I know we have some fiscal conservatives on this board that aren't loony toons; So how do these trade propositions align with a more traditionally conservative view? On the surface, it seems like sacrificing diplomacy in an attempt to flex muscle and squeeze countries would be supported by the more traditional conservative agenda. Is it? Most sane Republicans I know don't mind the idea, but don't trust the man doing it, at least not openly. I feel like deep down they still think he is some sort of deal maker, and they would still rather have even a crappy conservative negotiator than a doormat dem.
I've always viewed these matters in terms of Republicans preferring to sacrifice diplomacy for money, while Democrats prefer to sacrifice money for diplomacy. Both can be effective when done properly, and I'm in favor of the wheel between the two constantly turning, but it would appear Trump is burning A LOT more diplomacy than he's getting in return for money. Time will tell. What we already know however is that Obama won a Nobel peace prize while recovering from a recession and growing the economy for 7 straight years.