Liberal

Tuesday November 28, 2023

As Ontario Liberals eagerly anticipate the announcement of their new leader amidst a shift in leadership selection methods, concerns over the lingering shadow of voter apathy and the challenges identified in a post-mortem report on their 2022 election defeat to Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservatives cast uncertainty over the party's future trajectory.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday November 28, 2023

Ontario Liberals Await New Leader Amidst Voter Apathy Concerns

June 15, 2023

On the cusp of unveiling their new leader this coming weekend, the Ontario Liberal Party finds itself caught between the shadows of Premier Doug Ford and the looming specter of voter apathy. As the live delegate votes unfold in suspense over the next few days, the pressing question for the Ontario Liberals is whether Doug Ford or voter apathy poses the greater challenge.

Over the weekend, thousands of Ontario Liberals participated in the party’s leadership race, casting their ballots for one of four candidates: Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith, MPP Ted Hsu, and MP Yasir Naqvi. The anticipation is palpable, with the announcement of the new leader scheduled for next Saturday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

News: Ontario Liberals will voted this past weekend to select new leader  

March 7, 2023

A significant shift in the party’s leadership selection process is underway, as the Liberals adopt a one-member-one-vote system, mirroring the method that led to Doug Ford’s selection in 2018. While some members applaud the transparency and inclusivity of the new process, concerns linger. William Davis, a delegate from the 2020 convention, voiced reservations about the system, suggesting a longer membership requirement to ensure a more informed electorate.

The contest seems to be invigorating the party, with interim leader John Fraser noting the excitement and energy among Liberals during the weekend’s events. However, the specter of the 2022 election defeat to Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives continues to cast its shadow. The post-mortem report released on January 5, 2023, highlights the party’s struggles with an unpopular leader, unclear messaging, and insufficient campaign resources.

News: Ontario records lowest voter turnout in election history  

June 9, 2022

The Liberals admitted that their platform lacked a clear vision for the province, relying on gimmicky promises that failed to resonate with voters. The review also identified challenges in volunteer recruitment, canvassing, and a deficiency in voter data and polling efforts. With only 43 percent voter turnout in the 2022 election, apathy emerged as a significant hurdle, affecting all parties.

As the Liberals brace for the announcement of their new leader, the question of whether they have effectively addressed the issues identified in the post-mortem report lingers. Will the chosen leader be equipped to rally the party, engage voters, and pose a formidable challenge to Doug Ford in the 2026 election? Or will the shadow of voter apathy continue to eclipse the party’s efforts, leaving them vulnerable in the political landscape of Ontario? The next chapter in Ontario Liberal politics awaits, and the outcome will undoubtedly shape the party’s trajectory in the years to come. (AI)

 

Thursday November 9, 2023

Both Joe Biden and Justin Trudeau are contending with declining public support, faced with doubts about their leadership abilities and growing concerns regarding their electability and potential successors within their parties.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 9, 2023

The Risk of Clinging to Power: A Tale of Two Fading Leaders

February 23, 2021

In today’s political landscape, both Justin Trudeau and Joe Biden find themselves teetering on the edge of a potentially irreversible defeat, yet clinging firmly to power despite overwhelming public dissatisfaction and concerning polling data. Their refusal to acknowledge the writing on the wall, coupled with the looming specters of polarizing right-wing figures, risks steering their respective parties towards inevitable downfall.

The scenes in Canada and the United States share a disheartening resemblance. Trudeau’s Liberals are grappling with a troubled political landscape marked by declining fortunes and a substantial negative impression among the electorate. The roots of discontent run deep, with Trudeau’s leadership scrutinized for alleged lack of vision, inauthenticity, and a perceived mishandling of national issues. The hope of exposing opponents, such as Pierre Poilievre, has backfired, signaling a dire need for a shift within the party’s strategy.

Opinion: Biden and Trudeau are both facing calls to step aside. The consequences would be very different  

December 8, 2022

On the other side of the border, Biden faces a similar predicament, trailing behind a resurgent Donald Trump in battleground states. Biden’s support among key demographic groups critical to his 2020 victory is slipping, compounded by doubts about his age and economic policies. The erosion of his multiracial and multigenerational coalition coupled with the alarming defection of black voters in favor of Trump signifies a decaying support base critical to the Democratic Party’s success.

The refusal of both leaders to acknowledge the warning signs is alarming. Suggestions for Trudeau to step aside and Biden’s potential for an accomplished legacy are overshadowed by their persistence to contest once more, possibly leading to an era of disastrous consequences. While Biden’s camp dismisses concerns, citing past electoral surprises, and Trudeau holds on to hopes of an improved economy swaying the voters, both seem oblivious to the shifting tides and deep-rooted public sentiment.

NYT: Elections Offer Respite for Biden, but Show Disparity Between Him and His Party

May 13, 2022

The urgency is clear: clinging to power against the rise of polarizing right-wing figures—Poilievre and Trump—leaves little room for a successful outcome. The choice isn’t solely about re-electing Trudeau or Biden but a pressing need to prevent the return of these polarizing figures. The question now lies not in the inevitability of their parties’ potential defeat but how these leaders persist in refusing to heed the calls for change, risking the very stability of their nations in the process. The time for a strategic recalibration is now, but will they listen?

In summary, both Trudeau and Biden stand at a crossroads, risking their parties’ inevitable defeat by disregarding glaring warning signs and clinging fiercely to power in the face of rising right-wing contenders, risking significant consequences for their respective nations’ future. (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 illustration a try:

 

Tuesday October 17, 2023

The Liberal-NDP coalition in Canada is teetering due to their growing dispute over pharmacare, highlighting the inherent instability of coalition governments shaped by the parties' distinct priorities.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday October 17, 2023

The Inevitable Unraveling of Coalition Governments

January 24, 2023

Coalition governments, formed when two or more political parties join forces to secure power and maintain stability, are often seen as a compromise for the greater good. Yet, history has shown us that such arrangements are not built to last forever. The recent developments in the partnership between the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party (NDP) in Canada serve as a stark reminder of this inherent fragility.

The initial optimism that surrounded the Liberal-NDP coalition seemed like a promising harbinger of cooperation in Canadian politics. However, as time has progressed, it’s become apparent that this alliance, which sought to assure cooperation, has instead become a liability for both parties. The primary catalyst for this shift in dynamics is the issue of pharmacare, a central concern for the NDP.

At their policy convention in Hamilton, the NDP drew a line in the sand, passing an emergency resolution that firmly demands the Liberals commit to a “universal, comprehensive and entirely public pharmacare program.” The New Democrats’ resolve in this matter is undeniable, and they have made it clear that weak legislation will not suffice. The NDP’s insistence on robust pharmacare legislation has put the coalition’s unity in jeopardy.

Analysis: Jagmeet Singh’s election results have been terrible. Here are 5 reasons why the NDP wants him as leader anyway

April 8, 2022

The implications of this growing schism are far-reaching. Should the NDP decide to withdraw their support for the coalition over the pharmacare issue, it would undoubtedly transform pharmacare into a decisive “ballot-box issue” in the next election. This not only illustrates the internal divisions within the coalition but also underscores how coalition governments can unravel over time due to the differing priorities and agendas of their member parties.

June 13, 2019

The struggle over pharmacare is a clear example of how coalition governments can become victims of their own success. The Liberals and the NDP entered into this arrangement in March 2022 to ensure the survival of the minority government until June 2025. However, it’s essential to remember that such agreements, while initially beneficial for securing power, can become precarious when parties with different policy priorities seek to maintain their distinct identities.

The current standoff between the Liberals and the NDP on pharmacare highlights a broader issue in coalition politics. The partners might find common ground initially, but over time, the unique priorities, electoral strategies, and party identities resurface. As a result, the very cooperation that helped form the government becomes the source of its instability and potential downfall.

News: Jagmeet Singh receives 81% support in confidence vote after defending deal with Liberals

October 23, 2019

In the case of the Liberal-NDP coalition, it’s essential to recognize that the NDP views pharmacare as a pivotal issue that distinguishes them from their Liberal counterparts. While the Liberals had promised a national pharmacare program in the 2019 election, their silence on this matter in the 2021 election has only exacerbated the divide.

As the New Democrats refocus their efforts on recruiting candidates, emphasizing healthcare, and addressing the rising cost of living, it’s evident that they’re preparing for an election where healthcare will be a central concern. The coalition’s future remains uncertain, but the pharmacare dispute underscores the inherent difficulties of maintaining a stable partnership between two parties with differing visions.

The Liberal-NDP coalition’s tumultuous journey over pharmacare is a stark reminder that coalition governments are not built to last indefinitely. These arrangements, formed to ensure stability and cooperation, can become marred by the reemergence of party-specific priorities and agendas. As the coalition struggles to reconcile these differences, the inevitable unravelling of their partnership serves as a cautionary tale for future coalitions in Canada and around the world. (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 illustration a try:

 

Tuesday September 12, 2023

September 12, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 12, 2023

Trudeau’s Grounded Plane, Liberal Party Turbulence

April 24, 1997

As the Liberal Party finds itself hemorrhaging support in national public opinion polls, there’s a striking parallel to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent experience in India, where his plane was grounded due to technical issues. The 158-member national Liberal caucus is gathering in London, Ont., for their summer retreat, and it’s a crucial moment for the party to strategize its comeback.

News: Canada PM Justin Trudeau stuck in India after plane breaks down  

July 26, 2023

The Sept. 12-14 retreat marks the first face-to-face meeting between all MPs and Prime Minister Trudeau since his controversial July cabinet shuffle, which sparked dissatisfaction among backbench MPs and generated negative media attention. Liberal MP Brenda Shanahan, chair of the national Liberal caucus, hasn’t commented on the situation, but the retreat’s schedule reveals a significant focus on caucus meetings and discussions.

In these retreats, MPs traditionally share feedback from their constituents and receive updates on government priorities from cabinet ministers and party headquarters. However, the drop in polling numbers is a pressing concern for Liberal MPs, who are eager to understand the government’s strategy to address this decline. They’re also curious about why the government hasn’t effectively countered Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s relentless attacks.

The cabinet shuffle, which cast a shadow over the government’s performance, remains a sore point within the party. Liberal MPs and former senior members alike view it as a morale killer, both inside and outside the caucus. Pollsters attribute the declining poll numbers to the party’s prolonged time in power and rising concerns about inflation and affordability among Canadians.

News: Liberals’ tanking poll numbers ‘top of mind’ as Trudeau, Grits head to national caucus retreat  

February 22, 2018

As the party grapples with these challenges, the situation in India serves as a metaphor for Trudeau’s leadership and the Liberal party’s predicament. Just as Trudeau faces unexpected obstacles with a grounded plane, the Liberal party must navigate its way out of a turbulent political climate, seeking to regain momentum and public trust. The journey ahead may be uncertain, but as experienced campaigners, Liberals know that a strong, strategic effort can make all the difference in the next election.The prime minister had been slated to leave India on Sunday. (AI)

 

Thursday June 15, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 15, 2023

Ready to Shake Up Ontario Politics and Unseat Ford’s Arrogance

Young Doug Ford: The Series

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie’s official campaign launch to become the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party has injected a much-needed energy and experience into the race. With her impressive track record and the overwhelming support she has received, Crombie is poised to become a formidable challenger to Premier Doug Ford and his increasingly arrogant government.

Crombie’s decision to enter the leadership race comes at a crucial time for the Ontario Liberal Party. After a disappointing performance in the last provincial election, where they secured only eight seats and failed to gain official party status, the Liberals have been desperately searching for a leader who can reinvigorate the party and bring it back to its former glory.

News: Bonnie Crombie officially enters race for Ontario Liberal leadership  

March 7, 2023

With the resignation of former leader Steven Del Duca following the 2022 election, the Liberals were left without a clear path forward. Del Duca’s campaign centered on affordability but failed to resonate with voters. It became evident that the party needed a fresh face and a new approach to connect with Ontarians.

Enter Bonnie Crombie. As a former Liberal MP and the current mayor of Mississauga since 2014, Crombie brings a wealth of political experience and a proven ability to lead. Her centrist political style, focused on addressing what’s broken, resonates with voters who are tired of partisan politics and empty promises.

During her campaign launch, Crombie wasted no time in highlighting the failures of the Ford government. She pointed out the crisis in healthcare, the underfunding of education, and the disregard for the environment. Crombie’s ability to articulate the concerns of Ontarians and offer tangible solutions sets her apart from other candidates in the race.

May 30, 2023

Moreover, Crombie’s unwavering commitment to protecting the Greenbelt and Ontario Place demonstrates her dedication to preserving Ontario’s natural spaces. Her opposition to the government’s decision to open up these areas to developers shows a strong stance on environmental issues that matter to the people.

Crombie’s focus on inclusivity and collaboration is another aspect that sets her apart. She acknowledges the importance of working with healthcare workers, educators, Indigenous Peoples, and municipalities, rather than alienating them, as the Ford government has done. Her ability to build bridges and foster partnerships will be essential in restoring trust and confidence in the Ontario Liberal Party.

News: Bonnie Crombie attacks Doug Ford as ‘just plain wrong’ in launching Liberal leadership bid  

Premier Doug Ford himself has acknowledged Crombie’s strength as a candidate, quipping, “What took you so long?” His remark is a testament to the impact Crombie has already made on the political landscape. Ford recognizes that she poses a significant threat and is prepared to engage in a spirited battle should she secure the Liberal leadership.

May 24, 2023

With her commitment to maintaining her role as mayor while campaigning for the leadership, Crombie showcases her dedication to serving the people of Mississauga and Ontario simultaneously. Her willingness to work tirelessly, campaigning on weeknights and weekends, demonstrates her work ethic and commitment to public service.

As the Ontario Liberals gear up for the leadership vote in November, it is clear that Bonnie Crombie has emerged as the frontrunner. Her experience, energy, and ability to connect with Ontarians make her the best candidate to lead the party to victory in the next provincial election. Crombie’s vision for a more inclusive and prosperous Ontario stands in stark contrast to the arrogance and divisiveness of the Ford government. Under her leadership, the Ontario Liberal Party can reclaim its position as a strong, progressive force and offer a brighter future for all Ontarians. (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: