Mitt Romney continues to talk tough on U.S. trade with China.  And as the election cycle moves into high gear, and the Romney campaign focuses on key messaging, it's interesting to see that amongst the campaign's firmest pledges is a promise starting day one for presidential action to "make China play by the rules."

In a new campaign video, the former governor of Massachusetts makes clear his priorities.  In addition to cutting the federal deficit and reducing government regulations, Romney has repeatedly said that he will hold China accountable by:

• designating China as a currency manipulator (which would trigger federal action);
• barring China from U.S. government procurement until American firms are given reciprocal access

Both efforts are commendable, and much needed.  The U.S. ran a $295 billion trade deficit with China in 2011, and that running debt has cost 2.8 million American jobs since 2001. 

However, what Amerca really needs are not campaign slogans and glossy ads.  What's really needed is action.  That's what the Alliance for American Manfacturing (AAM) will be pressing for as the campaign unfolds, and after the fall election.