Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 23, 2024
Poilievre’s Rise Comes with the Risk of Trudeau’s Fate
November 13, 2012
Pierre Poilievre’s current dominance in the polls over Justin Trudeau offers him reason to feel confident, but Canadian politics has shown that holding power is more difficult than achieving it. Trudeau’s current struggles—a revolt among his backbenchers, dwindling public support, and internal discontent—serve as a cautionary tale for any leader. In parliamentary democracies, leaders rarely leave on their own terms. Even those with momentum, such as Jason Kenney or Erin O’Toole, have been abruptly sidelined by party infighting or shifting public sentiment.
Analysis: Inside the slow, super polite revolt against Justin Trudeau
February 3, 2022
Poilievre’s rise to prominence, with his focus on issues like the carbon tax, echoes the rhetorical strategies of other populist leaders. However, success in opposition does not guarantee smooth sailing in government. Once in office, voter expectations become harder to manage, and internal divisions can develop quickly. Margaret Thatcher and Malcolm Turnbull, for example, were forced out by caucus despite being powerful in their own right. Poilievre should tread carefully; the political tides can shift suddenly, and gloating over Trudeau’s difficulties today might blind him to the challenges waiting ahead.
Analysis: How to mount (or defeat) a Canadian caucus revolt
May 20, 2022
Even Trudeau, who once enjoyed widespread popularity, could not escape political fatigue, rising economic discontent, and internal frustration. Similarly, Poilievre’s tenure—if it begins—may encounter new political challengers, unforeseen crises, and declining voter patience. Parliamentary leaders often discover that power can evaporate just as fast as it was earned. A polarizing figure like Poilievre could soon find himself in a precarious position, facing the same pressures that are currently unraveling Trudeau’s leadership. If he assumes his popularity will protect him, Poilievre risks meeting the same fate—pushed aside as frustrations mount and new voices emerge. (AI)
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Can you recall any leader in official opposition or government, who left his or her position, head held high, on his or her own terms, who makes you think, boy, was that one hum zinger of a champion leader? The kind who may make you say of the current crop of leaders, “well, politician x would be perfect if only they had….“, fill in the blanks with, ….the charisma a Michael Ignatieff, or the magic of a Thomas Mulcair, or star quality of an Andrew Scheer. No. They come with hope, they fail the electorate test, and then they’re sent off. These are only random opposition leaders. Name a beloved past Prime Minister or Premier of recent memory.
Pierre Poilievre’s confidence amid Justin Trudeau’s internal Liberal struggles may seem justified, but history suggests his victory, if achieved, will only mark the beginning of new challenges. Leaders in Canadian and Westminster democracies often rise quickly but fall just as fast when voter fatigue, policy missteps, or internal revolts take hold. Trudeau’s likely ouster echoes earlier leadership struggles, including those of Jason Kenney and Erin O’Toole, highlighting how hard it is to retain power. If Poilievre overestimates his popularity or fails to manage rising expectations, and I can’t fathom how he won’t, he’ll find himself on the same path to political decline.
My sympathies are beginning to come out for Justin Trudeau. This may be the most empathetic one I’ve ever drawn of the man. Not a good sign for Trudeau, and though he’ll likely survive this test of his leadership, the writing is on the wall. The clock is ticking down.