Bret: Am I hearing openness on your part to a U.S.-E.U. free trade agreement? That would solve a lot of our supply-chain problems and annoy protectionists in both parties.
Gail: Yeah, but the last thing we ought to do is respond to an event like the formula shortage by saying, “Oh, gosh, no more federal oversight of imports!” Really, there’s dangerous stuff out there, and we need to be protected from it.
Bret: Well, of course.
Gail: Let’s move on to the upcoming elections. Really fascinated by that Pennsylvania Senate primary. Particularly on the Republican side, where we’re seeing a super surge from Kathy Barnette, a Black, very-very-conservative-to-reactionary activist. The other leaders are still Trump’s favorite, Mehmet Oz, and David McCormick, former head of the world’s largest hedge fund.
Bret: Nice to see a genuinely competitive race.
Gail: Barnette is doing very well despite — or maybe because of — her record of anti-Muslim rhetoric.
A pretty appalling trio by my lights, but do you have a favorite?
Bret: I’m in favor of the least crazy candidate on the ballot.
Gail: Excellent standard.
Bret: The problem the G.O.P. has had for some time now is that in many states and districts, not to mention the presidential contest, the candidate most likely to win a primary is least likely to win a general election. Republican primaries are like holding a heavy metal air guitar contest in order to compete for a place in a jazz ensemble, if that makes any sense.
Gail: Yeah, although that particular music contest does sound sorta fascinating.
Bret: Question for you, Gail: Do you really think President Biden is going to run for re-election? Truly, honestly? And can you see Kamala Harris as his successor?
