Americans are about four times as likely to blame the current trade dispute on Trump rather than Canada, according to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll conducted late last month. Only 20% of respondents supported higher tariffs on Canadian goods.
The economies of Michigan and Maine have long been intertwined with Canada’s, covering everything from auto parts to lumber to fruit-picking equipment. That has raised the stakes in two states that Republicans will likely need to win in the November 3 elections if they are to hold the US Senate – and their respective candidates have taken notably different approaches with voters, each with its own political risks.
The Senate races in both Michigan and Maine are considered toss-ups by the Cook Political Report.
Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine is breaking with Trump, criticizing the tit-for-tat exchange of tariffs and seeking carveouts for affected industries. Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers, by contrast, has criticized Canada and made the case that his close relationship with the president will help blunt the impact of the trade war.
Helen Coster, Reuters: As Canadian tariffs bite, Republicans search for a winning message
Reuters: Majority of Americans oppose Trump’s new Canada tariffs, renaming Lake Ontario, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds