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Democrats

Wednesday June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

The Democrats struggle to counteract a hyperactive administration's disruptive tactics, risking the integrity of American democracy and international relations.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 11, 2025

Democracy on the Defensive: The Challenge of Chaos

Trump's Court: The New Era of American Monarchy

March 6, 2025

The recent dismissal of all members of the CDC’s vaccine panel by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. serves as a stark reminder of the turbulent times unfolding south of the border. This move, emblematic of a government that thrives on disruption, should have been a rallying point for the opposition. Instead, it highlights a troubling ineffectiveness within the Democratic Party in the United States, raising questions about their capacity to act as a counterbalance in a healthy democracy.

The removal of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a body integral to public health and safety, is not merely a policy shift—it’s an alarming development with far-reaching implications. In any other era, such a decision would dominate headlines, prompt urgent discussions, and catalyze a unified response from the opposition. Yet, in today’s world, it becomes just another item in a long list of distractions orchestrated by an administration skilled in the art of “flooding the zone.”

News: Kennedy Removes All C.D.C. Vaccine Panel Experts

As the U.S. wrestles with the divisive and destabilizing effects of MAGA, Canada risks developing a version of its neighbour’s political and social illness, amplified by its smaller size and growing internal vulnerabilities.

November 18, 2024

This strategy, perfected over years of political maneuvering, involves overwhelming the public and media with a barrage of half-baked schemes, executive orders, and inflammatory rhetoric. The goal is clear: to obscure scrutiny and enact policies under the cover of chaos. It is a tactic that demands a vigilant and adaptive opposition, one capable of cutting through the noise and focusing public attention on the core issues at stake.

Yet, the Democrats, who should be adept at countering such tactics after previous encounters, seem ill-prepared to meet this challenge. Their struggles are multifaceted, ranging from internal divisions and strategic missteps to an inability to maintain a coherent and focused narrative. In their failure to adapt, they have allowed the administration to push through damaging policies with minimal resistance, leaving the public vulnerable to the consequences.

The New Yorker: The Second Trump Administration’s New Forms of Distraction

The recent surge in measles cases in Canada, particularly in Montreal, underscores the urgent need to address vaccine hesitancy and combat anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, with historical evidence emphasizing the proven efficacy of vaccines in preventing disease and protecting public health.

March 6, 2024

Consider the administration’s outrageous pronouncements and actions: being an apologist for Vladimir Putin in his conquest of an ally in Ukraine, undermining international unity and trust; engaging in trade conflicts with allies by breaking agreements, disrupting supply lines, and imposing tariffs that harm both domestic and global economies; ignoring the rule of law and due process in the deportation of migrants, which raises serious human rights concerns; and the bizarre pursuit of acquiring Greenland, a diplomatic misstep that strained relations with a longstanding ally.

From a Canadian perspective, the stakes could not be higher. Public health, economic stability, and international relations are all at risk, impacting not only Americans but also their neighbours and allies. The Democrats’ role is not merely to criticize but to offer a compelling alternative, to inspire confidence and mobilize action. They must rise to the occasion, learning from past missteps and employing innovative strategies to engage with a public that is increasingly desensitized to political turmoil.

The Atlantic: The Real Problem With the Democrats’ Ground Game

Progressives must vote strategically for Kamala Harris in 2024 to prevent a Trump victory that would severely set back civil rights, democracy, and progressive goals.

November 1, 2024

To do so, they must prioritize unity and clarity, focusing on key issues that resonate with the electorate. They need to harness the power of grassroots movements, leverage digital platforms for broader reach, and most importantly, present a vision for the future that transcends mere opposition to current policies. By doing so, they can reclaim their role as a vital counterbalance, ensuring that democracy not only survives but thrives in these challenging times.

The Democrats’ effectiveness—or lack thereof—is not just an American concern; it’s a matter of international importance. As the administration continues to test the limits of governance with actions like the CDC panel dismissal and other controversial pronouncements, it’s imperative for the opposition to adapt and respond with the urgency and resolve the situation demands. The health of American democracy, and by extension, its impact on global relations, depends on it.

Posted in: USA Tagged: CDC, chaos, Democracy, Democrats, disease, Disruption, duck, media, news, press, public health, quack, quackery, Republicans, RFK jr., Robert Kennedy Jr., Science, Vaccine

Sketch Highlights from the 2020 Democratic National Convention

August 21, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

Click for detailed images

The 2020 Democratic National Convention took place from August 17 to August 20, 2020.

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) in 2020 featured several significant highlights:

  1. Virtual Format: Like the RNC, the DNC was primarily virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, incorporating both live and pre-recorded segments from various locations.
  2. Nomination of Joe Biden: Former Vice President Joe Biden was officially nominated as the Democratic candidate for president. His acceptance speech focused on unity and healing the nation.
  3. Kamala Harris: Senator Kamala Harris made history as the first woman of South Asian and African American descent to be nominated for vice president by a major party. Her nomination was a pivotal moment in the convention.
  4. Prominent Speakers: The convention featured speeches from high-profile Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, Senator Bernie Sanders, and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Each emphasized the need for change and support for Biden.
  5. Focus on Unity: A recurring theme was party unity, with various speakers, including Bernie Sanders, urging supporters of different candidates to come together to defeat Trump.
  6. Highlighting COVID-19 Response: Many speakers addressed the ongoing pandemic, criticizing the Trump administration’s handling of the crisis and presenting Biden’s plans for a more effective response.
  7. Personal Stories: The DNC included personal testimonials from everyday Americans, sharing their struggles and highlighting the impact of the Trump presidency on their lives.
  8. Call for Racial Justice: The convention featured a strong emphasis on racial justice, reflecting the nationwide protests following the deaths of George Floyd and other Black Americans. Speakers called for systemic change and equality.
  9. Closing Night Performance: The convention concluded with a mix of musical performances, including artists like John Legend and Billie Eilish, along with Biden’s acceptance speech.
  10. Appeal to Various Demographics: The DNC sought to appeal to a wide range of demographics, showcasing a diverse array of speakers and focusing on issues relevant to various communities.

Here are some prominent speakers from the 2020 Democratic National Convention (DNC):

  1. Joe Biden – Former Vice President and Democratic nominee for President.
  2. Kamala Harris – U.S. Senator and Democratic nominee for Vice President.
  3. Barack Obama – Former President of the United States.
  4. Michelle Obama – Former First Lady of the United States.
  5. Bernie Sanders – U.S. Senator from Vermont and former presidential candidate.
  6. Elizabeth Warren – U.S. Senator from Massachusetts.
  7. Andrew Cuomo – Governor of New York.
  8. Gavin Newsom – Governor of California.
  9. Stacey Abrams – Former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives.
  10. John Kasich – Former Governor of Ohio and Republican.
  11. Cory Booker – U.S. Senator from New Jersey.
  12. Nancy Pelosi – Speaker of the House of Representatives.
  13. Julian Castro – Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
  14. Rachel Maddow – MSNBC host and commentator.
  15. Alicia Keys – Musician and activist.

These speakers contributed to the convention’s themes of unity, hope, and the need for change in the political landscape.

Posted in: Cartooning, USA Tagged: Bill Clinton, convention, Democratic, Democrats, DNC, Jill Biden, Joe Biden, John Kerry, Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, party, USA

Friday November 18, 2016

November 17, 2016 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator - Friday November 18, 2016 Will disillusioned U.S. voters really move to Canada? The election of Donald Trump has some Americans looking north, perhaps to make a new home in a country removed from Trump's style ofÊRepublicanism. Many said jokingly if Trump were elected, they would move to Canada. For some, it's no longer a joke. But moving northÊmight not be so easy. "You'll never be my president, because I'm moving to Canada!," shouted one protester, strongly opposed to a Trump presidency. The declaration was born in anger and frustration, but also reflects what many Americans have been soberly contemplating. On election night in the United States, an unusual occurrence took place with the computer systems of theÊCanada Immigration andÊCitizenshipdepartment. They crashed, more than once, and remained offline for hours. Canadian officials confirm that it was because of aÊspike in the amount of web traffic, most of it coming from the U.S. But while the interest is acute, immigration lawyers like Lee Cohen warn that getting into Canada isn't as easy as packing up and heading north. "Immigrating to Canada is a complex, paper-intensive, time-consuming process with a little bit of expense attached to it," Cohen said. Canada normally accepts only 6,000 American immigrants a year. Officials are expecting many times that number in the wake of the election. As for coming to Toronto, most Americans will be deterred when they find out the cost of housing in one of Canada's hottest real estate markets. (Source: NPR)Êhttp://news.wbfo.org/post/will-disillusioned-us-voters-really-move-canada Canada, USA, Mexico, immigration, Donald Trump, refugees, illegal, migrants, democrats, elite

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday November 18, 2016

Will disillusioned U.S. voters really move to Canada?

The election of Donald Trump has some Americans looking north, perhaps to make a new home in a country removed from Trump’s style of Republicanism. Many said jokingly if Trump were elected, they would move to Canada. For some, it’s no longer a joke. But moving north might not be so easy.

“You’ll never be my president, because I’m moving to Canada!,” shouted one protester, strongly opposed to a Trump presidency.

The declaration was born in anger and frustration, but also reflects what many Americans have been soberly contemplating.

On election night in the United States, an unusual occurrence took place with the computer systems of the Canada Immigration and Citizenshipdepartment. They crashed, more than once, and remained offline for hours. Canadian officials confirm that it was because of a spike in the amount of web traffic, most of it coming from the U.S.

But while the interest is acute, immigration lawyers like Lee Cohen warn that getting into Canada isn’t as easy as packing up and heading north.

“Immigrating to Canada is a complex, paper-intensive, time-consuming process with a little bit of expense attached to it,” Cohen said.

Canada normally accepts only 6,000 American immigrants a year. Officials are expecting many times that number in the wake of the election.

As for coming to Toronto, most Americans will be deterred when they find out the cost of housing in one of Canada’s hottest real estate markets. (Source: NPR)

* Update * 

Tuesday November 26, 2024

Déjà Vu at the Border: Reflecting on the Political Migration Debate of 2016 and 2024

In November 2016, the surprise election of Donald Trump to the presidency unleashed a wave of political and emotional upheaval in the United States. Among the many reactions was the widespread declaration by disillusioned Americans, particularly Democrats, that they would move to Canada. This sentiment, often expressed in jest but rooted in genuine frustration, inspired an editorial cartoon I drew for The Hamilton Spectator. In it, the belongings of undocumented migrants were strewn along the U.S.-Mexico border, while the northern border depicted a similar scene, this time with possessions left behind by Democrats fleeing to Canada. The cartoon captured the moment’s dramatic tone, while poking at the often hollow nature of such political pledges.

Now, in 2024, as Donald Trump begins his second term, the echoes of 2016 are unmistakable. Once again, Americans upset with the election’s outcome are toying with the idea of crossing the northern border. Real estate and immigration websites are reporting familiar spikes in U.S.-based traffic, reflecting renewed curiosity about life in Canada. Yet, as in 2016, much of this noise seems more symbolic than actionable. The logistical challenges of moving to Canada remain daunting, and most of those exploring the option will likely remain within the U.S., discontented but rooted.

News: Politics of a move: Interest in moving to Canada grows with U.S. election

As Trump's immigration crackdown looms, Canada faces an urgent need for a unified, practical approach to manage a potential migrant surge at its border while balancing security and humanitarian responsibilities.

November 12, 2024

What distinguishes 2024 from 2016, however, is the heightened drama at the borders. Trump’s campaign promise of mass deportations has reignited fears among undocumented migrants, many of whom may see Canada as a potential safe haven. Unlike the political dissenters contemplating migration for ideological reasons, these individuals face an existential crisis, driven not by the outcome of an election but by the threat of removal from the only home many of them have ever known. For Canada, this creates a dual challenge: addressing the symbolic rush of Americans expressing political dissatisfaction and preparing for a potentially real influx of migrants fleeing deportation.

The layers of complexity in 2024 also underscore how much has remained unchanged since 2016. Then, as now, Canada continues to be perceived by Americans as a natural alternative—a country that feels both familiar and distinctly different. But the barriers to entry, from strict immigration laws to the foreign buyers’ ban on real estate, are substantial. The Calgary Herald’s recent report about these restrictions offers a dose of reality to those idealizing a new life north of the border. For undocumented migrants, the hurdles are even steeper, raising questions about how Canada can balance its welcoming image with the practical limitations of its immigration system.

Opinion: Democrats think they can escape Trump with a move to Canada. Think again

Reflecting on the cartoon from eight years ago, its core themes remain strikingly relevant. The belongings left behind at both borders still serve as symbols of hope and desperation, albeit for different reasons. The migrants at the southern border face displacement and uncertainty as they navigate the fallout of U.S. immigration policies, while many Democrats at the northern border remain, ultimately, in their homeland—venting their frustration but finding that escape isn’t as simple as it sounds.

If the reaction to Trump’s re-election tells us anything, it’s that the idea of leaving is as much about expressing dissatisfaction as it is about pursuing a better life. In both 2016 and 2024, the northern border has acted as a mirror, reflecting American political tensions rather than solving them. For all the noise about migration, most Americans will stay put, grappling with the divisions in their country, while Canada braces for the challenges—both imagined and real—that spill across its borders. The cartoon’s juxtaposition of belongings scattered on both sides of the border still resonates, reminding us that the stories behind those items are more complex than they first appear.

Posted in: Canada, USA Tagged: "Silver Reflection", Canada, Democrats, Donald Trump, elite, illegal, Immigration, Mexico, migrants, refugees, USA

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

November 4, 2014 by Graeme MacKay

Wednesday, November 5, 2014Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Obama facing lame duck status as America goes to midterm polls

American voters head to the polls on Tuesday looking likely to take out their frustration with Barack Obama on his Democratic allies and hand control of the US Senate to his Republican opponents.

Polls show the American people have soured on their president after six years and are preparing to use today’s congressional midterm elections to give vent to their anger.

In the ten battleground states that will decide control of the Senate, Republicans are leading in seven and a number of Democrat senators are facing the prospect of being turfed out of office.

A Republican victory would give them complete control of Congress and doom Mr Obama to “lame duck” status in his final two years in the White House.

The President, whose poor approval ratings have largely kept him off the campaign trail, made a final appeal to black voters last night to turn out and prevent a Republican surge.

“It will make a difference in the lives of you, your family, and your community,” Mr Obama told an African-American radio station. “You’ve got that responsibility: live up to it.”

Mr Obama will watch the election unfold from the White House on Tuesday night.

Get some lame duck swag here

Get some lame duck swag here

Polls begin closing on the East Coast at 7pm (Midnight GMT) and will soon offer the first indication of what kind of night Democrats can expect.

Strategists in both parties will be closely watching the results in North Carolina and New Hampshire, two states currently held by Democrats and where the President’s party has maintained slim leads.

If either or both states fall to the Republicans it will be taken as a sign that Mr Obama’s party is in real trouble and potentially facing an electoral rout. (Source: Daily Telegraph)


 

SIGHTINGS

MinutemenNews.com

Posted in: USA Tagged: America, Barack Obama, Capitol, Democrats, elections, lame duck, midterm, USA, Washington DC

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This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

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