Watches and Woes: Countdown to Political Reckoning

Watches and Woes: Countdown to Political Reckoning

Saturday January 25, 2025 | Substack edition 12

As public weariness with Donald Trump grows, fuelled by a collective desire to forget the chaos of his first term, this week heralded the start of his second, marked by an ostentatious inauguration that felt like a love-fest for a conquering hero. Many had hoped that the past would remain in the past, but the reality is that the chaos appears to be even more pronounced this time around. Trump stands at the pinnacle of his political career, revelling in his victories and relishing every moment of his triumphant return. With impeachment trials and indictments now behind him, he faces a blank slate—one likely to be filled with a cocktail of questionable dealings, corruption, rule-bending, and blatant power grabs, all while the scrutiny gets lost in the tumult he orchestrates.

Youtube Short – The Presidents: Inaugural Address Highlights

Throughout the week, I received several comments accusing me of being obsessed with Trump, which struck a nerve. A quick look at the profiles of these commenters revealed familiar narratives targeting Joe Biden and his family, showcasing the irony of the obsessed accusing me of  being obsessed.

July 28, 2017

While it’s undeniable that the media—and I count myself among them—often fixates on Trump, I openly grapple with what I previously dubbed “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” This obsession can be exhausting for editorial cartoonists who don’t relish the abundant material he offers. We’ve endured this cyclical drama for years, and while his aggressive rhetoric may eventually fade into background noise, his erratic behaviour still casts a long shadow over other leaders and policies that demand our attention. Consequently, the show must go on. Unfortunately, pressing issues closer to home are sidelined, forced to wait as the toddler-in-chief dictates the agenda.

Hence: My re-run editorial cartoon of the week above still resonates despite been drawn in July 28 2017.

The inauguration of Donald Trump in the Capitol Rotunda, a site of past chaos, highlights the deepening divides and fears surrounding his administration while Biden's preemptive pardons attempt to shield his adversaries from potential retribution against a backdrop of oligarchic influence.

Tuesday January 21, 2025: A Return to Power—With Irony

The inauguration of Donald Trump was a momentous occasion, particularly as it marked the return of a president after having lost an election. In the front row sat a coterie of billionaire tech titans, including the world’s richest man, Elon Musk. Alongside them were a selection of far-right leaders from across the globe, all gathered to witness this unprecedented political spectacle.

Trump’s address notably avoided discussing tariffs against Canada, but he unexpectedly threatened to take control of the Panama Canal. The choice of the Capitol Rotunda as the venue due to cold weather resonated the most with me with the added irony, as it was just four years prior that the space was stormed by Trump supporters. As I sketched a cartoon featuring past living presidents alongside the wigged Founding Fathers from John Trumbull’s famous painting, I couldn’t help but observe with a mix of disbelief and concern and convey it with their own reactions. Their eyes seemed to scrutinize the unfolding spectacle, highlighting the fragile state of America’s democracy and the growing disconnect between wealthy elites and everyday citizens.

Later that day, Trump fulfilled his promise by pardoning 1,500 individuals involved in the heinous attack on American democracy on January 6, 2021, effectively glorifying a band of Cro-Magnon goons as national heroes. This move not only undermined the gravity of their actions but also sent a troubling message about accountability in the face of insurrection.

This inauguration serves as a stark emblem of America’s current political landscape, underscoring the escalating influence of wealth in politics. Trump touts this as America’s new “Golden Age,” but as many astute observers have noted, it’s more akin to a “Gilded Age.” This term evokes a bygone era when barons and tycoons pulled the strings of power, cloaked in the rhetoric of ‘manifest destiny’ while engaging in the aggressive tactics of ‘gunboat diplomacy.’ What lies ahead promises to be a long and tumultuous four years, rife with a mishmash of eye-rolling, testosterone-fueled bravado and a revival of the very concepts that once made America grate on the world stage. In a time when we should strive for unity and progress, we find ourselves instead teetering on the edge of a new age, where the glitter conceals the cracks beneath.

Wednesday January 22, 2025: The Gulf of Absurdity

I’m sure I wasn’t the only cartoonist riffing on Trump’s bizarre pledge to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” during his inaugural address. As I pieced together a map for my cartoon, I included the two actual changes: Gulf of America and Mount McKinley, which Trump had reversed from Obama’s renaming to Mt. Denali. The rest were all made up.

Trump’s initiative underscored his preference for symbolic actions over addressing pressing global issues. During his address, Hillary Clinton could be seen laughing at Trump’s absurd proposal, which overshadowed urgent matters like the cost of living crisis and ongoing conflicts. His past promises of immediate resolutions seemed hollow, raising doubts about his credibility.

As Canada approaches pivotal political and economic events, the ticking countdown clocks symbolize both hopeful transitions and looming challenges, with Pierre Poilievre's anticipated rise adding to the suspense.

Thursday January 23, 2025: Countdowns and Political Clocks

Canada stands on the brink of major political and economic shifts, marked by potential U.S. tariffs and changes to the GST tax holiday and carbon tax policy. In my Thursday cartoon, I envisioned “Countdown Clocks,” featuring a menacing grandfather clock resembling Trump counting down to February 1, and other clocks tracking significant deadlines for Canadian leaders.

As Ontario prepares for a provincial election, the looming political climate, compounded by Trump’s unpredictability, raises concerns about how overzealous leaders may affect the nation. Engaged citizenship often means responding to political demands, and it’s crucial to focus on issues that truly matter.

Doug Ford's call for a mandate to address potential U.S. tariffs distracts from his government's pressing domestic issues and highlights the necessity for Canada to diversify trade relations and reduce interprovincial barriers.

Friday January 24, 2025: Political Theatre and the Ontario Showdown

In my Friday cartoon, I drew Doug Ford grappling with the reality of an unnecessary snap election. Inspired by a boyhood thrill of becoming a real life super hero.  While things are likely to worsen for him, Ford seems to be capitalizing on the Captain Canada mystique amid the Ottawa power vacuum. His push for a new electoral mandate feels more like a political maneuver than a genuine effort to address economic challenges, diverting attention from pressing issues like healthcare and housing affordability.

Inter-provincial trade barriers may seem very unsexy, but addressing them could be essential as Canada faces potential tariff impacts. While dramatic gestures like calling elections are tempting, the real opportunity lies in working together to eliminate these obstacles.

As Canada awaits new leadership, a political vacuum has stalled vital policies like carbon pricing, highlighting the challenges of balancing political strategy with long-term governance.

Saturday January 25, 2025: Liberal Leadership trashing

As Canada’s political landscape heats up, we find ourselves in a state of limbo. The carbon tax is facing significant backlash, prompting candidates to swiftly distance themselves from Trudeau’s policies. Even Steven Guilbeault appears to be pulling back, while Pierre Poilievre may find it challenging to paint the Liberals as villains when they’re abandoning unpopular stances.

Then there’s Chrystia Freeland, whose dramatic resignation ahead of the Fall economic update raises questions about her loyalty to Trudeau. If she were to step into a leadership role, we might witness a shake-up, particularly if she decides to scrap the proposed changes to capital gains tax.

Carbon pricing, once a cornerstone of the government’s legacy, is being sidelined, and it’s disheartening to see sound, principled policy sacrificed for political maneuvering. With Parliament prorogued until March 25, it feels as though Trudeau has become little more than a figurehead, while provincial leaders scramble to tackle pressing issues—especially with the spectre of Trump’s rhetoric hovering in the background.

Beyond the Distractions

This week highlighted the complexities of the political landscape, especially with Trump’s return to power bringing mixed feelings. While it can be tiring to focus on him, it’s important to think about the broader effects of his actions and how other leaders are responding.

In Canada, there’s a lot happening as people are being encouraged to share their views and participate in discussions about the future. We’re also reflecting on our political system in light of the inquiry into foreign interference, with a major final report set to be released next Tuesday. Right now, it seems like a foreign actor is influencing our governance right before our eyes.

As we face deadlines and important decisions, there’s a chance to strengthen our country for the future. It’s crucial to build our resilience and prepare for challenges, especially with the USA looking to improve its own standing. It’s going to take time to sort it all out. It’s going to be agonizing, but by Canada Day of this year, we should have a good idea of who’ll be in charge.