I remember as a kid frenetically chasing after a rubber Superball as it bounced around, careening off everything, not knowing where it would bounce next, constantly out of reach.

That’s what it must feel like to deal with Donald Trump and try to figure out a way to pin down a complicated trade agreement, of all things. International trade, commerce and business need economic stability and predictability. In Canada’s history, we’ve never had to face such a wild card U.S. presidency and been forced to navigate as volatile a relationship with our largest trading partner.

Every day seems to bring a different turn. The goalposts seem to move whenever a new idea or insult pops into Trump’s head — which he broadcasts on social media — surprising our politicians.

There’s often no common-sense rationale with Trump. It’s dizzying, infuriating and in many ways surreal. One day his chiding of Canada could be related to fentanyl, the next illegal immigrants or imaginary trade imbalances. Perhaps disdain due to slights by our former prime minister still lingers, or maybe current PM Mark Carey........

© Montreal Gazette