Trump Makes a Muddle out of China Challenge

Donald Trump, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio closed out the week by crowding into South Carolina to speechify on the Chinese threat. That felt appropriate, considering China itself launched the week by turning global markets upside down. Watch the remarks in reverse order — try Rubio, then Trump — and it’s a bit like witnessing the Republican version of President Obama and his anger translator: A measured take on a pressing international challenge unravels into a manic yawp. Only in the joke, the President brings out his translator to speak rough truths because his office demands niceties that mask his real meaning. In reality, for better or worse, it’s the other way around — complex problems require nuance.