Welcome to the weekend and welcome to The Buzz.
So, did the Trudeau-Trump dinner produce a bump for Justin Trudeau? Did it give him the issue that could stop the devastating slide his party has taken in the polls? It seemed to give the PM a bit of a bounce in his step based on the belief by some of his loyalists that only he, and not Pierre Poilievre, can deal with the incoming US President. We shall see.
However, there is no doubt that at least the channel of daily chatter has been changed. There are no longer rebel scrums, no more stab in the back “bring down Caesar” talk in the Liberal caucus, at least none that’s being heard. What is being heard, in very hushed tones mind you, is the sense from those who talk to the leader, that he is not considering for even a moment the thought of stepping down. If anything, he is more convinced than ever that he’s staying and can win again, and that he revels at the thought of taking on PP. Again, we shall see.
The Walrus has done some pretty solid pieces on politics this fall.
I highlighted a piece on Poilievre from The Walrus last month, and this week we start with an interesting take on the Trudeau situation. It’s from Walrus contributing columnist Ira Wells:
Justin Trudeau Might Be the Only One Who Still Believes in Justin Trudeau Read >
Was there a lesson in the 51st state joke (was it really a joke?) that Trump played on Trudeau a week ago?
Remember, this is the same guy who wanted to buy Greenland last term. We know that some Americans believe it actually makes sense to grab Canada - I mean, look at all that water they could use. Not to mention oil, gas, precious metals and, of course, hockey players.
Anyway, the debate continues about whether cozying up to Trump makes sense for Trudeau or whether it’s a dangerous you’re-only-going-to-lose-in-the-end game. Few people know how to play politics better than Jean Chretien’s old confidant Eddie Goldenberg. Here’s his advice:
Trying to Appease Donald Trump is a Mistake Read >
What about Poilievre and Trump? Have they talked? If they have, would we know about it? Perhaps they’ve talked through intermediaries? You do have to wonder that if Trump is pulling for Poilievre, and one assumes he must be, then why did he gift Trudeau the opportunity for the dinner, the publicity, and the dialogue? Something to ponder.
Something else to ponder is this week’s Good Talk with Chantal Hebert, Bruce Anderson and that other guy …. it’s available on YouTube at the link you can find on nationalnewswatch.com
Those who know me know I love the Arctic story.
From its history to climate change to its economic challenges. So, pardon me if I walk you through some great pieces, at least I thought they were great, that passed through my laptop this week.
Here's a shocker that even I have trouble believing and I believe in climate change and how it has changed our Arctic in a big way. But ice-free in three years? Come on. Check this out:
🔒 Arctic could see its first ice-free day within 3 years Read >
Well, three years may be a stretch but there’s no doubt things are changing.
Last week, I was in Winnipeg for some speeches, and going outside was no fun. It was -20. In fact, the warmest spot in Manitoba that day was …wait for it. …my old hometown, Churchill, up on the shores of windswept Hudson Bay. But even Churchill was nothing compared to the ongoing situation in Tuktoyaktuk. So interesting that the New York Times went north to tell the story:
🔒 An Arctic Hamlet Is Sinking Into the Thawing Permafrost Read >
Did I say Churchill a moment ago?
Can’t pass up a good Churchill story and here’s one from the National Observer:
Churchill at a Crossroads: A traditional way of life clashes with 'last chance tourism' Read >
If you ever heard me or anyone else talk about the Arctic, it often comes down to the natural beauty of the place.
It really is quite stunning. And more evidence of that this week in the Globe where photojournalist Gavin John, while on a shoot with the military, shows you exactly what I mean:
🔒 Securing the strait Read >
That’s going to do it for The Buzz this week. Have a great weekend and we’ll be back in seven days.
The Buzz is a weekly publication from National Newswatch that shares insights and commentary on the week’s developments in politics, news and current affairs.