MAGA – mackaycartoons

Wednesday April 30, 2025

April 30, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday April 30, 2025 (The Toronto Star)

Canada’s Stand: Mark Carney vs. Trump’s Shadow

April 25, 2025

The recent Canadian federal election has unfolded against a backdrop of unprecedented political dynamics, driven largely by the influence of U.S. President Donald Trump. His aggressive rhetoric, including threats to annex Canada as the 51st state and the imposition of tariffs, became central issues that galvanized Canadian voters. In response, Canadians have made a decisive choice by electing Mark Carney’s Liberal Party to lead the nation, even if through a minority government.

This election result is not merely a rejection of Trump’s influence but also a testament to Canada’s resilience and commitment to its sovereignty. As the Guardian noted, “Trump’s chaotic threats won Mark Carney the Canadian election,” emphasizing how the external pressure from Trump galvanized voters around a leader who promised to stand firm.

Analysis: Trump’s chaotic threats won Mark Carney the Canadian election – but only just

April 12, 2025

Mark Carney, a former central banker, has stepped into the political arena with a wealth of experience in navigating global economic challenges. His leadership during this tumultuous period offers Canadians a sense of stability and competence. In his acceptance speech, Carney struck a combative tone, emphasizing that “President Trump is trying to break us so he can own us. That will never happen.” This clear stance resonates with Canadians’ desire to protect their national interests against external threats.

While the Liberals’ victory was not a sweeping mandate, it reflects a strategic choice by voters to support a leader who promises to defend Canada’s sovereignty. The New York Times highlighted that Carney’s campaign centred around resisting Trump’s menacing comments and tariffs, a message that clearly resonated with the electorate.

However, the minority government situation presents its own set of challenges. Carney will need to navigate a complex political landscape, relying on support from smaller parties to advance his legislative agenda. Yet, Carney’s track record as a central banker, accustomed to dealing with crises, positions him well to manage these challenges effectively.

NYT: Mark Carney’s Liberals Win Canada’s Election. Here Are 4 Takeaways

April 2, 2025

Voters’ rejection of Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party, which saw its fortunes wane as Trump’s influence grew, further underscores the Canadian electorate’s desire to distance itself from MAGA-style politics. The swift shift in political dynamics reflects a broader sentiment that Canada must define its path on its own terms, independent of external pressures.

As one reader commented, “We elected someone who is an adult and a true leader. And I am relieved and so grateful.” This sentiment captures the optimism many Canadians feel as they look to the future under Carney’s leadership. His plans to diversify Canada’s alliances and reduce reliance on U.S. trade further demonstrate a proactive approach to strengthening the nation’s position on the global stage.

In conclusion, while the path forward will require careful navigation of domestic and international challenges, Canada is well-positioned to face the threats posed by a Trump-led America. Under Mark Carney’s experienced and steady leadership, there is much for Canadians to feel optimistic about as they work towards a future defined by resilience, unity, and self-determination.

Tuesday September 17, 2024

September 17, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 17, 2024

How Conspiracy Theories Are Undermining Politics and Media

September 2, 2020

In recent years, the political landscape in both the United States and Canada has been increasingly shaped by a disturbing trend: the embrace and normalization of conspiracy theories and misinformation. This trend, often amplified by influential figures and social media, is not just a minor issue; it’s fundamentally altering how politics is conducted and how information is consumed. The term “sanewashing,” as coined by Rose Lemay, aptly describes the media’s frustrating tendency to rationalize and reframe nonsensical or harmful political rhetoric into something that appears coherent or legitimate. This phenomenon is not just a matter of media failure; it’s a reflection of a broader crisis in how we engage with and interpret political discourse.

The Hill Times: How to know when media are ‘sanewashing’ politics

July 21, 2020

The recent rise of Donald Trump’s rhetoric—characterized by baseless conspiracy theories and incendiary claims—has set a troubling precedent. Trump’s recent assertions, including bizarre allegations about Haitian immigrants eating pets and unfounded claims about debate rigging, have been met with varying responses from the media and political allies. As highlighted in articles from The Independent and The Washington Post, Trump’s embrace of such conspiracy theories is not an isolated issue but part of a broader strategy to galvanize his base by exploiting fear and misinformation. This strategy has not only fuelled division but has also prompted a disturbing trend where mainstream media and political figures attempt to rationalize or validate Trump’s outlandish claims, rather than challenging them outright.

Trump/Harris Debate, 2024

Take, for example, Trump’s claim about Haitian immigrants in Ohio—a falsehood so extreme that it was debunked by local police. Despite this, Trump repeated the claim during a debate, escalating its spread. This scenario reflects a growing pattern where misinformation is not merely reported but often amplified by media outlets and political figures who either fail to adequately counter it or, worse, contribute to its propagation. The comments from readers on this issue, expressing frustration at the way Trump’s claims are treated and amplified, underscore the deepening crisis of trust and coherence in political discourse.

September 9, 2023

In Canada, this troubling trend is mirrored by figures like Pierre Poilievre, who, much like Trump, has adopted conspiracy-laden rhetoric to energize his base. The “sanewashing” Lemay describes is evident here as well, with attempts to frame Poilievre’s conspiracy theories as legitimate political critiques rather than dangerous misinformation. This normalization of conspiracy theories is not limited to fringe elements; it has begun to influence mainstream political debates and policies, as evidenced by the increasing resonance of far-right rhetoric and misinformation in Canadian politics.

News: Trump, GOP fuel conspiracy theories: Eating pets, a rigged debate and QAnon

The impact of this trend extends beyond mere political discourse. It undermines the integrity of democratic processes and erodes public trust in institutions. When politicians and media outlets fail to challenge baseless claims and instead seek to rationalize them, they contribute to a cycle of misinformation that has real-world consequences. This is particularly dangerous in a digital age where misinformation spreads rapidly and can incite violence, as seen in the increased threats and hate crimes resulting from Trump’s rhetoric.

August 7, 2020

The critical question facing both American and Canadian society is how to address this crisis of misinformation and conspiracy theories. It is not enough to simply label these issues; there must be a concerted effort to counteract them. This involves not only holding politicians accountable for spreading falsehoods but also demanding that media outlets adhere to rigorous standards of truth and evidence. As Lemay suggests, we must move beyond awkwardly ignoring harmful rhetoric and actively engage in setting ethical standards for political behaviour and media reporting.

In practical terms, this means investing in fact-checking initiatives, promoting media literacy among the public, and creating platforms where informed and truthful discourse can thrive. It also involves holding politicians and media accountable for their roles in perpetuating misinformation. The goal is not to stifle dissent or alternative viewpoints but to ensure that political discourse is grounded in fact and evidence, rather than driven by fear and falsehoods.

As we navigate this challenging landscape, it is crucial for both citizens and institutions to remain vigilant and proactive. The rise of conspiracy theories and misinformation is not a distant threat but a present danger that demands immediate and sustained action. By addressing these issues head-on and fostering a culture of truth and accountability, we can work towards a political environment that values facts over fiction and unity over division. (AI)

Tuesday April 2, 2024

April 2, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 2, 2024

Trump’s Post-Easter Ploy: A Blasphemous Exploitation of Faith for Personal Gain

December 9, 2023

As the echoes of Easter Sunday resound, we find ourselves confronted with a disturbing reality: Donald Trump’s unabashed commercialization of faith continues unabated. In a grotesque display of opportunism, the former president has seized upon the solemnity of Holy Week to peddle a “God Bless the USA Bible” emblazoned not with the sacred cross, but with the flag of a nation.

Esau McCaulley’s recent critique of this sacrilegious endeavour serves as a poignant reminder of the dangerous confluence of American nationalism and Christian doctrine. Trump’s shameless branding of a Bible for profit, accompanied by endorsements from country singers and political figures, reduces the holy text to a mere commodity in the marketplace of patriotism.

Analysis: The Church of Trump: How He’s Infusing Christianity Into His Movement

January 6, 2022

But this exploitation of faith for personal gain is not confined to the pages of McCaulley’s analysis; it permeates the very fabric of our society. Michael C. Bender’s examination of Trump’s manipulation of religious sentiment underscores the former president’s insidious efforts to cast himself as a quasi-religious figure, demanding unwavering loyalty from his followers while promising divine intervention in his legal battles and political endeavours.

Yet, as Christians worldwide celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Trump shamelessly lines his pockets with the proceeds from Bible sales, betraying the very essence of the faith he purports to champion. The juxtaposition of Trump’s crass commercialization of faith with the deep spiritual significance of Easter serves as a stark reminder of the profound disconnect between his actions and the teachings of Christianity.

Opinion: There’s No Such Thing as an American Bible

February 14, 2008

As we emerge from the reverent observance of Holy Week, let us not be seduced by Trump’s cynical ploy to enrich himself at the expense of our spiritual integrity. Let us instead heed McCaulley’s call to preserve the independence and credibility of our faith, rejecting the false idols of nationalism and political opportunism. For true Christianity transcends borders and affiliations, standing as a beacon of hope and love in a world fraught with division and discord. (AI)

Wednesday April 26, 2023

April 26, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday April 26, 2023

Old Titans Clash: Biden vs. Trump Rematch – Who Will Outlast the Other?

April 6, 2023

The upcoming re-election bid of Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, has been met with mixed reactions from Democrats and Americans alike. Some see it as a continuation of his legacy and a chance to build on his accomplishments, while others are concerned about his age and the potential challenges he may face during the campaign and if he were to win a second term.

On one hand, Biden’s supporters argue that he has been an underrated president who has accomplished significant legislative wins despite facing challenges. They point to his achievements in passing coronavirus relief, bipartisan infrastructure laws, and historic climate, healthcare, and tax plans, as well as his ability to maintain a narrow majority in Congress and defy historical trends in the midterm elections. Biden’s experience, empathy, and proven electoral success against Donald Trump in 2020 also make him a safe choice in comparison to the alternative.

News: Biden Announces Re-election Bid, Defying Trump and History

December 8, 2022

On the other hand, there are concerns about Biden’s age and potential health issues, as he would be 86 at the end of a second term, making him the oldest president in US history. There are also concerns about the gap between Democratic officials and public sentiment, with many Americans expressing dissatisfaction with Biden’s job approval rating and citing his age as a concern. Some progressives are disappointed with his policy decisions and view him as representing the status quo, which they believe may not be enough to defeat the Republican party and advance a progressive agenda.

In addition, there are potential challenges that Biden may face during the campaign, including a gruelling schedule, attacks from right-wing media about his age and potential succession by Vice President Kamala Harris, and the need to navigate a polarized political climate. There are also questions about the viability of other potential Democratic candidates, with some seen as too unpopular, too young, too old, or too fringe to be credible alternatives.

Opinion: The Coming Biden Blowout

May 27, 2020

In many ways, the rematch between Biden and Trump can be likened to the biblical story of David vs. Goliath. Biden, despite his age and potential challenges, represents an experienced and battle-tested politician who has achieved significant accomplishments and proven electoral success. Trump, on the other hand, represents a formidable opponent with his popularity among his base but also faces legal baggage and widespread unpopularity among a majority of Americans.

As the 2024 election approaches, Democrats and Americans will have to weigh the pros and cons of Biden’s re-election bid. Will his experience and accomplishments outweigh concerns about his age and potential challenges? Will he be able to overcome the gap between Democratic officials and public sentiment? Will he be able to fend off attacks from Trump and the Republican party? Only time will tell, but the upcoming rematch between Biden and Trump promises to be an epic battle in American politics, with echoes of the legendary tale of David vs. Goliath. (AI)

Thursday November 17, 2022

November 17, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 17, 2022

Trump’s 2024 Announcement Was Totally ‘Sad!’

July 18, 2016

The first time Donald Trump announced he was running for president, he cruised down an escalator to Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” bragged about his net worth, mused about whether his family actually likes him, and called Mexicans “rapists.” There was no way Trump’s 2024 campaign announcement on Tuesday night at 9pm EST was going to beat 2015’s iconic, racist spectacle, but the event failed to meet even significantly lowered expectations. His 65-minute speech in the Mar-a-Lago ballroom was widely derided as “low energy,” and the biggest actual news to come out of the event was his daughter Ivanka Trump’s announcement that she won’t be involved in his political operation going forward. Here are some weak, weird moments that Donald Trump would certainly be mocking if this were any other candidate’s campaign rollout (and he still had a Twitter account).

July 22, 2016

Ivanka’s absence made headlines, but she wasn’t the only Trump who bailed on him. The former president couldn’t even get a majority of his children to attend the event. Per the New York Times:

In the audience were his sons Barron and Eric (whom Mr. Trump perhaps unwittingly compared to Al Capone and Jesse James in his speech), along with Eric’s wife, Lara. Also his son-in-law Jared Kushner but not Ivanka, who played a starring role during Mr. Trump’s term in office but has announced via an Instagram story that she is bowing out of Season 2. And not Don Jr., though his fiancée, Kimberly Guilfoyle, was there. As for Tiffany, she was presumably on her honeymoon after her marriage last weekend.

February 3, 2017

It’s not every day that a defeated president makes a comeback attempt, but the cable news networks didn’t feel the need to air his remarks in full. MSNBC didn’t air the primetime speech at all, while Fox and CNN cut away from the more-than-hour-long address after Trump verbally announced his candidacy. Fox cut away about 15 minutes later than CNN, and switched back to Trump for an additional few minutes after showing commentary from guests. And the major broadcast networks deemed Trump’s announcement less important than a spinoff of The Bachelor. ABC, NBC and CBS all decided to stick with previously scheduled entertainment programming — reality show “Bachelor in Paradise” on ABC, science fiction drama “La Brea” on NBC and a fictionalized show about the FBI on CBS.

August 7, 2020

Naturally, Trump’s speech was chock-full of false and misleading claims. But there were also plenty of simple mistakes. As The Independent noted, Trump referred to the lower chamber of Congress as “the House of Representators”; he promised to “ensure that Joe Biden does not receive four more years in 2020”; and he bragged that he “went decades with no wars” during his four years as president.

Security wouldn’t let people leave. He literally had a captive audience.

Former Trump officials bashed him on-air. When CNN’s Anderson Cooper asked former Trump chief of staff Mick Mulvaney if he thought the announcement was good for the GOP, he said, “No, I don’t, because I think he’s the only Republican who could lose.”

July 20, 2021

Mulvaney added that if Trump wins the GOP nomination in 2024, the general election will be another referendum on him: That means the 2024 race is not about Joe Biden or whatever Democrat is on the ticket, not about inflation, not about world events, not about abortion. It will be about Donald Trump, the same thing we saw in 2020. No one voted for Joe Biden. Everybody voted for or against Donald Trump. It was a referendum on him. That’s what we’re hurtling toward in 2024. And I don’t see the outcome being any different two years from now than it was two years ago.

Later on CNN, Sarah Matthews, who served as Trump’s deputy press secretary, described the speech as “uninspiring,” “boring,” and “a rambling mess.”

The Post added credence to a report that owner Rupert Murdoch is done with Trump, following up last week’s “TRUMPTY DUMPTY” postelection cover with this absolutely brutal write-up. (NY Magazine)

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 … These sped up clips are posted to encourage others to be creative, to take advantage of the technology many of us already have and to use it to produce satire. Comfort the afflicted. Afflict the comforted.