Trump's feud with Harley-Davidson puts Wisconsin Republicans in a tough spot

by Laura Clawson

Daily Kos Staff

Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 at 11:18:21am PDT

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 2: President Donald Trump speaks briefly to reporters after greeting Harley Davidson executives on the South Lawn of the White House, February 2, 2017 in Washington, DC. President Trump is meeting with Harley Davidson executives on Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) — Trump and some Harleys in happier days

Donald Trump’s ongoing spat with Harley-Davidson is putting Wisconsin Republicans in a tight spot: do they side with Trump or with one of their state’s most iconic companies? Harley-Davidson has said it is moving some production overseas as a result of Trump’s trade wars, and Trump has predictably lashed out, including a call for a boycott of the company if it follows through.

Gov. Scott Walker, up for re-election, is trying to split the baby:

“I want Harley Davidson to prosper here in the state of Wisconsin,” Walker said. “And one of the best ways for that to happen is to do what the president has called for and that is to get to no tariffs.”

(Reminder: Trump is imposing tariffs around the world, leading to the trade war in question.)

The Republicans seeking to challenge Sen. Tammy Baldwin similarly avoided addressing Trump’s boycott call. But it’ll get more difficult for Republicans to dodge the issue as they move to the general election campaign.