Gosh, Jen. I've had visceral concern for the guy for about a decade now. ("concern" is a euphemism, right?) I used to hope that he'd prove me wrong, but I've given up on that. As for his lack of taking responsibility, I think that's probably a life-long trait. I wouldn't be surprised if he started out blaming his brothers for everything when they were kids and never moved beyond that. I also think much of what he calls out others for is projection. He hopes that by calling out Conservatives as divisive, partisan, having a hidden agenda, etc., he's deflecting from his own divisiveness, partisanship, and agendas. I don't know that the country will ever recover from his prime ministership, either financially or with regard to social cohesion. But, damn, I can't wait to start trying.
B, concern? Concern?? That's it? I know that you say it is a euphemism but, REALLY!!
I found the guy a phony just right from the beginning and I wanted to (but didn't) deface all those damned election signs with the damned teeth and the hair (I'm bald so perhaps ....) and the oh so phony smile. I was accosted by one of his damned candidates at a baseball game and it was truly fortunate that it wasn't bat night or said candidate might have been going home much, much earlier than expected.
This guy hasn't concerned me, not at all. I just absolutely despised him. And then he won and we got "Because it's 2015! and the incredible smugness! And I watched as he proved me right so, so, so, so, so many times.
Um, I was quoting Jen. Anyway, you’re late to the “phony” game. I called it about the time of the eulogy at his father’s funeral. I am one of the early adopters when it comes to dislike of Trudeau. He’s always been a lounge-lizardy type to me. I appreciate your outrage, but you might find you get more mileage directing it at someone else. 😂
I guess that I have to give you that one. I refused to pay any attention to that funeral; I understand that he put on one Hell of a performance that day.
John Ibbitson can be really hit-or-miss with his analyses. This one here is a miss. He mostly assumes what should in fact be proven: that Trudeau is personally responsible for the lawless downtown Ottawa occupation having occurred, an analysis totally at odds with what we know about the organizers' civic illiteracy.
Being "divisive" in my view means being prone to constant or perpetual escalation of tensions or animosity in the face of criticism. It is behaviour more significant than cynically picking a wedge issue (like the public sector vaccine mandate, for example) or engaging in a tactical manipulation (shutting down the WE investigation). Being divisive means engaging in righteous meltdowns, which arguably applies to Trudeau's treatment of Judy Wilson-Raybould but not really to much else of his record in general.
Well, I can form my own opinions with or without Ibbitson. Trudeau is the most divisive PM in my lifetime, and I've been around substantially longer than you have ;-)
Stephen Harper responded to criticism of almost each and every one of his Bills with a non-verbal meltdown smearing the opposition. He drew stinging criticism from all of the opposition parties, not primarily from one opposition party as Trudeau does.
I don't know why you equate "meltdown" with divisiveness. The division in Harper's day was between those for Harper and those against him. Trudeau pits everyday Canadians against each other. He's destroyed social cohesion is the country. If you can't see that, I can't help you.
Wow, Jen. Thank You for saying it all out loud! If only CBC and CTV picked up on this rant. I have never felt comfortable with this particular man and only hoped in the beginning he would have some competent staff and cabinet, but, alas, he chose well. Only those who would toe the line. I thought his father was arrogant and entitled, but his son has done much more damage to our wonderful country. It is unrecognizable.
Firstly, gow did a third-rate hack like Jespersen get an interview with the PM? While he and Charles Adler spent years claiming to be Conservatives, they pumped Liberal tires the whole time.
Gerson's take on the PM is spot on. The shallow (deep-as-a-puddle), petty and juvenile pretty-boy was known to many Canadians in 2015, but his smarmy "namaste" shtick fooled enough voters to elect him.
His House of Cards is crumbling, finally, and Canadians are fed up with him and his cohorts.
Right from the start Jason Kenney had this guy figured out. JK made mistakes of various sorts but this guy he fully understood and called him, "Deep as a finger bowl." One of Jason's outstanding evaluations.
"Bravo," is all I can say. Jen called out what I've been seeing and hearing - all the while shaking my head, wondering if anyone else was picking up on this unfolding disaster - for the past 8.5 years.
As I've said elsewhere, you'd have to time travel to a 19th century aristocracy to find a 'little prince' this out of touch with commoners, and with this level of self-reverence. His bubble started on day 1, and only got thicker. Trudeau comes across, always, as someone who's never spoken with anyone who wasn't fluffing his ego in exchange for favors or kind treatment. Certainly, he's been insulated from anyone who literally gets their hands dirty at work. His father's money and connections got him into office, but did him no favors personality-wise. He made it to 50 without growing.
As Jen said, there's no change in his future, minus (one hopes) a job loss. Not only does he guzzle his own Kool Aid, he believes it gives him magical healing powers. Meanwhile, I can't see any future in this socioeconomically ruined country, yet I'm stuck paying for this delusional man's vanity project.
I've always thought Trudeau and Trump were similar in this way: it's just not as immediately unpalatable to people if a personality disorder is exhibited in a more attractive package, and having chosen a more acceptable collection of views as his means to self-aggrandize.
Celebrity before politics, no political experience, narcissistic character and inflated messianic sense of self, divisive politics, conspiracy originator and accomplished a reduction in national consensus - this describes both Trump & Trudeau! They are much more similar than different, but rather similar in competence!
Some years ago, somehow I got an email address for Jen and sent her an email to tell her that I found her writing terrific and, in that same email, apologized in the event that she found it creepy that someone found her writing so exciting. She very politely responded and, I'm certain, immediately got a new email address.
Truly, I am a fan of her writing (oh, and that Gurney guy is pretty good too!) but, then remember the origin of the word "fan" and her changing of email address is explained. Smart person that Jennifer!
That was delightful. I dare say the idiot got under your skin a bit. Every character facet of Trudeau you mentioned is true. In reality, I think SNC made that clear to all of us. His judgement has always been terrible. None of this is new.
Conservative; read fascist ideology in the US is going to tarnish Conservatism in Canada. It's a given. That Pierre is following that same script is just bringing the questions on himself. He doesn't need to convince his base; he needs to convince people like me that he has a plan for the country that is better than Trudeau's. That shouldn't be hard to do, yet two and approaching three elections in a row the platform remains "We're not Trudeau" and a thousand blank pages.
Make no mistake, Trudeau has no business running the country. We're down to the devil we know versus the devil we don't. For the country and its future, that sucks large.
As always, a great column. A cogent depiction of the Prime Minister. What concerns me is that the alternatives to the LPC have profound and fatal weaknesses. The CPC loves to lose, it would seem. Their stance on Ukraine and trans kids makes me wonder if they have a team that works on developing issues for the LPC to use against them. The NDP seems to be devoted to chasing the fringes and celebrating its increasing irrelevance. The opposition parties need to commit themselves to offering a competent alternative. In any event, thanks for the great column and a fun read.
You wrote "What concerns me is that the alternatives to the LPC have profound and fatal weaknesses."
Weaknesses? Yes.
"Profound" and "Fatal" ... not even close ...
Poilievre has obvious shortcomings and flaws ... but he's smart enough to have drawn-in a few world-class advisors and future ministers ... and he'd better feel the painful squeeze of a guiding hand on his shoulder when he gets too full of himself.
He's Canada's last best hope. It's unfortunate that there is not a viable vaccine for hubris.
Ron, you describe PP as, "... Canada's last best hope."
Truly, I believe that. I am of an age, as used to be said; that simply means that I'm old. I'm so old that I cannot really move out of this country which is what I would advise any young folk who were sufficiently silly to ask my advice.
I do know that the Face Painter is a good campaigner and if PP should stumble and if the FP should somehow eke out a sufficient minority to allow his reign of terror to continue, I would be actively participating in a campaign to separate from Canada.
I hope to see, the flag from the Alberta legislature, being the flag of the country of Alberta (or whatever name we call it). Alberta has been the ATM for eastern Canada for a long time and even with a change of the federal government there is no guarantee that there won’t be a Trudeau 3 who wants to destroy not only Alberta, but Canada.
When Trudeau publicly acknowledged his separation from Sophie Gregoire, I remember that you predicted he might try to compensate by doubling down on his career. I think this is what that looks like, and it's going to result in a very vicious and unpleasant election campaign.
Once again, it’s dangerous to believe your own bullshit and he’s a true believer. Our only hope is that Poilievre can live up to his potential and become the leader we so desperately need.
Gosh, Jen. I've had visceral concern for the guy for about a decade now. ("concern" is a euphemism, right?) I used to hope that he'd prove me wrong, but I've given up on that. As for his lack of taking responsibility, I think that's probably a life-long trait. I wouldn't be surprised if he started out blaming his brothers for everything when they were kids and never moved beyond that. I also think much of what he calls out others for is projection. He hopes that by calling out Conservatives as divisive, partisan, having a hidden agenda, etc., he's deflecting from his own divisiveness, partisanship, and agendas. I don't know that the country will ever recover from his prime ministership, either financially or with regard to social cohesion. But, damn, I can't wait to start trying.
As someone who is mostly dead inside, I rarely feel visceral about anything, I assure you. JG
B, concern? Concern?? That's it? I know that you say it is a euphemism but, REALLY!!
I found the guy a phony just right from the beginning and I wanted to (but didn't) deface all those damned election signs with the damned teeth and the hair (I'm bald so perhaps ....) and the oh so phony smile. I was accosted by one of his damned candidates at a baseball game and it was truly fortunate that it wasn't bat night or said candidate might have been going home much, much earlier than expected.
This guy hasn't concerned me, not at all. I just absolutely despised him. And then he won and we got "Because it's 2015! and the incredible smugness! And I watched as he proved me right so, so, so, so, so many times.
Concern? Come on, B!!
Um, I was quoting Jen. Anyway, you’re late to the “phony” game. I called it about the time of the eulogy at his father’s funeral. I am one of the early adopters when it comes to dislike of Trudeau. He’s always been a lounge-lizardy type to me. I appreciate your outrage, but you might find you get more mileage directing it at someone else. 😂
I used to wonder why, when there was a coup, the family of the de-throned leader was killed. Strangely that question has been answered.
I realize this is a joke, but it's very close to the line. JG
I love this comment! I also agree with what I believe to be your answer.
I guess that I have to give you that one. I refused to pay any attention to that funeral; I understand that he put on one Hell of a performance that day.
Eulogy written by Gerry Butts too! I’ll bet Trudeau couldn’t get into university without his dad’s influence. It’s amazing how far voters let him get.
Is that true?? Button wrote the eulogy?
The official narrative is that he "helped" https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/5-things-to-know-about-trudeau-confidant-gerald-butts-1.2619851
“Paraphrasing Jen,” I should say. I didn’t use quotation marks there. Guess I should have.
Same with me, and at the same time/event.
Trudeau is hypocritical in my eyes, but what exactly is "divisive" in his record?
There are a few examples in here https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-trudeau-must-bear-the-blame-for-his-divisive-words-and-actions/
John Ibbitson can be really hit-or-miss with his analyses. This one here is a miss. He mostly assumes what should in fact be proven: that Trudeau is personally responsible for the lawless downtown Ottawa occupation having occurred, an analysis totally at odds with what we know about the organizers' civic illiteracy.
Being "divisive" in my view means being prone to constant or perpetual escalation of tensions or animosity in the face of criticism. It is behaviour more significant than cynically picking a wedge issue (like the public sector vaccine mandate, for example) or engaging in a tactical manipulation (shutting down the WE investigation). Being divisive means engaging in righteous meltdowns, which arguably applies to Trudeau's treatment of Judy Wilson-Raybould but not really to much else of his record in general.
Well, I can form my own opinions with or without Ibbitson. Trudeau is the most divisive PM in my lifetime, and I've been around substantially longer than you have ;-)
Stephen Harper responded to criticism of almost each and every one of his Bills with a non-verbal meltdown smearing the opposition. He drew stinging criticism from all of the opposition parties, not primarily from one opposition party as Trudeau does.
I don't know why you equate "meltdown" with divisiveness. The division in Harper's day was between those for Harper and those against him. Trudeau pits everyday Canadians against each other. He's destroyed social cohesion is the country. If you can't see that, I can't help you.
Wow, Jen. Thank You for saying it all out loud! If only CBC and CTV picked up on this rant. I have never felt comfortable with this particular man and only hoped in the beginning he would have some competent staff and cabinet, but, alas, he chose well. Only those who would toe the line. I thought his father was arrogant and entitled, but his son has done much more damage to our wonderful country. It is unrecognizable.
Wow, just wow. Quite the head of steam there. I immediately shared it with several friends. What a great read!
Superb analysis of our Prime Minister and federal liberals in general. Thank you.
Ron Richards
Ottawa
Firstly, gow did a third-rate hack like Jespersen get an interview with the PM? While he and Charles Adler spent years claiming to be Conservatives, they pumped Liberal tires the whole time.
Gerson's take on the PM is spot on. The shallow (deep-as-a-puddle), petty and juvenile pretty-boy was known to many Canadians in 2015, but his smarmy "namaste" shtick fooled enough voters to elect him.
His House of Cards is crumbling, finally, and Canadians are fed up with him and his cohorts.
Right from the start Jason Kenney had this guy figured out. JK made mistakes of various sorts but this guy he fully understood and called him, "Deep as a finger bowl." One of Jason's outstanding evaluations.
"Bravo," is all I can say. Jen called out what I've been seeing and hearing - all the while shaking my head, wondering if anyone else was picking up on this unfolding disaster - for the past 8.5 years.
As I've said elsewhere, you'd have to time travel to a 19th century aristocracy to find a 'little prince' this out of touch with commoners, and with this level of self-reverence. His bubble started on day 1, and only got thicker. Trudeau comes across, always, as someone who's never spoken with anyone who wasn't fluffing his ego in exchange for favors or kind treatment. Certainly, he's been insulated from anyone who literally gets their hands dirty at work. His father's money and connections got him into office, but did him no favors personality-wise. He made it to 50 without growing.
As Jen said, there's no change in his future, minus (one hopes) a job loss. Not only does he guzzle his own Kool Aid, he believes it gives him magical healing powers. Meanwhile, I can't see any future in this socioeconomically ruined country, yet I'm stuck paying for this delusional man's vanity project.
I've always thought Trudeau and Trump were similar in this way: it's just not as immediately unpalatable to people if a personality disorder is exhibited in a more attractive package, and having chosen a more acceptable collection of views as his means to self-aggrandize.
Celebrity before politics, no political experience, narcissistic character and inflated messianic sense of self, divisive politics, conspiracy originator and accomplished a reduction in national consensus - this describes both Trump & Trudeau! They are much more similar than different, but rather similar in competence!
And neither believes the law applies to them.
Yes! They are quite similar. JT’s references to the Conservatives being Trumplike are merely his attempts to deflect.
The one difference is that Trump, flawed as he is, in not stupid. Trudo, pretty as he is, is retarded.
I have been saying Trudeau is a less slimy Trump for years! Thank you for saying it out loud.
Home run. Hat trick. Slam dunk. Loved it Jen.
" the gentle whisperings from the hollow wind tunnel..." It's gold! Jen, It's gold!
I like pretty much everything Jen writes - even when I disagree with some of it. But there's no doubt that I like her 'angry columns' best!
Some years ago, somehow I got an email address for Jen and sent her an email to tell her that I found her writing terrific and, in that same email, apologized in the event that she found it creepy that someone found her writing so exciting. She very politely responded and, I'm certain, immediately got a new email address.
Truly, I am a fan of her writing (oh, and that Gurney guy is pretty good too!) but, then remember the origin of the word "fan" and her changing of email address is explained. Smart person that Jennifer!
That was delightful. I dare say the idiot got under your skin a bit. Every character facet of Trudeau you mentioned is true. In reality, I think SNC made that clear to all of us. His judgement has always been terrible. None of this is new.
Conservative; read fascist ideology in the US is going to tarnish Conservatism in Canada. It's a given. That Pierre is following that same script is just bringing the questions on himself. He doesn't need to convince his base; he needs to convince people like me that he has a plan for the country that is better than Trudeau's. That shouldn't be hard to do, yet two and approaching three elections in a row the platform remains "We're not Trudeau" and a thousand blank pages.
Make no mistake, Trudeau has no business running the country. We're down to the devil we know versus the devil we don't. For the country and its future, that sucks large.
As always, a great column. A cogent depiction of the Prime Minister. What concerns me is that the alternatives to the LPC have profound and fatal weaknesses. The CPC loves to lose, it would seem. Their stance on Ukraine and trans kids makes me wonder if they have a team that works on developing issues for the LPC to use against them. The NDP seems to be devoted to chasing the fringes and celebrating its increasing irrelevance. The opposition parties need to commit themselves to offering a competent alternative. In any event, thanks for the great column and a fun read.
You wrote "What concerns me is that the alternatives to the LPC have profound and fatal weaknesses."
Weaknesses? Yes.
"Profound" and "Fatal" ... not even close ...
Poilievre has obvious shortcomings and flaws ... but he's smart enough to have drawn-in a few world-class advisors and future ministers ... and he'd better feel the painful squeeze of a guiding hand on his shoulder when he gets too full of himself.
He's Canada's last best hope. It's unfortunate that there is not a viable vaccine for hubris.
Ron, you describe PP as, "... Canada's last best hope."
Truly, I believe that. I am of an age, as used to be said; that simply means that I'm old. I'm so old that I cannot really move out of this country which is what I would advise any young folk who were sufficiently silly to ask my advice.
I do know that the Face Painter is a good campaigner and if PP should stumble and if the FP should somehow eke out a sufficient minority to allow his reign of terror to continue, I would be actively participating in a campaign to separate from Canada.
I hope to see, the flag from the Alberta legislature, being the flag of the country of Alberta (or whatever name we call it). Alberta has been the ATM for eastern Canada for a long time and even with a change of the federal government there is no guarantee that there won’t be a Trudeau 3 who wants to destroy not only Alberta, but Canada.
When Trudeau publicly acknowledged his separation from Sophie Gregoire, I remember that you predicted he might try to compensate by doubling down on his career. I think this is what that looks like, and it's going to result in a very vicious and unpleasant election campaign.
This article and the Royals podcast were well worth the re-subscribe. Matt, what are you bringing to the table? :)
Matt brought quite a lot in last week's pod :D
yes, indeed
Once again, it’s dangerous to believe your own bullshit and he’s a true believer. Our only hope is that Poilievre can live up to his potential and become the leader we so desperately need.
Beautiful!