Twitter locks account of Chinese Embassy in U.S.

Re:Twitter locks account of Chinese Embassy in U.S. by beerandt on Thursday January 21, 2021 @10:07AM (#25859543)

I'm not sure that the value of trade vs value of the trade war/ calling-out-genocide has changed, so much as the cost of calling them out was quickly approaching "inevitable."

It's not like Trump would have had a problem escalating the situation years ago. And if anything, it would have had more political value for him to do it pre-election.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Twitter locks account of Chinese Embassy in U.S. by xyzzy123 on Thursday January 21, 2021 @10:29AM (#25859852)

I read it instead as the outgoing president determining that the cost to him of making this call had dropped to zero.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Twitter locks account of Chinese Embassy in U.S. by beerandt on Thursday January 21, 2021 @11:35AM (#25860730)

Maybe- but that didn't change in the days leading up to inauguration. Or even since the pandemic began.

I haven't seen anyone in media seriously attack the claim itself. Which shows that political cost wasn't really a concern (even if the Biden admin didn't like the timing of the statement).

Again, if it was personal / selfishness, pre-election or earlier would have made more sense.

Even as far back as being a distraction from the (1st) impeachment would have been high benefit, low/no cost.

People are quick to presume the worst with Trump's motives for a particular action, without necessarily thinking what the preferred/likely action would be, given a particular motive.

[ Parent | on HN ]