficulties while the Senator played to the protectionist side of the spectrum with promises to come down hard on trade partners who don't play fair and to review the existing trade agreements. Nothing really wrong with either man's statements at face value but the underlying messages are troubling. I understand why Kerry is sounding tough on trade but I hope he plans to get realistic if he gets elected. International trade is a great thing for America and we have no future without it. It's a complex issue few understand and it is easy for politicians to play on the publics' lack of understanding rather than illuminate the subject. We can hope for more moderation and pragmatism on trade from the candidates.