Some Politics is Local

For this episode, in US Politics, we talk about the results of the midterm elections that took place - and the implications for the country (and the US Presidential field in 2024). We then talk about Alberta Politics, with Danielle Smith's not-so-landslide victory in her Brooks-Medicine Hat by-election. What does this result say about her strength, the UCP party and that pesky NDP? We discuss! For report, David read (with his eyes) the novel The Circle by Dave Eggers, which has a lot to say about big data and privacy in our digital age.

For this episode, in Federal politics, we discuss the inquiry into the use of the Emergency Measures Act. Who said what about who so far - we talk about it all (including the politics, of course). For Provincial politics, we talk about Danielle Smith taking her place as the new Premier of Alberta...how the first couple of weeks have gone. We also leave time to talk Cabinet selection.  For report, Mike read (with his ears) the book This Town by Mark Leibovich, which chronicles life and culture in Washington DC (circa 2013, at least).

For this episode, in Global politics, we talk about the latest developments in the Russia/Ukraine War - with the latter putting some pretty impressive wins on the board. How will Putin likely react to such losses (hint: not well)? We discuss! For Federal politics, we talk about the (decisive) ascendency of Pierre (PP) Poilievre to the chair of Official Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Should Trudeau be worried (hint: yes)? We discuss! For the first time ever, we have a DOUBLE-report, with Mike reviewing, not one, but two podcasts which cover with the US midterm election - Campaign HQ (hosted by former Obama Campaign Manager, David Plouffe) and The Run Up (New York Times podcast hosted by Astead Herndon).

For this episode, in American politics, we talk about Liz Cheney's primary loss in Wyoming - and what it means for her, the Republican party and the country, more generally. For provincial politics, we talk about the Sovereignty Act being proposed by UCP Leadership Frontrunner, Danielle Smith. Specifically, we talk about whether or not this was a good move for her in the short and medium term, as well as what mandate she might have to implement it post-leadership - and, last but not least, what such a central policy could do for the NDP's chances in the impending general election. For BookReport, Mike read (with his ears) Thank You For Your Servitude by New York Times Journalist Mark Leibovitch, which seeks to answer the question: why did so many prominent GOP members become sycophants for Trump (and why did a select few not)?  

For this episode, it is an all-out Ameri-pod! In it, David and Mike discuss the raid on Mar-a-Lago (Trump's - very tasteful - abode in South Florida). What are the implications for the country - and the fates of the Democratic and Republican Parties, more specifically? We discuss! We also talk about Joe Biden's latest 'roll' that he seems to be on. Is it enough to consider him a 'good' or 'great' President? We discuss (or, more accurately, we argue strongly about our disagreement). For BookReport, David read (with his eyes - like a nerd) A Spy Among Friends by Ben MacIntyre, which chronicles the life and times of the highest level Russian spy to infiltrate Britain's MI6.

For this episode, in US politics, we have a super-duper scorching hot-take on Episode 8 of the January 6th Committee: Jabba the Hut Does Nothing to Call off His Goons. For provincial/federal Canadian politics, we talk about the latest and not so greatest with healthcare in Canada (and the undue stress on it from the latest COVID wave). What should we do to improve our results (IE which countries in Western Europe should we steal ideas from)? We discuss!  For BookReport, we have a DUAL one, where Mike listened with his ears (like a cool person) and David read with his eyes (like a nerd) the Rick Mercer (of Monday Report and This Hour Has 22 Minutes fame) Memoir - Talking to Canadians.  

For this episode, in UK politics, we have a HOT-TAKE on the political demise of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who has just resigned from office on July 7th, 2022. Will BoJo be able to get himself out of this capper and rise back to prominence? We discuss! For Federal (Canadian) politics, we have a warm-take on the expulsion of Patrick Brown from the Conservative Leadership contest. What are the facts (and the politics) of it all - and what will this mean, ultimately, for the race itself? We try to hash it all out! For DocReport, Mike watched the short documentary, the Martha Mitchell Effect, from Netflix, which talks about the impact of an outspoken wife of President Richard Nixon's Attorney General (John Mitchell).  

For this episode, in American politics, the January 6th Committee's (6-part) public hearings and what they have unearthed so far...and will it make a difference at all to politics in the US. For provincial politics, we check in on the latest edition of 'Who Wants to Be Our Premiere?' More specifically, we talk about the latest joiners of the race, and also one in particular that is speculating on taking the leap in.  For PodReport, Mike listened to the newest 7-part, season of Fiasco, the Audible Original podcast from Leon Neyfakh on the AIDS crisis. 

For this episode, in federal politics, we talk about the new legislation passed by the Liberal government to tighten restrictions on guns and also the drug possession exemption requested by BC that was approved by the federal government. For provincial politics, we have a burning HOT TAKE on the Ontario election results, with the Rob Ford's PC party securing another (even stronger) majority. For BookReport, Mike read (with his ears) This Will Not Pass by New York Times journalists Jonathan Martin and Alex Burns, which chronicles (in pain-staking detail) the 18 month period around the 2020 election - including the January 6th riots.

For this episode, we return to US politics, with a spirited discussion on the US primaries that have recently taken place. We talk specifically about Donald Trump's hold on the party - and the efficacy of his endorsements. We then talk about Alberta provincial politics - and the race for who will be the new leader of the UCP (and, ipso facto, Premier of the province...for at least 5 months). David is back in action for BookReport this week! He read (with his eyes) The Long-Legged House by Wendell Berry, which is a collection of writings written long ago, but very much applicable to our crazy world today.

We have a special super, duper hot-take mini-episode this week! We recorded this special podcast only an hour or so after Jason Kenney announced that he would be stepping down as Premier of Alberta after securing 51.4% of the vote in support of his leadership.  In this burning hot take, we talk about what went wrong, revisit our Predict-orama on the leadership review, whether this is good for the NDP, the likely contenders in the now certain leadership race, Kenney's legacy as a Premier and, last but not least, whether Jason Kenney will get that sweet, sweet private sector job he's yearned for (on tap...around Christmas time).

For this week’s episode, in federal politics, we dissect (or, more accurately, Mike regales David on what happened on) the first official Conservative leadership debate. Who scored points, who lost points, who wants to fire the Governor of the Bank of Canada? We discuss! For provincial politics, we revisit the Ides of Spring (AKA Jason Kenney's leadership vote). We offer our take on the buying memberships for others scandal (?), the impact of the new Buffalo party might have and Mr. Kenney going to Washington.  For ShowReport this week, it is a Mike-solo on the Amazon Prime series A Very English Scandal, starring Hugh Grant and based on the book by John Preston, which tells the story of Jeremy Thorpe's (former Leader of the Liberal Party in the UK) trials and tribulations in trying to cover up his male love affair.

For this week’s episode, for all levels of politics, we tackle on issue only: the implications of the (still draft) decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in the US Supreme Court. What does it mean for the US - and the 51% percent of the population that is oppressed by this vote? What does it portend for Trump? We discuss it all and more! We also talk about what the reverberations in Canada might be (including how likely is such a thing to happen here in the True North Strong and Free). To discuss all of this, we are joined by our illustrious friend and lawyer Jen (in our 2nd guest episode ever)! For Report this week, there isn't one since there was so much to talk about with the salient news of the week (see above).

For this week’s episode, for Global Politics, we talk about the latest (and not so greatest) about Russia's invasion of Ukraine.  Is Putin rationale?  Are we heading towards nuclear oblivious?  We discuss! For Media Politics (?), we talk about Elon Musk's move to buy Twitter for the princely sum of 44 billion dollars. Is this good for the world (and, less importantly, the business)?  We dig into all of it! For DocReport this week, Mike watched the newest Ken Burns offering on Ben Franklin - printer, inventor, scientist, politician, diplomat and, disputably, ladies man.  

For this week’s episode, we take the 'lightning round' approach - with a bunch of quick takes on interesting political topics.  For Global politics, we talk about the election in France and what it portends for the free-world more generally.  For US politics, we quickly gab about the increasing divide amongst Senators in Supreme Court nominations.  For Federal politics, we talk about the .5% rate hike, as well at the seemingly unstoppable rise of Pierre Polievre.  Finally, we catch our breath and soberly review the Ides of Spring, with a review on Jason Kenney's closing pitch to UCP members as his leadership review gets under way. Power, Prime Ministers and the Press by Robert Lewis (former editor of Macleans), which (kind of) chronicles the history of political journalism in Canada.

For this week’s episode, in federal politics, we have a smoking-hot take on the Liberals' Federal Budget.  Did the NDP get what they bargained for (kind of)?  Will the Conservative have well-thought out criticisms against it (don't count on it)?  We discuss!  For provincial politics, we talk about the Ides of April...and now May (with the move of the Leadership Vote to mid-May)!  We go over Danielle Smith re-entry onto the political scene, the latest poll numbers and the resignation/firing of the CEO of Alberta Health Services.   No report this week as we were having way too much fun talking about the above topics.  

For this week’s episode, in Global politics, we go back and forth on the most interesting developments that happened of late related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  Then, for Federal politics, we chat about the new Liberal climate change plan (now 'new-and-improved' with sector specific targets!).  Will this new plan save us from a fiery oblivion - and was the Liberal/NDP deal from last week helpful in bringing it to fruition...we'll discuss!    For DocReport this week, Mike watched the 6-part, Netflix documentary series The Andy Warhol Diaries - based on the artist's "diaries" (which was originally released as a book and was edited by Pat Hackett).  You'll have to listen to the pod to find out why the quotation marks are there...

For this week’s episode, in Federal politics, we talk about the brand new confidence and supply agreement struck between the NDP and the Liberals that will (maybe) keep the government in tact until 2025. Who are the big winners and losers of the deal?  We discuss!  We then check in on the Ides of April, with the April 9th Leadership Review vote fast approaching.  We talk about the politics and logistics about moving to a mail-in ballot - and away from an in person vote in (lovely) Red Deer.  We have our first ever MusicalReport this week from Mike, who went to go see Hot Boy Summer, which chronicles what the pandemic would have been like if Kenney was a student council president, rather than a premiere (you'll need to listen to the podcast to really understand this :).

For this week’s episode, in global politics, we talk (yep, once again) about Russia's invasion of the Ukraine. We take a bit of a different take on it this time by chatting about how the conflict could alter the world order - with possibly bolstering the assentation of China as a challenger to the US. For Canadian federal politics, we talk about the new entrants into the conservative leadership - with Mike trying to convince David to care about the race (even at this early stage). Will he succeed in doing so - you'll have to listen to find out! We have a ShowReport this week from David on The Americans, which is a spy drama of Russian covert operatives who are trying to infiltrate the US government in the 1980s.

For this week’s episode, in global politics, we talk (once again) about Russia's invasion of the Ukraine. Is Putin a rational actor or just a dickhead? We'll discuss! Then, for US politics, we have a 'warm-take' on Joe Biden's first State of the Union address which took place on March 1st, 2022. For extra fun, David only read the transcript while Mike watched the whole thing live (with all the clapping-seal moments) - the medium is (somewhat) the message. We have a dual BookReport this week, with David and Mike both reading War by Margaret MacMillon (author of Paris 1919), which dissects war, in all its aspects, into very granular detail.