I've always felt the new tanker, as a strategic asset, should be built by an American contractor.
Additionally, the philosophical constraints Airbus imposes through software, limiting aircraft performance, are not suitable during combat extremes.
It seems now the contract is increasingly likely to go to Boeing, as it should.
With 30 years of tanker experience, and a current Airbus airline pilot, I think I'm seeing it right, and I hope the thing goes to Boeing.
If it's any consolation, Airbus makes a superb airliner.