Bruce Anderson

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Carney approval level hits 67% - Canada's new PM is accumulating - not shedding - political capital so far.

Carney approval level hits 67% - Canada's new PM is accumulating - not shedding - political capital so far.

Lyndon Johnson famously talked about pushing ahead with the things he believed in, regardless of political risk, arguing ‘what’s the power of the Presidency for, if not to use it’. The routine of politics is one of cycles - where newly elected leaders lose political support as they encounter problems, try to do difficult things, and annoy or disappoint people...

Carney approval level hits 67%

Carney approval level hits 67%

Lyndon Johnson famously talked about pushing ahead with the things he believed in, regardless of political risk, arguing ‘what’s the power of the Presidency for, if not to use it’. The routine of politics is one of cycles - where newly elected leaders lose political support as they encounter problems, try to do difficult things, and annoy or disappoint people...

SMT -- The G7 As Trump Leaves Early

SMT -- The G7 As Trump Leaves Early

Canada hosts the G7 leaders' summit. Great mountain backdrop for the photo-ops, but as usual, Trump steals the headlines as he skips out early to deal with the Middle East crisis from home. Does that matter? When the smoke and mirrors disappear, what's the truth? Bruce. Anderson and Fred DeLorey are here to sift through the details.

$61 Billion for the Golden Dome?

$61 Billion for the Golden Dome?

The other day I noticed a CTV story about a poll, done by another polling firm, asking about Canada’s participation in the “Golden Dome” security arrangement being talked about by President Donald Trump. The firm in question does a lot of good work and so my point here is really only about this one question, and the risks of it...

Can voters actually like a politician?

Can voters actually like a politician?

How many times have you heard, “a plague on all their houses.” a Shakespeare line from Romeo and Juliet, used to describe how voters feel towards politicians? Media coverage of politics tends to exaggerate how disliked politicians actually are, and I’d make a case that the cynicism and click baiting that pervade a lot of media coverage today actually creates...

US style polarization in Canada? Maybe not.

US style polarization in Canada? Maybe not.

There were lots of reasons to imagine that Canada was heading for a period of more and more intense political polarization. We might yet. But that’s not what’s happening right now. On the surface, with the two largest parties deadlocked at about 40% support each, we might wonder if US style partisanship is in the cards - where every Liberal...

Can voters actually like a politician?

Can voters actually like a politician?

How many times have you heard, “a plague on all their houses.” a Shakespeare line from Romeo and Juliet, used to describe how voters feel towards politicians? Media coverage of politics tends to exaggerate how disliked politicians actually are, and I’d make a case that the cynicism and click baiting that pervade a lot of media coverage today actually creates...

Spark Insights Polling: Mark Carney and the Likeability Factor

Spark Insights Polling: Mark Carney and the Likeability Factor

How many times have you heard, “a plague on all their houses.” a Shakespeare line from Romeo and Juliet, used to describe how voters feel towards politicians? Media coverage of politics tends to exaggerate how disliked politicians actually are, and I’d make a case that the cynicism and click baiting that pervade a lot of media coverage today actually creates...

US style polarization in Canada? Maybe not.

US style polarization in Canada? Maybe not.

So far, Mark Carney has drawn optimism across the spectrum as many Canadians want to pick solutions, not sides. There were lots of reasons to imagine that Canada was heading for a period of more and more intense political polarization. We might yet. But that’s not what’s happening right now. On the surface, with the two largest parties deadlocked at...

US style polarization in Canada? Maybe not.

US style polarization in Canada? Maybe not.

There were lots of reasons to imagine that Canada was heading for a period of more and more intense political polarization. We might yet. But that’s not what’s happening right now. On the surface, with the two largest parties deadlocked at about 40% support each, we might wonder if US style partisanship is in the cards - where every Liberal...

SMT -- Growing Pains or Signs of Things To Come?

SMT -- Growing Pains or Signs of Things To Come?

There have been a few stumbles out of the gate for the new Carney government and the question is -- is this much ado about nothing? Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey take up that challenge on this week's Smoke Mirrors and The Truth. Then a special chat with Arlene Bynon about her new and riveting podcast series, Calls from a...

Smoke Mirrors and The Truth -- The Recount Story

Smoke Mirrors and The Truth -- The Recount Story

We all know the election result was a minority government. But it was very close, which makes the recount story fascinating and, for some, controversial. Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey have their thoughts on this and are here to explain them. Also today, we unveil this week's question for Thursday's Your Turn.

Conservatives bet on a ballot question that was bound to backfire.

Conservatives bet on a ballot question that was bound to backfire.

This was supposed to be a time when incumbents had no chance of re-election. Post-Covid economies made voters mad about the cost of living, worried about the cost of government, and fed up with of being told how to think and act. They wanted more freedom, lower costs and less taxation. People wanted a political leader who was focused on...

SMT - Civility Rules, But For How Long?

SMT - Civility Rules, But For How Long?

In the week since the election, all sides in the next House seem to be finding ways to be nice to each other. What's going on and how long will it last? Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey give their thoughts on that, plus Mark Carney's approach with the media, and what's happening inside the Conservative Party.

SMT -- The Morning After The Day Before.

SMT -- The Morning After The Day Before.

Well, that was a night. Canadians voted, and Mark Carney was the winner, overcoming what at one time was a 25-point Pierre Poilievre lead in the polls. But it was not a majority win, at least not yet. With counts and recounts still to come, the outcome remains a minority Liberal government. Fred DeLorey and Bruce Anderson are here to...

Trump shows us what a rash narcissist can do to harm a country. Pierre Poilievre isn't Trump. But they're alike in several ways.

Trump shows us what a rash narcissist can do to harm a country. Pierre Poilievre isn't Trump. But they're alike in several ways.

Pierre Poilievre goes out of his way to be seen as a firebrand. It’s a look he’s been working on for years. He loved ginning up partisan supporters by saying he would fire the Governor of the Bank of Canada and replace him with someone “who would reinstate our low inflation mandate”. That was in May of 2022. Inflation peaked...

Smoke, Mirrors and The Truth -- The Stretch Run Begins

Smoke, Mirrors and The Truth -- The Stretch Run Begins

Less than a week to go now before Canadians have their votes counted and a new government is declared. So what should we be watching for as the leaders hit the final days of their campaigns to woo voters. Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey are here with their thoughts on everything from post debate analysis, to advertising, to what to...

SMT -- From Dirty Tricks to Debate Tactics

SMT -- From Dirty Tricks to Debate Tactics

Liberal Bruce Anderson and Conservative Fred DeLorey continue their 2025 election conversation with two new topics this week. The LIberals get caught playing dirty tricks, while both parties prepare for this week's debates. With little time left in the campaign, is the die cast, or is anything still possible?

"The camera is an X-Ray machine for the soul." First impressions and the Poilievre-Carney battle

"The camera is an X-Ray machine for the soul." First impressions and the Poilievre-Carney battle

Much ink has been spilled offering explanations for how the Liberals have replaced a 25 point deficit with a 4 or 5 point advantage – all in a matter of a few months.

Betting on Pierre Poilievre? This weekend's Canada Strong and Free Conference is another risky distraction for the Conservative campaign

Betting on Pierre Poilievre? This weekend's Canada Strong and Free Conference is another risky distraction for the Conservative campaign

Betting markets for political outcomes are relatively new - and fair to say - not really proven. Polymarket, the highest profile of these, found fame because bettors on the platform favoured Donald Trump, who obviously went on to win the 2024 election. But there is some controversy around the fact that such platforms are vulnerable to manipulation.

Smoke Mirrors and The Truth -- Both Main Parties Face Issues, Are They Serious?

Smoke Mirrors and The Truth -- Both Main Parties Face Issues, Are They Serious?

Jean Chretien used to call them "nervous nellies", those who constantly worry their party's strategy is wrong. With their lead in the polls having collapsed, the Conservatives are divided about what to do. The LIberals meanwhile stumble over one of their candidates. Backroom strategists Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey give us their spin on how serious both issues are. Plus...

SMT -- Opening Impressions -- Danielle Smith, French Debates, Crowd Size, Tom Mulcair

SMT -- Opening Impressions -- Danielle Smith, French Debates, Crowd Size, Tom Mulcair

It's only been forty eight hours and opening impressions rarely last long, but what about these? How damaging was Danielle Smith's US interview to Pierre Poilievre? What about Mark Carney's yes then no on the TVA debate? And more. Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey are here with their spin.

SMT -- What Are The Polls Telling Us?

SMT -- What Are The Polls Telling Us?

There seems to be a poll a day recently and while they're each a bit different. there is one common theme. The Liberals are back and the race between them and the Conservatives is very tight. Long gone are the huge leads the Conservatives had. And the NDP? -- they've collapsed. So how are the political pros responding to this...

SMT -- How To Deal With The Trump Factor In A Campaign

SMT -- How To Deal With The Trump Factor In A Campaign

Bruce Anderson and Fred Delorey drop by for a Smoke Mirrors and the Truth episode that deals with what is now a daily issue -- how to deal with the Trump Factor in A Campaign? Can Trump remain the top issue during a campaign and if so how do you deal with it and him? The Anderson-DeLorey spin room will...

A table-flipper or a flight to safety?  My take on Canadian politics this winter.
SMT - When Is A Gaffe Really A Gaffe?

SMT - When Is A Gaffe Really A Gaffe?

Enter the Fred DeLorey/Bruce Anderson spin room as we deconstruct elements of last night's french language liberal leadership contender's debate. There were various moments, and especially one, where views differ and they are worth discussing. Also, the Ontario election is days away -- is a massive win for one side good for democracy?

Smoke Mirrors and the Truth -- The Art of The Pivot?

Smoke Mirrors and the Truth -- The Art of The Pivot?

These are crazy times to be running campaigns either for party leadership, a provincial campaign or prepping for a national campaign. It's how the Trump factor has changed everything, even things that have nothing really to do with him. That's the topic for SMT this week and both Fred DeLorey and Bruce Anderson have thoughts on this. Also, a feature...

SMT - Who Blinked First -- Trump or Trudeau?

SMT - Who Blinked First -- Trump or Trudeau?

Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey go head to head on the tariff issue, or are they in agreement? Who blinked? Trump or Trudeau? These are strange times and this YouTube conversation provesit! Then Keith Boag joins The Bridge podcast for his always incisive, non partisan take on the same story.

SMT -- Do Endorsements or Interviews Matter?

SMT -- Do Endorsements or Interviews Matter?

Political campaigns have often depended on candidates getting endorsements and getting interviews. Does either matter anymore? Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLorey bounce that one back and forth on this week's SMT. Plus, will a Doug Ford campaign get in the way of the Liberal Leadership. Segment two (for the audio show only) is an excerpt from my onstage interview at...

SMT - The Return of Smoke Mirrors and The Truth

SMT - The Return of Smoke Mirrors and The Truth

Bruce Anderson joins with former Conservative campaign manager, Fred DeLorey who joins our Tuesday lineup for insider political talk during the Liberal leadership race. Today, the two look at how campaign decisions that take place in the background can impact the race.

Good Talk -- The Liberal Race Begins With Trump Looming Large

Good Talk -- The Liberal Race Begins With Trump Looming Large

By this weekend the Liberal leadership race will likely be all set. Carney is in already, Freeland should be in by Sunday. What are the impressions so far? Who's up, who's down? And is the idea of a carbon tax election still likely or is that all but gone now? And what about Donald Trump and the faltering attempt at...

Good Talk -- As The Liberal Race Begins, Has Trump Changed Everything?

Good Talk -- As The Liberal Race Begins, Has Trump Changed Everything?

Liberals are gathering at the gate, with some poised to enter the race for the leadership. Meanwhile, most eyes are focused on Donald Trump and his threat of tariffs and annexation. Where's this leading? Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson set things up for what is likely to be a fascinating few days ahead.

A Special Good Talk -- Okay, What Happens Now?

A Special Good Talk -- Okay, What Happens Now?

We can finally stop asking "Will he or Won't he?" because he did. He called it quits and now the race is on to see who leads the Liberals to either possible extinction or surprise recovery. No small task, yet no trouble finding names who seem like they want to give it a go. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson join...

Freeland, Carney seen as best Liberal to deal with Trump

Freeland, Carney seen as best Liberal to deal with Trump

Two potential successors to Justin Trudeau draw more public support when it comes to who can best represent Canadians interests with the Trump Administration. In our latest national survey (December 21-23rd 2024) we asked respondents which of 6 potential new Liberal leaders would “do the best job representing Canadians interests in negotiating the right trade and overall relationship with the...

Freeland, Carney seen as best Liberal to deal with Trump

Freeland, Carney seen as best Liberal to deal with Trump

In our latest national survey (December 21-23rd 2024) we asked respondents which of 6 potential new Liberal leaders would “do the best job representing Canadians interests in negotiating the right trade and overall relationship with the incoming Trump Administration.

If not Trudeau, who?

If not Trudeau, who?

if Justin Trudeau decides to step down. In terms of first choice preferences, Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney garnered more support than Leblanc, Anand, Wilkinson, Champagne, Joly, Clark. In our latest national survey (conducted just before Christmas, we asked people to rank order their preferences for Liberal leader, if Justin Trudeau decides to step down. In terms of first choice...

If not Trudeau, who?

If not Trudeau, who?

if Justin Trudeau decides to step down. In terms of first choice preferences, Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney garnered more support than Leblanc, Anand, Wilkinson, Champagne, Joly, Clark

Good Talk - Part 2 - Late reaction to the shuffle, the Singh threat, and Poilievre's request.

Good Talk - Part 2 - Late reaction to the shuffle, the Singh threat, and Poilievre's request.

Late reaction to the shuffle, the Singh threat, and Poilievre's request.

Good Talk -- What Happens Now? Can a  pre-Christmas cabinet shuffle save the government or is it just another delay to the inevitable?

Good Talk -- What Happens Now? Can a pre-Christmas cabinet shuffle save the government or is it just another delay to the inevitable?

I don't know whether in those dying moments of April 1912 they actually shuffled the deck chairs on the Titanic, but it sure looks like they are doing just that on the ship Trudeau as wave after wave batters the hull. Can a pre-Christmas cabinet shuffle save the government or is it just another delay to the inevitable? Bruce and...

CrazytownTwo -- Could Ottawa get any wilder?

CrazytownTwo -- Could Ottawa get any wilder?

Could Ottawa get any wilder? Apparently not. A finance minister quits hours before the fall economic statement. A prime minister is considering his future with most of his remaining caucus considering theirs. Bruce and Chantal have their says on what all this means and where its heading.

Good Talk -- Crazytown in Ottawa

Good Talk -- Crazytown in Ottawa

The minister of finance prepares her Monday Economic Statement while rumours fly, again, that Mark Carney is about to join the cabinet. But if that sounds crazy just look at the chaotic Canadian response to Donald Trump's trade threats. It's another Good Talk Friday as Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson settle in with their take on another weird week.

Good Talk - Trump, Trudeau and the Meat Loaf

Good Talk - Trump, Trudeau and the Meat Loaf

A week after their Mar a Lago dinner what was actually accomplished by the Trudeau-Trump dinner? Is Canada now dancing to the Trump tune or is there a chance for a meaningful all-Canadian approach to dealing with the new President and his agenda? Bruce and Chantal join in for their assessment of the new top line item on the Ottawa...

Good Talk -- Mexico Fights Back, Canada Rolls Over?

Good Talk -- Mexico Fights Back, Canada Rolls Over?

Donald Trump threatens 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico unless both countries clean up their border issues and stop dumping migrants and fentanyl into the US. Mexico says Trump has it all wrong while Canada seems to suggest "yes sir, we'll get right at that". What's going on?Chantal and Bruce join to discuss.

Good Talk -- Is This Desperation?

Good Talk -- Is This Desperation?

A GST holiday, 250 dollar cheques, what's next as the Liberals try to win back Canadians in the months before an election. If it looks desperate, then call it that, is the way some are describing the latest actions of the Trudeau government. Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson have their say on yet another week where the Trudeau liberals look...

Good Talk -- Call The Election Soon?

Good Talk -- Call The Election Soon?

Donald Trump's win has changed everything so why not change the Canadian election timetable? Thart's Chantal's suggestion this week and it provides a lot of Good Talk with Bruce and me. In fact that suggestion is the basis for the whole hour this week with lots of off ramps into the economy, immigration and Elon Musk.

Good Talk -- What Happened, What Now, And Is Canada Ready?

Good Talk -- What Happened, What Now, And Is Canada Ready?

A lot of people were surprised on Tuesday night but now with days to ponder the Trump victory the real fallout begins. Bruce and Chantal have their thoughts on why Americans delivered the result they did, and then, they deal with how Canada is reacting to the decision and what it means for us.

Trump Wins - Again

Trump Wins - Again

No encore edition this Wednesday, instead this is the real deal. Donald Trump is heading back to the White House after a huge win last night over Kamala Harris. What happened? What does it mean? And what happens next? Keith Boag and Bruce Anderson join us for a roundtable on the comeback of the ages.

Trump Wins - Again

Trump Wins - Again

No encore edition this Wednesday, instead this is the real deal. Donald Trump is heading back to the White House after a huge win last night over Kamala Harris. What happened? What does it mean? And what happens next? Keith Boag and Bruce Anderson join us for a roundtable on the comeback of the ages.

Michelle Obama and a Battle of the Sexes

Michelle Obama and a Battle of the Sexes

Michelle Obama and a Battle of the Sexes

Michelle Obama and a Battle of the Sexes

The time to the US election can be counted in days and hours now. Billions of dollars have been spent by the Harris and Trump campaigns. The outcome is uncertain. Polls continue to resist the hopes of many that a breakout will occur, that one of the candidates will see a surge in support, based on an ad, a promise...

Michelle Obama and a Battle of the Sexes

Michelle Obama and a Battle of the Sexes

The time to the US election can be counted in days and hours now. Billions of dollars have been spent by the Harris and Trump campaigns. The outcome is uncertain. Polls continue to resist the hopes of many that a breakout will occur, that one of the candidates will see a surge in support, based on an ad, a promise...

Good Talk -- Is The Revolt Over or Just On Pause?

Good Talk -- Is The Revolt Over or Just On Pause?

So, did he dodge the coup? Does Justin Trudeau now have a clear path to the next election? After weeks of rumours and coded, secret talk, the plotters had their say in the caucus, and then it seemed everyone moved on. Or have they? Chantal and Bruce are here to chat about all this and more because there's always more!

What do Canadian voters want most? A tilt towards centre right, a lower cost of living and better health care.

What do Canadian voters want most? A tilt towards centre right, a lower cost of living and better health care.

In our most recent survey, conducted between October 8-12th, among 2000 adult Canadians, we explored what kind of government Canadians want in Ottawa and what priorities matter most to them. The highlights of the findings are below.

What do Canadian voters want most? A tilt towards centre right, a lower cost of living and better health care.

What do Canadian voters want most? A tilt towards centre right, a lower cost of living and better health care.

In our most recent survey, conducted between October 8-12th, among 2000 adult Canadians, we explored what kind of government Canadians want in Ottawa and what priorities matter most to them. The highlights of the findings are below.