Cramer’s Trade War: Flip Flops, Blunders, and Outright Lies
(BISMARCK, ND) – Curious about Kevin Cramer’s awkward, yet full-throated embrace of the trade war? We’ve got you covered with a roundup of his flip flops, blunders, and outright lies as he rushes to convince North Dakotans he’s on their side.
1. When it’s politically convenient, Cramer claims he’s no fan of the trade war– but, in reality, he’s been its biggest cheerleader.
Shot:
- Cramer: “The other big dispute that he and I have right now of course is over the use of tariffs. Which I’ve been very strong about, right at the beginning… So I’ve disagreed with him on the use of tariffs in this trade war.”
Chaser:
- Cramer: “Some people are saying, ‘We need to get out of this trade war.’ There’s only one thing to do in a war, and that is win it. And it would be a lot easier for Donald Trump to win the trade war if the people that are supposed to be on his side would get behind him, rather than fighting with him.”
2. Cramer doesn’t have a clue as to how this trade war is affecting our pocketbooks – and doesn’t care to learn.
Shot:
- Cramer: “Soybeans are one of those products where there’s a very high demand and a short supply. That means there will always be a pretty good price for soybeans.”
Chaser:
- North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne: The trade war and talk of it has already snipped 20 percent off of soybean farmers’ bottom line.
3. Cramer claims the administration’s $12 billion bailout is more than enough to erase his politically motivated mistake, but experts disagree.
Shot:
- Cramer: “I think that there’s a chance that we won’t need all $12 billion, if any of it.”
Chaser”
- Ag Secretary Perdue: “Obviously this is not going to make farmers whole.”
4. Cramer claims he wants to help farmers suffering from the trade war… except when the proposal to help comes from his political opponent.
Shot:
- Cramer: “My office has contacted Secretary Perdue to urge him to use every tool provided to him under the Farm Bill.”
Chaser:
- Williston Herald: “Congressman Kevin Cramer, who is in a pitched battle for North Dakota Senator with Heitkamp, said he doesn’t think such a bill [like hers] is needed.”
