But again: At what price? Canadians and Canadian politicians now feel slighted, and it will be harder for Canada to support U.S. initiatives, especially those led by Trump, in the future. It may be a long time before Canada feels like an even vaguely equal partner again. In the meantime, the U.S. and Canada have ongoing dealings and negotiations concerning water rights, border and migration issues, intelligence sharing, terror prevention, and presenting a (relatively) united front against other foreign powers, including Russia in the Arctic. The marginal gains in trade just don’t seem worth the deterioration in the relationship.
And should Mexico really feel elevated by getting the first crack at the deal? Surely it must know that it might not be the favored party the next time around.
Nonetheless, Trump is likely to get his victory, at least if Congress proves amenable. But there was a much easier way – one that, instead of leaving America's reputation in tatters yet again, would have enhanced America’s international standing. Sadly, unsurprisingly, the president did not take it.
This article provided by Bloomberg View.