CNN Host Argues That Trump Gaffes' on China Trip Were Really Smart Diplomacy'

"Smerconish said he was sure Trump's comment would be used in plenty of Democratic midterm ads. But here's the truth: President Trump gave the only answer he could have given, Smerconish said. Yes, the economic pain is realbut the people stomping on Trump for that answer are missing the point entirely. He wasn't talking to us. He was speaking to Iran. The strongest remaining weapon in Iran's arsenal it's not their navy or missile systems it's American impatience, Smerconish continued."

"If President Trump had stood at that microphone and said, Boy, I sure hope we can keep this up for a little bit longer because the economy is really taking a toll,' that would have been a gift-wrapped signal to Tehran that we're looking for a way out. Next, Smerconish talked about how Trump refused to confirm arm sales to Taiwan when asked by Chinese President Xi Jinping. So now, Trump's unwillingness to confirm arms sales to Taiwan that became the story."

"That and his refusal to say whether the U.S. would come to Taiwan's defense in the event of a China attack, Smerconish said. Arguably the bigger story was Trump's revelation that Xi had directly asked Trump whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan if China attacked. Think about that for a moment. The leader of China flat-out asked. The question alone tells you everything about where Beijing's head is."

"Smerconish argued Trump's refusal to give Xi an answer was not a dodge or a weakness. That's a long-standing U.S. policy of strategic ambiguity, and the on"

Trump’s remarks about Iran were framed as the only workable response, aimed at Iran rather than Americans’ economic concerns. The economic pain was described as real, but critics were said to miss the point because the message was intended to influence Iran’s expectations and leverage. The strongest remaining weapon against Iran was characterized as American impatience. On Taiwan, Trump’s refusal to confirm arm sales and refusal to state whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan were presented as consistent with strategic ambiguity. Xi Jinping’s direct question about U.S. defense was treated as evidence of Beijing’s intentions, while Trump’s noncommittal stance was portrayed as policy rather than weakness.

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