We all know that there would not have been a shutdown of 25 percent of the federal government if President Donald Trump had not been terrified of his base. There’s a way to end the shutdown without enraging the right-wingers who are dead-set on having a border wall erected.
Trump would have to face his supporters — preferably at a rally — and announce that his promise to make Mexico pay for the wall still stands.
The American people, acting through our legislators, have rejected the idea of advancing money for the wall. And that is why Trump realizes that the only way the American people will agree to advance the money is if they are convinced that the new trade agreement will result in Mexico (and Canada) paying for the wall.
This approach will give Trump cover. It will solidify his determination to build the wall, but respect the judgment of the majority of Americans, who do not want to pay for the wall.
But if I know Trump, he will not relent from his stand that there must be taxpayer funding for the wall or there’s no deal to reopen the government. In all likelihood, his tantrum (new word: tantrump) will continue.