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Dick Morris calls for a redefinition of what is conservative trade policy
Howard Richman, 10/29/2015

In his October 28 commentary, Dick Morris called for a redefinition of the word "conservative" as far as trade policy is concerned. He wrote (Redefining the Right):

China and trade. The administration’s refusal to name China as a currency manipulator, as well as its demand for passage of trade agreements that do not circumscribe China in the least, has opened the door to the right. We must not let our commitment to free trade get in the way of a strong attitude toward China; Beijing’s currency manipulation is to blame for much of our loss of manufacturing jobs. By keeping the yuan about 30 percent below its reasonable value, China has, in effect, imposed a 30 percent tariff on American imports and given its own exports a 30 percent incentive. The way is open for the right to occupy this ground. Just as the left has used outsourcing as an issue, the right can cite currency manipulation as a top cause of unemployment.

Morris is clearly moving in the right direction. He hasn't yet figured out that the key policy prescription  is "balanced trade," not "free trade." But he has been moving in our direction.

He was one of the best conservative commentators on Obamatrade. He appears to be supporting Donald Trump in his most recent writings. (See, for example, his October 27 commentary: Hillary Would Eat Carson Alive.) There is a change underway in Republican Party thinking about trade. Dick Morris, Donald Trump and Senator Jeff Sessions are leading the way.