U.S. – Canada trade war might be tested on the November ballot

The United States' relationship with those neighbors in the the Great White North is struggling beyond complaints of 'get off my lawn.' Economic tension between the traditional allies doesn't seem to be subsiding.

We will start with the trade war between the United States and Canada that's intensified in recent weeks. Both countries imposed stiff tariffs on imports coming from each other. Canada is the United States' second-largest trading partner. This week Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on 20-billion dollars worth of American products. That's after the U.S. assessed tariffs of 50 percent on Canadian products worth up to $28 billion after trade negotiations fell apart in late August.

This week the Trump administration responded again by announcing a ban on dairy products, most alcoholic products and motorcycles coming from Canada. That's scheduled to take effect in three weeks. Businesses in each country along with everyday Canadians and everyday Americans wind up paying the price. What political implications do you think this will have on the midterm election in November? Host Jim Niedelman got into the issues with former Iowa Republican party chair Steve Grubbs and Democratic political consultant Kevin Perkins.

"This sitting president campaigned on not starting wars," Perkins said. "Not only has he started trade wars, but he started a war with Iran. We're in trouble with this leadership."

"I don't think this will be an issue that will have a lot of midterm impact," Perkins said. "Canada, from a land perspective, is a lot bigger than the United States, but their economy is very small."

To hear more, click on the video above.

Question of the Week

That brings us to our question of the week: What do you think about the growing trade war between the United States and Canada? Please share your thoughts at 4therecord@whbf.com. or respond to this post on Facebook here or here.

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