polls – mackaycartoons

Saturday April 12, 2025

April 12, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday April 12, 2025 (also, The Toronto Star, April 14, 2025)

A Financial Superstar at the Right Time and Place in Canada’s Election

April 2, 2025

As Canada’s federal election progresses, Liberal leader Mark Carney emerges as a financial superstar whose impressive credentials position him as the leader Canada needs during these uncertain times. With a career that includes serving as the Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, Carney brings unparalleled economic expertise to a campaign dominated by concerns over international trade tensions and a rapidly evolving global economy.

Carney’s ability to navigate complex economic landscapes has made him a reassuring figure for Canadians anxious about the volatility stemming from Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and broader economic shifts. His leadership is synonymous with stability and competence, qualities that resonate deeply with voters seeking assurance in turbulent times.

Opinion: Carney’s Telling Jokes: Ford, Smith, and the Federal Race

March 21, 2025

Carney’s dual role as both the Liberal leader and Prime Minister provides a unique advantage during the campaign. He has adeptly worn both hats, using the campaign period to work the hustings as a party leader while strategically stepping back into his role as Prime Minister. This dual approach allows him to maintain a presence on the ground, engaging with voters, while also returning to Ottawa for essential meetings with Premiers, strategizing governance, and addressing the latest antics from a hostile and unpredictable Trump administration. Some of these actions are necessary for governance, while others are performative, showcasing to voters a Prime Minister who is deftly and steadily manning the tiller.

Opinion: Women have a problem with Pierre Poilievre. Men have a problem with Liberals

March 20, 2025

Yet, as the election unfolds, Carney faces the challenge of addressing domestic issues like rising living costs, housing shortages, and regional disparities—issues that may require difficult decisions and potentially unpopular austerity measures post-election.

Furthermore, Carney must contend with a gender gap that is shaping the election’s dynamics. The recent analysis by Allan Gregg highlights a significant divide, with middle-aged men, often seen as “alpha males,” showing strong support for Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives. These men, typically drawn to assertive political figures, present a hurdle for Carney, who must find ways to appeal to this demographic without alienating his broader base.

The next 20 days are critical for Carney to sustain the level of confidence voters have placed in him. The campaign trail is fraught with potential pitfalls, including media critiques about his dual role as Liberal leader and Prime Minister, the threat of dirty campaigning by adversaries, and the pervasive influence of misinformation on social media.

Moreover, Carney faces the test of upcoming debates, where his political acumen will be on display against seasoned opponents. These debates offer a platform for Carney to articulate a clear vision for Canada’s future, demonstrating his ability to translate his financial expertise into effective political leadership.

opinion: Mark Carney should take more care with the caretaker convention

March 14, 2025

Carney’s task is to reassure Canadians that his leadership extends beyond economic theory to encompass the everyday challenges they face. He must balance the immediate need for economic stability with a long-term vision for addressing domestic issues, proving that he is not only the leader for today’s crises but also for the challenges of tomorrow.

As the election continues, the question remains: Can Mark Carney leverage his financial superstar status and dual roles to build a comprehensive platform that resonates with Canadians across all walks of life? The answer will determine whether he can secure a mandate to lead Canada through its current challenges and into a stable future.

Midway Mark Carney

While conspiracy theories aren’t exclusive to any one political group, it’s hard to ignore how often they seem to emerge from the right, particularly among some Conservative circles. These theories often stand in stark contrast to well-established scientific facts. Whether it’s questioning the effectiveness of vaccines, which have saved countless lives, or denying the overwhelming evidence of climate change, the impact of such misinformation is troubling. We see the consequences in increasingly severe weather patterns, from storms to wildfires.

This week, a new form of skepticism emerged among Conservative supporters of Pierre Poilievre, who began questioning the validity of polls that consistently show the Liberals leading by several points. In particular, Mark Carney holds a substantial lead over Poilievre. The CBC’s aggregated poll data, updated daily, presents a clear picture of voter preferences, and it’s not rocket science to understand the trends.

Such disregard for factual data echoes the sentiments expressed by Trump in the U.S., where claims of a “rigged” system only surface when the results are unfavourable. This rhetoric now seems to be influencing Poilievre’s movement, drawing parallels to a “flat earth” mindset that denies the reality of polls and, by extension, questions the integrity of the electoral process itself. It’s quite telling when a political leader resorts to emphasizing crowd sizes as a definitive measure of success. Yet Canadians keep being told by Conservatives that there is no alignment to the Trump form of conservatism.

Midway Mark Carney | April 12, 2025:https://youtu.be/-ygxpymPGZ8

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Friday February 28, 2025

February 28, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 28, 2025

Published in the Toronto Star.

Ford’s Early Gamble Pays Off: Ontario’s Vote Against Trump Turmoil

Young Doug Ford: The Series

Doug Ford’s quest to seek a strong mandate from Ontario voters, a full 18 months before the set election date, can be seen as a strategic move deeply entwined with the tumultuous political climate influenced by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump’s rhetoric, often perceived as unpredictable and controversial, has not only riled up Canadians but also provided Ford with an opportunity to consolidate his political strength in Ontario.

In calling an early election, Ford positioned himself as a leader ready to protect Ontario’s economy from the looming threats of U.S. tariffs. By framing the election around the need for a robust mandate to confront these challenges, Ford managed to shift the narrative from domestic controversies to international economic concerns. His campaign emphasized his visits to Washington, where he sought to lobby U.S. lawmakers and defend Ontario’s interests, a move that resonated with voters wary of Trump’s trade policies.

News: Doug Ford on track to get that bigger mandate

January 23, 2006

This strategic pivot allowed Ford to capitalize on the anxiety surrounding international trade and align himself with Ontarians’ desire for stability and economic security. The narrative of standing up against external threats created a unifying theme for his campaign, overshadowing some of the criticisms related to his governance, such as issues with healthcare, housing, and environmental policies.

Polls leading up to election day indicated that Ford’s gamble was paying off. A significant lead over his rivals suggested that his message resonated with a broad spectrum of voters. The Progressive Conservatives appeared poised to secure a third consecutive majority government, an achievement that would place Ford in rare company in Ontario’s political history.

The polls revealed not just a lead in popular support but also a strategic advantage across various demographics and regions. Ford’s ability to appeal to both traditional conservative bases and swing voters concerned about economic stability gave him a comprehensive edge. The data suggested that despite underlying dissatisfaction with some provincial directions, many voters still saw Ford as the best option to navigate the uncertain global economic landscape.

News: Ontario heads to polls for snap election in face of looming Trump tariffs

February 19, 2025

In contrast, Ford’s opponents, while focusing on crucial domestic issues like healthcare and housing, struggled to gain the same level of traction. The Liberals and New Democrats faced the challenge of presenting a compelling alternative narrative in a climate dominated by concerns over U.S.-Canada relations.

As Ontario voters headed to the polls, it became clear that Ford’s early election call, although risky, was a calculated move that leveraged international dynamics to reinforce his leadership. By deftly capitalizing on Trump’s rhetoric and the subsequent economic concerns, Ford positioned himself not just as a provincial leader but as a key player in navigating Ontario through the complexities of global politics.

Doug Ford’s quest for a strong mandate, framed around the issue of Donald Trump, underscored his strategic acumen in aligning provincial politics with broader geopolitical concerns. The polls pointed to a likely victory, affirming that Ford’s approach resonated with voters seeking stability and decisive leadership in uncertain times. As the election unfolded, it was evident that Ford’s gamble on early elections and his focus on economic defence had solidified his path to securing the strong mandate he sought.

Subscription Membership Has its Privileges (My morning after the election cartoon only you and a few get to see before everyone else)

Creating editorial cartoons during an election is a dance with uncertainty, where the risk of choosing the right narrative before the results roll in is both thrilling and daunting. In the past, I’d sketch out multiple scenarios, each capturing different outcomes for Ontario’s political landscape: a PC majority, a surprise NDP surge, or a Liberal comeback. But with deadlines closing in before the polls, the luxury of waiting for results has vanished.

The “Young Doug Ford” series is my playful take on these times, where satire meets the unpredictable nature of politics. This particular piece, featuring a youthful Donald Trump in oversized fur, surrounded by Doug Ford and his buddies with their humourous “mandates,” was a gamble. My editor’s nervousness was palpable—what if the election didn’t align with the cartoon’s narrative? But that’s the beauty and risk of editorial cartooning: capturing the spirit of the moment, even if the specifics remain uncertain.

Gone are the days of newsroom hustle after polls close. The immediacy of digital deadlines has replaced the tactile adjustments of ink and paper. Editorial board meetings with party leaders and meet-and-greets with candidates that once enriched our perspectives are fading memories. Today, many candidates dodge public forums and media questions, a trend that mirrors the disconnection felt by voters. This disengagement challenges cartoonists to find fresh ways to connect with audiences, using humour and creativity to spark conversation in an era of political fatigue.

In this shifting landscape, the creative process remains an anchor. It’s about interpreting the zeitgeist, taking risks, and sometimes, embracing the uncertainty. Even as the times change, the mission of editorial cartoons—to provoke thought, entertain, and challenge the status quo—remains steadfast, a testament to the enduring power of satire in political discourse.

Check out my making-of animated editorial cartoon for February 28, 2025, below! If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, where I share weekly editorial cartoons every Saturday morning. Substack is a crucial platform for me amidst the uncertainties of being a staff cartoonist, especially given recent layoffs and newspaper closures affecting our field. As long as I hold my position, subscriptions will remain free. Thank you for your support! This “note” helps craft my weekly posts and showcases animated versions of my cartoons. Enjoy!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Monday November 25, 2024

November 25, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Continuing this week’s theme of revisiting Donald Trump through the lens of editorial cartoons, I’m struck by the inescapable sense of déjà vu. As we wade deeper into the Trump 2.0 era, it’s unsettling how many motifs from his initial presidency—and even his 2016 transition—are reappearing with eerie precision.

Saturday November 12, 2016

The cartoon that comes to mind today is The Taming of the Donald, published on November 12, 2016. It depicts a freshly minted President-elect Trump standing alongside Justin Trudeau. Despite the stark contrast in their political ideologies, Trudeau’s public embrace of Trump was both practical and emblematic of Canada’s eternal dance with its outsized southern neighbour. Remarkably, when Trump resurfaced earlier this month as a presumptive leader on the global stage, Trudeau extended a similar diplomatic hand, echoing his 2016 overture despite the years of tension and divergence that followed.

Looking back, both figures shared an extraordinary rise to power, with Trudeau securing his victory in Canada’s 2015 federal election and Trump clinching the U.S. presidency a year later. Their respective ascents were defined by soaring popularity and, ironically, memorable hair. Remember those Conservative Party attack ads on Trudeau? “Nice hair, though” became a lasting jab—and a visual parallel that editorial cartoonists couldn’t resist exploiting, even years later, and in the above case, a caricature of Trudeau styled in Trump’s unmistakable mane.

On July 22, 2015, the date of the lead cartoon, months before their respective wins, both leaders were seen as improbable contenders by many. Trudeau’s Liberals were struggling at 25% in the polls behind both the NDP and Conservatives. Across the border, Trump’s campaign faced significant backlash after his infamous comments about John McCain’s military service. Yet, both leaders found ways to defy expectations. Trudeau surged ahead in Canada’s federal election by October, and Trump’s brashness seemed to fortify his momentum, propelling him to the top of national Republican polls by the same time.

Fast forward to 2024, and how the tables have turned. Trump’s support appears more robust than ever, while Trudeau faces what many view as the twilight of his political career. His approval ratings have plummeted, and his once-unassailable position in Canadian politics now feels like a relic of the past. Ironically, Trudeau’s political survival in 2015—when he was widely underestimated—might serve as a faint glimmer of hope for his supporters. But the landscape today feels far less forgiving.

Tuesday September 4, 2024

BTW this gag showing Trudeau getting made up to look like Trump, was repeated this year when the big mo was going for Kamala Harris this past Summer.

Even as their trajectories diverge, the uncanny intersections between Trudeau and Trump continue to offer fertile ground for commentary and reflection. In both men, we see leaders who became symbols—whether of hope, disruption, or controversy—and who now find themselves, for better or worse, etched in the political histories of their nations.

Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks.

Wednesday October 23, 2024

October 23, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 23, 2024

Poilievre’s Rise Comes with the Risk of Trudeau’s Fate

November 13, 2012

Pierre Poilievre’s current dominance in the polls over Justin Trudeau offers him reason to feel confident, but Canadian politics has shown that holding power is more difficult than achieving it. Trudeau’s current struggles—a revolt among his backbenchers, dwindling public support, and internal discontent—serve as a cautionary tale for any leader. In parliamentary democracies, leaders rarely leave on their own terms. Even those with momentum, such as Jason Kenney or Erin O’Toole, have been abruptly sidelined by party infighting or shifting public sentiment.

Analysis: Inside the slow, super polite revolt against Justin Trudeau

February 3, 2022

Poilievre’s rise to prominence, with his focus on issues like the carbon tax, echoes the rhetorical strategies of other populist leaders. However, success in opposition does not guarantee smooth sailing in government. Once in office, voter expectations become harder to manage, and internal divisions can develop quickly. Margaret Thatcher and Malcolm Turnbull, for example, were forced out by caucus despite being powerful in their own right. Poilievre should tread carefully; the political tides can shift suddenly, and gloating over Trudeau’s difficulties today might blind him to the challenges waiting ahead.

Analysis: How to mount (or defeat) a Canadian caucus revolt

May 20, 2022

Even Trudeau, who once enjoyed widespread popularity, could not escape political fatigue, rising economic discontent, and internal frustration. Similarly, Poilievre’s tenure—if it begins—may encounter new political challengers, unforeseen crises, and declining voter patience. Parliamentary leaders often discover that power can evaporate just as fast as it was earned. A polarizing figure like Poilievre could soon find himself in a precarious position, facing the same pressures that are currently unraveling Trudeau’s leadership. If he assumes his popularity will protect him, Poilievre risks meeting the same fate—pushed aside as frustrations mount and new voices emerge. (AI)

Posted to my all new experimental SUBSTACK page. It’s at the early experimental stage (at the time of it’s posting,) and presented in the form of notes as I figure out how to integrate it into my daily routine. Find out what’s swirling in my head as I come up with my ideas. It’s free and will continue to be, as will this carefully curated WordPress website which I’ve maintained obediently since 2012… until the traditional structure that has sustained me a livelihood collapses on top of me as it has for so many of my peers. Please take a look, and if you want to continue following/subscribe to my work, please subscribe, and thank you!

Can you recall any leader in official opposition or government, who left his or her position, head held high, on his or her own terms, who makes you think, boy, was that one hum zinger of a champion leader? The kind who may make you say of the current crop of leaders, “well, politician x would be perfect if only they had….“, fill in the blanks with, ….the charisma a Michael Ignatieff, or the magic of a Thomas Mulcair, or star quality of an Andrew Scheer. No. They come with hope, they fail the electorate test, and then they’re sent off. These are only random opposition leaders. Name a beloved past Prime Minister or Premier of recent memory.

Pierre Poilievre’s confidence amid Justin Trudeau’s internal Liberal struggles may seem justified, but history suggests his victory, if achieved, will only mark the beginning of new challenges. Leaders in Canadian and Westminster democracies often rise quickly but fall just as fast when voter fatigue, policy missteps, or internal revolts take hold. Trudeau’s likely ouster echoes earlier leadership struggles, including those of Jason Kenney and Erin O’Toole, highlighting how hard it is to retain power. If Poilievre overestimates his popularity or fails to manage rising expectations, and I can’t fathom how he won’t, he’ll find himself on the same path to political decline.

My sympathies are beginning to come out for Justin Trudeau. This may be the most empathetic one I’ve ever drawn of the man. Not a good sign for Trudeau, and though he’ll likely survive this test of his leadership, the writing is on the wall. The clock is ticking down.

Friday October 10, 2024

October 11, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday October 10, 2024

Animated making-of clip here!

As Hurricanes Wreak Havoc, Climate Denialism and Political Cowardice Endanger Us All

October 9, 2024

In the span of just a few weeks, Hurricanes Helene and Milton pummelled Florida with terrifying force, leaving behind destroyed homes, flooded streets, and devastated lives. Milton’s rapid intensification—from a Category 1 to a Category 5 in just 20 hours—was fuelled by abnormally warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, waters made hotter and more dangerous by human-caused climate change. The science is clear, yet our political discourse remains bafflingly silent on the climate crisis. With just four weeks until the U.S. presidential election, climate change is treated as an afterthought. Even with the devastating storms and wildfires right in front of us, politicians play footsie with low-information voters instead of confronting the crisis with the urgency it demands.
The climate crisis should be the central issue of this election—and every election going forward—but denialism and political cowardice have ensured that it remains on the back burner. Instead of leaders addressing the existential threat we face, we get collective shrugs and vague talking points, with neither party rising to the occasion. The silence is deafening, and it’s costing us dearly.

There’s no mystery behind the muted response to the climate crisis, especially on the right. Climate denialism is rife within Republican ranks, supported by conservative think tanks and billionaire-funded interest groups with deep ties to the fossil fuel industry. The Heritage Foundation, for example, has long been one of the most vocal proponents of climate disinformation. These organizations fund campaigns and candidates, such as Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, who are more than willing to perpetuate a narrative of deregulation, drilling, and exploitation of federal lands, all while dismissing or outright denying the existence of climate change.

News: Climate change fueled the fury of hurricanes Helene and Milton

January 17, 2024

In Florida, where voters are now facing the brutal consequences of climate inaction, these voices have been dominant for years. Governors like Jeb Bush, Rick Scott, and Ron DeSantis have actively worked to downplay the crisis. DeSantis even went so far as to push for the removal of “climate change” from school textbooks—a stunning display of willful ignorance as his state drowns, burns, and blows away in the face of increasingly severe storms.

Yet even as Republicans stick to their playbook of denial, the Democrats are no heroes in this story. While they talk a good game on climate change during off-election years, they grow timid as election day approaches. Their messaging softens, calibrated to avoid alienating swing voters and those skeptical of climate science. They fall into the same trap—political expediency over moral clarity.

The media, too, has played a role in the failure to elevate climate change in this election. In debates, press conferences, and interviews, climate change is either downplayed or entirely ignored. The recent presidential debates, for example, barely touched on the issue, even as record-breaking storms ripped through the Gulf of Mexico. It’s astonishing that in the midst of such climate devastation, the media has largely failed to forcefully question politicians on their environmental positions.

The result is a political landscape where climate change remains sidelined, reduced to a niche issue that can be pushed aside in favour of more politically convenient topics. This silence gives cover to deniallists and allows special interests to frame climate advocates as “alarmists.” Every time the science is minimized or ignored, every time climate change is excluded from the political conversation, we move further away from meaningful action.

September 28, 2004

We are no longer talking about climate change as a future threat—it is here, happening in real-time, as the articles on Hurricanes Milton and Helene demonstrate. Florida is just one battleground, but the crisis is global. From wildfires in Canada and California to atmospheric rivers causing unprecedented flooding, extreme weather is becoming the norm, not the exception. And this is just the beginning.

Without strong leadership, these devastating events will continue to escalate, and the cost of inaction will grow ever higher. In Florida, as one reader pointed out, the hurricanes could soon render parts of the state uninsurable and uninhabitable. Insurance companies are already pulling out, and the state’s leaders are doing little to prepare for the long-term consequences. The failure to address the climate crisis isn’t just a policy failure—it’s a failure of imagination and moral responsibility.

As Dr. Richard Alley, a leading glaciologist, has warned, rising ocean temperatures are also chewing away at the Antarctic Ice Sheet, accelerating the risk of catastrophic sea-level rise. This means that in addition to the immediate threats posed by stronger storms, we are facing long-term consequences that will affect every coastal community in the world. The people who continue to deny or downplay climate change are condemning future generations to deal with the fallout.

News: Record Hot Water Is Fueling Hurricane Milton

November 4, 2021

It’s clear where the blame lies. The fossil fuel industry, in its quest for profits, is repeating the same disinformation tactics that Big Tobacco used when it denied the dangers of smoking. And our political leaders, especially on the right, have sold out to these interests, while Democrats have failed to rise above political calculations and fully embrace the urgency of the moment.

This must change. We need leaders who will stop treating climate change as an inconvenient political issue and start addressing it as the defining crisis of our time. Courageous leadership means being honest with voters about the scale of the problem and the difficult decisions that lie ahead. It means standing up to special interests and enacting policies that will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, protect vulnerable communities, and build resilience for the future.

The time for half-measures and political maneuvering is over. If we don’t act now, storms like Helene and Milton will only grow stronger, and the damage they leave behind will become more catastrophic. The stakes couldn’t be higher. We owe it to ourselves, to future generations, and to the planet to demand action. And we owe it to the victims of these storms to stop letting denialism and cowardice win the day.

It’s time to end the silence. It’s time to act. (AI)