Mexico crisis shows the limits of Trump's brinkmanship

You might say it’s The Art of the Deal.

First, spark a crisis by threatening harsh consequences if hazy, unspecified demands aren’t met.

Then, torque the suspense as an artificial deadline approaches, while nervous observers warn of the dire consequences of going over the cliff.

And finally, cut a vague, imperfect or constitutionally questionable deal at the last minute, claiming victory and savaging the critics.

This is the pattern, well-worn by now, of President Donald Trump’s negotiations with a host of adversaries, real or perceived — and it’s getting eerily familiar in Washington.

This past week, Trump’s threat was to impose a series of escalating tariffs on Mexican goods entering the United States, and his demand was that Mexico curb a surge of migrants coming largely from Central America.

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