Everybody Take a Valium

OK! Everybody take a valium! The inspiration for this post comes from one of Aislin’s most famous editorial cartoons of the last four decades. The Montréal Gazette published it the day after René Lévesque’s Parti québécois was first elected in 1976. If I had the necessary skills I would replace Réné with Donald Trump and Robert Bourassa with Kamala Harris.

The main reason for panic – the Lévesque / Parti Québécois ambition to separate Québec from Canada. This momentous political event will have its 50th anniversary in two years. And, guess what? Our Canada still includes Québec. Trump has two years before the mid-terms. The parties of incumbent presidents usually fair badly at that time and “47” has a propensity to piss off big parts of the electorate while in office. If US history has any lessons, a new set of brakes will be installed in November 2026.

When I think Kamala Lost

I loved her speech when she replaced Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket. Her debate performance – masterful! And then there was the CNN Downhall! Yes, I meant to change the “T” to a “D”. I was in Halifax and looking forward to watching her focus on platform – but she fell into the trap. Nazi! I think the right response could have been:

• My opponent is really good at the insults
• I am not going to go there
• I will leave the depiction of his character to those who served in his first administration
• I am here to talk about how my plans will make your lives better

And, if she could have summoned up some of the Bill Clinton / Obama Family empathy and compassion I think she would be the 47th president. She went dark when she could have stayed bright. And I switched her off after half an hour.

Plus Economics

The “economy” conversation never fails to surprise me. New governments always inherit the economy left it by the previous administration. Biden inherited Trump and Covid driven inflation and the corresponding reduction in the quality of life. It has taken four years to get any improvement in inflation numbers , reduction in interest rates, and to start building attainable housing. The 47th administration will begin its mandate with low inflation and low interest rates, and of course, claim the achievement. But if there are 30% tariffs – $10 T-shirts will cost $13 and the Trump love affair should be over.

Canadian equivalents – the Conservatives and Stephen Harper inherited budget surpluses from Chretien and Martin. In Québec Philippe Couillard’s Liberals did the same favour for Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec. The Trudeau Liberals will not be leaving Canada’s next government anything but a financial mess.

So You Are in Panic Mode

I am sure that even some Trump supporters squirm at the loss of any guard rails with a Republican Trifecta. American voters – midterms are less than two years way – start campaigning now. In the meantime, everybody take a valium.