May Says Opposites Attract, Before Trump Meeting Tomorrow
Here is the opening of this article on a very important initial meeting Donald Trump and Theresa May:
It’s not what every woman would do as she prepares to meet Donald Trump, but on her flight to the U.S., Theresa May was sounding distinctly flirty.
Asked how a pastor’s daughter with a reputation for caution would deal with a president regarded as brash and impulsive, May smiled. “Haven’t you ever noticed?” she said. “Sometimes opposites attract?”
While some countries seek distance from the billionaire Trump, May is going all-out for the closest possible relationship. As she prepares to meet him, the premier is hoping to capitalize on that bond as Britain negotiates its withdrawal from the European Union.
“We’re both very clear that we want a trade deal,” May told reporters aboard her Royal Air Force plane. “It will be in the interests of the U.K. from my point of view, that’s what I’m going to be taking in, into the trade discussions that take place in due course.”
On Friday, May will become the first foreign leader to meet Trump at the White House since he took office and ripped up the rule book, from trade policy to his use of Twitter. However, she flew into a diplomatic storm after Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto canceled plans to see Trump because of a growing dispute over the wall he wants built along the border.
Reagan-Thatcher
May’s own playful overture will be welcome in the White House -- where Trump has talked of recreating the touchy-feely relationship between Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher -- but they risk causing unease in Britain.
Tens of thousands of Britons joined the worldwide protests the day after Trump’s inauguration, attacking his statements about women. May faces domestic calls to hold Trump to account over comments he’s made on torture and over his climate policy.
A strong, free-trade relationship between the USA and UK can only be in their mutual interests. Moreover, Trump’s support will strengthen Britain’s hand in dealing with a disorganised and angry EU. It is a wakeup call for EU leaders, showing them what they have to lose with self-destructive talk of “punishing” Britain wanting to regain its sovereignty.
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