circus – mackaycartoons

Friday February 21, 2025

February 21, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 21, 2025 (also, The Toronto Star)

Trump’s Dangerous Dance with Authoritarianism: Rewriting Reality

October 26, 2024

In a world increasingly fraught with geopolitical tensions and the stark realities of authoritarian aggression, the responsibility of democratic nations to uphold truth and justice has never been more critical. As former President Donald Trump seeks to rewrite history by casting Ukraine as a villain and its leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as a dictator, it is imperative that the global community stands united against this dangerous narrative.

The facts are clear and undisputed: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was an unprovoked act of aggression, a blatant breach of international law, and a humanitarian disaster that has claimed countless innocent lives. Ukraine, under the steadfast leadership of Zelenskyy, has fought valiantly to defend its sovereignty and democratic principles against an authoritarian regime bent on its destruction.

December 10, 2024

Trump’s recent comments not only distort these truths but also align disturbingly with the playbook of authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin, a man widely recognized as a war criminal due to his regime’s actions in Ukraine. By shifting blame onto the victim of this brutal conflict, Trump undermines the very principles of justice and democracy that the United States and its allies have long championed.

As highlighted in a New York Times piece by Peter Baker, Trump’s revisionism involves “a striking distortion of reality,” where he falsely accuses Ukraine of initiating the conflict and portrays Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections.” Such rhetoric not only misleads but also endangers the fragile alliances and support systems that have been built to uphold international law and order.

News: Trump Flips the Script on the Ukraine War, Blaming Zelensky Not Putin

September 28, 2024

This revisionist rhetoric poses a grave threat to the established world order, one that has, despite its imperfections, largely sought to promote peace, stability, and human rights. By sowing doubt and division, Trump risks weakening the unity of Western nations and emboldening authoritarian regimes that see opportunity in discord.

It is incumbent upon the leaders of democratic nations, including those in Europe, Canada, the UK, and beyond, to resist this dangerous narrative. Silence in the face of such blatant misinformation and revisionism is not an option. To remain silent is to tacitly endorse a worldview that values power over principle, lies over truth, and tyranny over freedom.

February 13, 2024

As one courageous GOP congressman pointed out, Vladimir Putin’s actions warrant the label of war criminal, a fact that cannot be ignored or softened by political expediency. It is a moral and ethical imperative for politicians, regardless of party affiliation, to speak out against any attempt to rehabilitate or justify his regime’s actions.

History will judge those who, in a time of moral crisis, chose the path of least resistance. It will remember those who stood by and allowed truth to be eclipsed by falsehoods for political gain. But it will also honour those who had the courage to speak out, to defend the values of democracy and human rights, and to stand with the oppressed against their oppressors.

In this pivotal moment, the global community must reaffirm its commitment to these principles. We must reject revisionism, support the victims of aggression, and hold accountable those who seek to distort reality for their own ends. Only by doing so can we hope to preserve the fragile peace and order that so many have fought and died to protect.

Today, I poured my creativity into crafting a cartoon that tackles a situation fraught with serious implications. The focus was on former President Donald Trump’s recent statements about Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite the cartoon’s lighthearted approach, the underlying issues are deeply concerning.

It’s telling that a lot of people say everything Trump says is a lie, reflecting a widespread skepticism and mistrust. This perception adds a layer of complexity, especially as Trump leads efforts to broker peace in a critical conflict with questionable intentions. Many still believe him, which only deepens the divide between those who seek truth and those who follow his narrative.

While the cartoon aims to entertain, it also highlights the troubling reality of misleading rhetoric. It underscores my worry about the direction of global politics and the urgent need for leaders who prioritize truth and genuine peace efforts.

Please check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for February 21, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I release my post every Saturday morning summarizing the week through my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading here is a “note,” designed to help craft my weekly posts and display the animated versions of my daily cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Friday November 29, 2024

November 29, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

October 12, 2016

Shotgun Divorce Wednesday October 12, 2016

When I drew a cartoon back in 2016 of Trump as a gun-wielding clown chasing the GOP’s elephant out of his circus tent, I couldn’t have imagined just how spot-on it would turn out to be. Back then, Trump was the outsider shaking up the Republican Party, and the party itself still seemed to have a pulse—full of leaders who at least tried to push back. But now, eight years later, it’s clear Trump wasn’t just running the circus; he was slowly turning it into his personal kingdom.

February 26, 2021

The old GOP—the one that talked about free markets, small government, and national defence—feels like ancient history. People like Mitt Romney, the Bush family, Liz Cheney, and John McCain represented a party with ideals (whether or not you agreed with them). They thought they could outlast Trump, that voters would tire of the chaos. Instead, the opposite happened: the base embraced him, and anyone who didn’t was shown the door. Now, loyalty to Trump isn’t just expected—it’s the whole game.

In Trump’s first term, there was still a mix of insiders, skeptics, and yes-men in his administration. But it didn’t take long for him to figure out who was “with him” and who wasn’t. By the time we reached 2024, Trump wasn’t making the same “mistakes.” His Cabinet picks and key appointments are all about loyalty, not experience. Some of these choices—like putting TV personalities or controversial figures into top positions, Dr Oz, and Pete Hegseth — have even Republicans raising their eyebrows. But guess what? Nobody dares to seriously challenge him. The ones who do, like Liz Cheney or Adam Kinzinger, are now on the outside looking in, while people like Tulsi Gabbard and Stephen Miller are riding high.

February 4, 2021

The GOP has been completely reworked in Trump’s image. It’s no longer about policies or platforms; it’s about fealty. If you’re not 100% behind Trump, you’re out. Even Nikki Haley, who’s tried every dance move possible to stay in Trump’s orbit without completely losing herself, has found herself sidelined again. Trump’s version of the party has no room for skeptics, no patience for dissent. Hello, RFK Jr.

This is the Republican Party now. It runs on loyalty oaths and culture wars. Fiscal conservatism, small government—those are relics. The GOP isn’t about ideas anymore; it’s about Trump and the grievances he taps into. For his supporters, that’s enough. They love the fight, the energy, the fact that Trump’s version of the party feels more connected to working-class anger and less like the old, buttoned-up establishment.

Looking back at that 2016 cartoon, it felt exaggerated at the time—a clown, a gun, the poor GOP elephant running for its life. But honestly, it doesn’t feel exaggerated anymore. The circus has turned into a monarchy, with Trump firmly on the throne. And for now, there’s no one left in the party brave—or foolish—enough to try and take it from him.

Friday May 24, 2024

May 24, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday May 24, 2024

The Precarious Tightrope of Incumbency: Lessons from the UK for Canada

Tuesday December 19, 2023

As the United Kingdom braces for its election on July 4th, 2024, the political dynamics unfolding in Westminster offer a timely and instructive case study for Canadian politicians. Despite the differing ideological spectra of their governing parties—Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives in the UK and Justin Trudeau’s Liberals in Canada—both nations share parliamentary democracies grappling with similar societal challenges. These include public healthcare, housing, infrastructure, climate change, military commitments, and education.

News: Rishi Sunak announces UK general election for Thursday 4 July

October 20, 2022

Incumbency, often seen as a strategic advantage, has increasingly become a double-edged sword in modern politics. Leaders in both the UK and Canada are experiencing the harsh realities of this phenomenon. Rishi Sunak and Justin Trudeau, though ideologically distinct, face strikingly similar challenges as they navigate their respective political landscapes: economic pressures, public service strain, and the balancing act of climate and infrastructure commitments. Voters in both countries express growing discontent over the perceived failure of their governments to manage these issues effectively.

April 13, 2024

The upcoming UK election is not just a national event; it serves as a strategic lesson for Canadian political parties and leaders. The Conservative Party, led by Rishi Sunak, faces an uphill battle against a resurgent Labour Party under Keir Starmer. The parallels to Canada’s political landscape are compelling. Sunak’s approach to economic management and public services will be scrutinized and judged by a weary electorate. In Canada, Trudeau’s handling of similar issues will likely face the same scrutiny in the next election. The ability to present credible, effective policy solutions is paramount. Starmer’s rise in popularity highlights the importance of presenting a clear, alternative vision that resonates with voters’ needs and aspirations. Similarly, Pierre Poilievre’s popularity surge in Canada suggests a similar dynamic, where opposition leaders can capitalize on public discontent by offering a fresh perspective and robust policy alternatives.

Analysis: Another Canada 93? Tory Sunak critics fear extinction-level election result

September 7, 2022

The effectiveness of campaign strategies in the UK will be closely watched by Canadian political strategists. Sunak’s ability to navigate his party’s internal divisions, communicate his policy achievements, and address voter concerns will provide valuable insights. Likewise, Trudeau must carefully craft his campaign to address both his government’s achievements and the criticisms levelled against it.

The metaphorical tightrope that Rishi Sunak walks—balancing policy promises and public dissatisfaction while facing an angry electorate—mirrors the precarious position Justin Trudeau finds himself in. The circus-like atmosphere of modern politics, with its high stakes and ever-present risk of a misstep, underscores the perilous nature of incumbency. In the months leading up to the Canadian election, Trudeau’s Liberals can glean several strategic lessons from Sunak’s experience: engaging the electorate proactively, articulating a coherent and compelling vision for the future, and being flexible and responsive to the changing political landscape and voter sentiment can help navigate the complexities of modern election campaigns.

Analysis: Why Labour’s drawn to a Canadian conservative

July 13, 2022

As Canadians observe the UK’s election, it’s essential to recognize the shared political realities and the valuable lessons they offer. The challenges of incumbency, the importance of strategic campaigning, and the necessity of addressing voter concerns transcend national borders. For Trudeau, Sunak’s tightrope walk offers a vivid illustration of the stakes involved and the potential strategies to employ. In this interconnected world of politics, the fate of one leader can indeed serve as a strategic lesson for another, highlighting the universality of the democratic struggle and the enduring quest for effective governance. The rising popularity of Keir Starmer and Pierre Poilievre underscores this point, showing how opposition leaders can effectively harness public dissatisfaction to present themselves as credible alternatives and potential shoe-ins for the highest office.

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, the CapCut app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give illustration a try:

Tuesday March 5, 2024

March 5, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday March 5, 2024

A Closer Look at the Bank of Canada’s Interest Rate Strategy

September 8, 2023

In his recent article Mark Rendell delves into the Bank of Canada’s decision to maintain its interest rates, despite the recent decline in inflation. Rendell suggests that there is optimistic chatter about the potential reduction in borrowing costs due to the decreasing inflation rate. However, he questions whether this optimism is well-founded.

The Bank of Canada, according to Rendell, is expected to hold its policy rate at 5 percent for the fifth consecutive rate announcement. Despite a previous trend of increasing borrowing costs in 2022 and the first half of 2023, the bank has maintained a hold since July, waiting for sluggish economic activity to bring inflation back within the target range. Governor Tiff Macklem, in a departure from previous statements, indicated in January that additional rate increases are unlikely. However, he refrained from providing a timeline for rate cuts, emphasizing the importance of clear downward momentum in core inflation measures.

The Globe & Mail: Bank of Canada expected to hold rates steady, even with inflation back in target range

October 26, 2023

Rendell questions the prevailing notion that declining inflation will automatically lead to lower borrowing costs. He points out that interest rates may remain where they are, causing enduring pain for those who have become accustomed to paying relatively low amounts on loans and variable-rate mortgages.

The article highlights the mixed data that the Bank of Canada is currently evaluating, with economic growth in Canada being weak but avoiding the recession predicted by many economists. The inflation rate dropped to 2.9 percent in January, a significant improvement from the 8.1 percent in mid-2022. However, shelter inflation remains a concern, rising to 6.2 percent in January.

As the Bank of Canada contemplates easing monetary policy, the challenge lies in the balancing act of addressing shelter price inflation and a volatile real estate market. While interest rate cuts could provide relief to homeowners, they might also drive home prices higher, further challenging housing affordability.

October 22, 2019

Analysts predict that the central bank may start lowering interest rates around mid-year, possibly in June, but the article warns that 5 percent is not historically high. Any rate reduction is expected to be gradual and slow, nowhere near as low as before. The author advises people to get used to this level and spend within their means.

In conclusion, despite the optimistic narrative surrounding the decline in inflation, Rendell’s article suggests that the Bank of Canada’s cautious approach to interest rates may not guarantee an immediate reduction in borrowing costs. The article encourages readers to critically evaluate the potential impact of interest rate decisions on the broader economic landscape and individual financial situations. (AI)

Friday March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 24, 2023

Trudeau’s China Scandal Turns Liberals Into Circus Act

March 3, 2023

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the circus of Canadian politics! Under the big top, we have quite the spectacle with Justin Trudeau trying to tame the wild accusations of Chinese interference in the federal elections. Katie Telford is high-wiring her way out of questioning, while Jagmeet Singh is performing impressive feats on his unicycle. Watch Han Dong as he’s blown out of a cannon, stepping down from the governing Liberal Party over allegations of involvement in Chinese political interference.

Trudeau, however, seems to have forgotten the age-old advice of stopping digging when in a hole. The uproar over Chinese interference allegations in the federal elections in 2019 and 2021 is taking centre stage. Trudeau’s attempts to dismiss or lash out at his critics have not gone unnoticed, and his government’s refusal to allow a public inquiry is only adding fuel to the fire.

March 9, 2023

David Johnston, the appointed ringmaster, is not calming the chaos either, as he’s been panned by many for his close relationship to Trudeau. The NDP, the Bloc Québécois, and the Conservatives all want an inquiry, and polls this week show the gap between Liberals and Conservatives is negligible.

But wait, who’s that entering the tent? It’s none other than the President of the United States, Joe Biden, who’s come to see the show! With a message for Canada to ramp up air defence and a goal of charting a path forward in the response to Haiti, he’s brought some surprise to the circus.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the Biggest Show on…er… for China. (AI)

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give editorial cartooning a try.