The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
Quoteworthy
“Destabilizing behavior.”—How Defense Secretary Mark Esper characterized China’s aggressive moves in the South China Sea.
“(Trump) is obsessed with China’s persistent trade surpluses with America, even though economists keep telling him those are driven by more than just China’s trade barriers. They’re primarily driven by U.S. fiscal policy, interest rates and America spending more than we produce, and importing the difference.”—Thomas L. Friedman,New YorkTimes.
“While the United States is still the most powerful country on the planet, it has little leverage left in Afghanistan.”—Retired Maj. Gen. Richard S. Haddad, a fellow at the American College of National Security leaders.
“The way global economic weakness will most impact the U.S. is primarily through our manufacturing sector. That is the indicator to keep an eye on.”—Wells Fargo senior economist Mark Vitner.
“Assault weapons—military-style firearms designed to fire rapidly—are a threat to our national security, and we should treat that as such. Anyone who pretends there’s nothing we can do is lying—and holding that view should be disqualifying for anyone seeking to lead our country.”—Former VP Joe Biden.
“Donald Trump believes climate change is a hoax. Donald Trump is an idiot.”—Sen.Bernie Sanders.
“He revels in conspiracy theories because he knows it gives him quick and easy traction with the masses.”—Trump biographer Timothy L. O’Brien.
“Let me assure you that this case will continue on against anyone who was complicit with Epstein.”—Attorney General William Barr.
“I have always been an active participant in the democratic process.”—New York developer—and Miami Dolphins’ owner–Stephen Ross’ response to those criticizing his recent mega-bucks fundraiser for Donald Trump.
“When stocks go up, Trump claims full credit; when they go down, it’s the Fed’s fault.”—Catherine Rampell, Washington Post.
“There is potential for a U.S. recession … because of the lunacy of trade policy and the damage it’s doing.”—Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.
“They can throw whatever kinds of grenades and fire at me, if they like. I’m confident in who I am and what I stand for. I’m going to preach all the great things that I see the Trump Administration has done.”—Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez.
“Central Florida is the new breadbasket for the state in terms of job creation and economic growth. If you look at Tampa (Bay) and Orlando combined, that’s more than 80,000 jobs created.”—UCF economist Sean Snaith, on Florida’s strong job growth—with an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent in July.
“My job’s pretty clear. Do what’s right for the university, and that means all three locations.”–New USF President Steve Currall.
“I can’t really hold back anymore. I’ll be honest with y’all. We are teetering on the edge of water war.”—Tampa Bay Water board chairman Sandy Murman.
“How fitting for our evolving brand to return to an evolving city.”—Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, which will return to Tampa next year for the first time in a decade.