Trump's Trade War Fuels Democrat Campaigns in Key Battleground State

President Donald Trump's ongoing trade war with Canada is giving Democrats in Michigan a campaign-trail boost, as they unite against his 50% tariffs on various Canadian goods.

The state's Democratic candidates are seizing the opportunity to criticize Trump's trade tactics and link them to their Republican opponents. For example, Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Senate nominee, called out his opponent Mike Rogers for being 'tacitly supportive' of Trump's tariffs, which have so far targeted Canadian steel and may affect autos by January.

El-Sayed also made it clear that he does not support all tariffs, likening past free trade agreements with Canada and Mexico to 'cancers on the American economy.' He suggested a more targeted approach to using tariffs, akin to chemotherapy for cancer.

The auto industry is taking a wait-and-see approach to the trade negotiations rather than lobbying the Trump administration. Industry representatives in Michigan are openly warning of electoral consequences for Republican candidates from Trump's tariffs in multiple states that do significant business with Canada.