US Elections (& Politics) :)

Liberal Oregon established a "corporate activity tax" a few years ago. It simply a tax on a company's revenue, not profit. It's exactly the same as a tariff and includes USA goods, too. The libs argued that companies would not raise prices because of this tax (which turned out to be a lie, but different subject). My point is that libs love tariffs when they propose it, but hate them when a conservative proposes it. Just another example of having nothing to do with what it is, and everything to do with who proposes it.

As for the tariffs themselves, it's a complicated dance. Raising prices hurts everybody. Protecting jobs helps everybody. Tariffs are a form of sales tax, which has its pros and cons. It's a complicated feedback loop with a very long response time before it approaches stability. Anybody who wants to show a particular statistical result can cherry pick data to support it. It will be just another political football that will be meddled with endlessly, just as with the tax code.
So wasn't Trump's China tariffs more of a leverage move? Barging? I am very ignorant about tariffs...guess I get them mixed up with sanctions...
 
I am really worried about Trump tapping House Republicans for positions. They are up for reelection every two years. That means that whoever is appointed to replace them, only have about 18 months to make a name for themselves.

That incumbent status will not be there and they are at risk of being replaced by a Dem.
 
So wasn't Trump's China tariffs more of a leverage move? Barging? I am very ignorant about tariffs...guess I get them mixed up with sanctions...
I think tariffs are simple. Maybe I'll get corrected. They might be closer to a one-time VAT than a sales tax. Just a percentage tax on the value of the imported goods, paid to the federal treasury. Like so many other things they can be used for manipulation and social engineering in addition to the stated purpose of leveling the playing field between USA and foreign workers.
 
That means that whoever is appointed to replace them, only have about 18 months to make a name for themselves.
Vacant house seats in a new congress are filled by special election. Period. No appointments. Rules for vacant Senate seats vary by state. In Florida and some other states the governor appoints the replacement, followed by an election that could be a couple years off.

Filling vacancies in the U.S. House of Representatives