Republican

Wednesday November 16, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Wednesday November 16, 2016 Conservative contender Kellie Leitch: 'I am not a racistÕ Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch says her enthusiasm for Donald Trump does not make her a racist. During an exchange on CTVÕs Question Period, rival candidate Michael Chong suggested Leitch was importing the divisive style practised by the U.S. president-elect. Leitch proposes screening newcomers for Canadian values, and says she shares some ideas with Trump on immigration. ÒI am not a racist,Ó Leitch said during the CTV segment aired Sunday. ÒI am not a person whoÕs out groping other individuals. I do not do those things and I donÕt think that the Canadians who support the ideas IÕm talking about do those types of things.Ó The exchange comes as candidates for party chief prepare to debate today at a conference centre just south of Ottawa. They sparred earlier this week in Saskatoon over immigration, carbon pricing and the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. Twelve people are running to be the next Conservative leader, who will be chosen in May. Leitch has attracted headlines Ñ and some barbs from other leadership contenders Ñ for her immigration screening proposal, which she has yet to flesh out. She denies endorsing the controversial Trump. (Source: Toronto Star) https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/11/13/conservative-contender-kellie-leitch-i-am-not-a-racist.html Canada, USA, Donald Trump, election, conservative, autocrat, monarch, king, gold, republican

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday November 16, 2016

Conservative contender Kellie Leitch: ‘I am not a racist’

Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch says her enthusiasm for Donald Trump does not make her a racist.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Wednesday September 7, 2016 Kellie Leitch defends 'anti-Canadian values' survey question Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch is defending a contentious survey question from her campaign team that asked supporters what they think about vetting would-be immigrants and refugees for "anti-Canadian values.Ó The survey made headlines on Thursday, with at least one Conservative strategist calling for her to withdraw from the race. "Canadians can expect to hear more, not less from me, on this topic in the coming months," Leitch wrote in an emailed statement. "Screening potential immigrants for anti-Canadian values that include intolerance towards other religions, cultures and sexual orientations, violent and/or misogynist behaviour and/or a lack of acceptance of our Canadian tradition of personal and economic freedoms is a policy proposal that I feel very strongly about.Ó The rest of the survey, which was sent to those who signed up for news from the Leitch campaign, gauges support on a variety of issues, including electoral reform, corporate tax cuts and the legalization and regulation of marijuana for recreational use. One question refers to denying citizenship to someone who recants the pledge to the Queen after taking it; another asks about incarcerating terrorists instead of providing "therapy and counselling.Ó "Oftentimes, debating and discussing these complex policies requires tough conversations Ñ conversations that go well beyond media sound bites and simplified labels," wrote Leitch. "I am committed to having these conversations, to debating theses issues, and I invite Canadians to give their feedback.Ó (Source CBC News)Êhttp://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/leitch-responds-survey-question-1.3746470 Canada, Kellie Keitch, Conservative, Party, leadership, dog whistle, immigration, Donald Trump, wall

September 7, 2016

During an exchange on CTV’s Question Period, rival candidate Michael Chong suggested Leitch was importing the divisive style practised by the U.S. president-elect.

Leitch proposes screening newcomers for Canadian values, and says she shares some ideas with Trump on immigration.

“I am not a racist,” Leitch said during the CTV segment aired Sunday. “I am not a person who’s out groping other individuals. I do not do those things and I don’t think that the Canadians who support the ideas I’m talking about do those types of things.”

The exchange comes as candidates for party chief prepare to debate today at a conference centre just south of Ottawa.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Tuesday October 25, 2016 Steven Blaney kicks off Conservative leadership campaign with proposed niqab ban Quebec MP Steven Blaney is running for leadership of the Conservative Party, and his first major policy position is a ban on the niqab and a promise to invoke the notwithstanding clause if courts strike down his new measures. The former minister in the cabinet of Stephen Harper said he will introduce legislation that would forbid the Islamic face-covering while voting and taking the oath of citizenship. He also said that the prohibition would extend to people working in the federal public service. "We are a country that is built on immigration, but we have to be sure that those new Canadians we welcome are understanding of how we live. We don't want our country to become like the country they left," Blaney told reporters Monday. "We fully welcome you, but we want you to respect who we are.Ó The measures are necessary, Blaney said, to "ensure the sustainability of our integration model" and to protect women's rights. The proposal revives a controversial debate from the last campaign, when Harper himself suggested the niqab should be banned from the public service. His party enacted policies to prevent women from wearing a niqab while taking the citizenship oath, and promised to create a "barbaric cultural practices" tip line. Those two proposals led some to accuse the party of engaging in identity politics and fuelling anti-Muslim sentiment. Zunera Ishaq, a Muslim woman, went to court to challenge the government's ban, and, in the middle of the campaign, the Federal Court of Appeal cleared the wayÊfor her to wear the head covering. (Source: CBC News)Êhttp://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/steven-blaney-conservative-leadership-niqab-ban-1.3818673 Canada, Conservative, party, niqab, assisted suicide, end of life, conservative, leadership, Kellie Leitch, Steven Blaney, culture, race, religion, stephen ha

October 25, 2016

They sparred earlier this week in Saskatoon over immigration, carbon pricing and the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

Twelve people are running to be the next Conservative leader, who will be chosen in May.

Leitch has attracted headlines — and some barbs from other leadership contenders — for her immigration screening proposal, which she has yet to flesh out. She denies endorsing the controversial Trump. (Source: Toronto Star)

 

Wednesday October 12, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Wednesday October 12, 2016 Wednesday August 12, 2016 The GOP civil war is finally here. And Trump is winning With the release of the 2005 "Access of Hollywood" tapeÊand Donald Trump's subsequent drop in the polls, many already reluctant Republicans are now running for cover from him and his campaign. House Speaker Paul RyanÊand Senator John McCainÊare the most prominent among them, and Trump has responded by calling them out individually on his Twitter feed. The GOP civil warÊso close to erupting so many times during the course of the Trump campaign is finally here. All because of a new drop in the polls that may or may not last very long. There may be no winners in the end of this intramural battle, but the only one who can win is Trump. And that's why Trump should not just continue to play up this growing rift with the establishment, he should play it up as much as possible. Think about it: If Trump loses the election, Republican leaders hoping to avoid the worst effects of being associated with his controversial persona won't be spared much. The Trump supporters will never forgive them and the news media and the Left will never given them any credit for "doing the right thing" anyway. It's a form of Stockholm syndrome to not only start to like your captors, but look for reasons to blame the captivity on your fellow hostages. This is a no-win scenario if there ever was one for the GOP establishment powers. Democracy can be ugly. And what Republicans like McCain and Ryan have had so much trouble accepting is that the voters in the primaries flocked to Trump. It doesn't matter if Trump deserved it or not. It doesn't matter if he had the best chances to win the general election. If a political party works to undermine what its voters want, it is dead. Trump's campaign is thus still alive while we watch the GOP commit a form of suicide as it fears national polls and the news media more than its own vo

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 12, 2016

The GOP civil war is finally here. And Trump is winning

With the release of the 2005 “Access of Hollywood” tape and Donald Trump’s subsequent drop in the polls, many already reluctant Republicans are now running for cover from him and his campaign.

House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senator John McCain are the most prominent among them, and Trump has responded by calling them out individually on his Twitter feed. The GOP civil war so close to erupting so many times during the course of the Trump campaign is finally here. All because of a new drop in the polls that may or may not last very long.

[slideshow_deploy id=’8949’]

 

There may be no winners in the end of this intramural battle, but the only one who can win is Trump. And that’s why Trump should not just continue to play up this growing rift with the establishment, he should play it up as much as possible.

Think about it: If Trump loses the election, Republican leaders hoping to avoid the worst effects of being associated with his controversial persona won’t be spared much. The Trump supporters will never forgive them and the news media and the Left will never given them any credit for “doing the right thing” anyway. It’s a form of Stockholm syndrome to not only start to like your captors, but look for reasons to blame the captivity on your fellow hostages. This is a no-win scenario if there ever was one for the GOP establishment powers.

Democracy can be ugly. And what Republicans like McCain and Ryan have had so much trouble accepting is that the voters in the primaries flocked to Trump. It doesn’t matter if Trump deserved it or not. It doesn’t matter if he had the best chances to win the general election. If a political party works to undermine what its voters want, it is dead. Trump’s campaign is thus still alive while we watch the GOP commit a form of suicide as it fears national polls and the news media more than its own voters. This is what losers do — when the going gets tough and chips are down, they turn on each other. (Continued: CNBC)

 

Friday July 22, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Friday July 22, 2016 Is the Trump family AmericaÕs next political dynasty? The glaring absence of prominent Republicans from the party's convention in Cleveland raised questions about who would be filling the speaking slots in support of Donald Trump. But, confident as ever, the New York billionaire had it covered. Waiting in the wings were a host of family members willing to get on stage. Mr Trump's third wife Melania dominated the headlines after sections of her speech mimicked an address given by Michelle Obama - something Trump's campaign denied for more than a day before a Trump staffer took responsibility for "including some of the phrasing"Êused by Ms Obama.Ê Now with successful appearances from the likes of Donald Trump Jr, his eldest son, and anticipation ahead of Ivanka Trump's speech on Thursday, many commentators have been asking whether Mr Trump's children could also follow him into politics. Presentations by Donald Jr along with Tiffany, Eric and Ivanka Trump certainly help to "humanise" the candidate, political scientist Larry Sabato told the BBC. But it should come as no surprise that the children are willing to speak out to support their father, he added. The children of political candidates have long spoken at conventions, and many even go on to take an active role in politics. But the Trumps are "remarkable" because the sheer number of family members giving evening speeches - more than any past political family, including the Kennedys, the Clintons, and the Romneys, Mr Sabato said. The high-profile appearances also highlight a historical pattern in American politics. "We may be a democracy but we seem to like oligarchy," he added. (Source: BBC)Êhttp://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-36852604 USA, United States, election, Republican, RNC, convention, Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Baron Trump, Mike Pence, Ted Cruz, Godfather

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 22, 2016

Is the Trump family America’s next political dynasty?

The glaring absence of prominent Republicans from the party’s convention in Cleveland raised questions about who would be filling the speaking slots in support of Donald Trump.

But, confident as ever, the New York billionaire had it covered. Waiting in the wings were a host of family members willing to get on stage.

Live Sketch - Acceptance Night

Live Sketch – Acceptance Night

Mr Trump’s third wife Melania dominated the headlines after sections of her speech mimicked an address given by Michelle Obama – something Trump’s campaign denied for more than a day before a Trump staffer took responsibility for “including some of the phrasing” used by Ms Obama.

Now with successful appearances from the likes of Donald Trump Jr, his eldest son, and anticipation ahead of Ivanka Trump’s speech on Thursday, many commentators have been asking whether Mr Trump’s children could also follow him into politics.

Presentations by Donald Jr along with Tiffany, Eric and Ivanka Trump certainly help to “humanise” the candidate, political scientist Larry Sabato told the BBC.

But it should come as no surprise that the children are willing to speak out to support their father, he added.

Donald Trump

Available at the boutique

The children of political candidates have long spoken at conventions, and many even go on to take an active role in politics.

But the Trumps are “remarkable” because the sheer number of family members giving evening speeches – more than any past political family, including the Kennedys, the Clintons, and the Romneys, Mr Sabato said.

The high-profile appearances also highlight a historical pattern in American politics. “We may be a democracy but we seem to like oligarchy,” he added. (Source: BBC)

Wednesday July 20, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Wednesday July 20, 2016 RNC official cites 'My Little Pony' to defend Melania Trump Who said it: Melania Trump or Twilight Sparkle from "My Little Pony"? After Trump's controversial speech from the first night of the Republican National Convention that has some accusing the Trump campaign of plagiarizing passages from a speech by first lady Michelle Obama in 2008, Republican National Convention chief strategist Sean Spicer said the lines being discussed are common phrases. "We're talking about 70 words, three passages," Spicer told Wolf Blitzer on CNN Tuesday. "Melania Trump said, 'the strength of your dreams and willingness to work for them.' Twilight Sparkle from 'My Little Pony' said, 'This is your dream. Anything you can do in your dreams, you can do now,' " Spicer said. He also compared passages of Trump's speech with phrases from musicians John Legend and Kid Rock. "I mean if we want to take a bunch of phrases and run them through a Google and say, 'Hey, who else has said them,' I can do that in five minutes," Spicer said. "And that's what this is." The Trump campaign announced it doesn't plan to fire anybody over the allegations. Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort also addressed the controversy on CNN Tuesday morning. "There's no cribbing of Michelle Obama's speech. These were common words and values. She cares about her family," Manafort said. "To think that she'd be cribbing Michelle Obama's words is crazy.Ó (Source: CNN)Êhttp://www.cnn.com/2016/07/19/politics/sean-spicer-melania-trump-my-little-pony/index.html USA, politics, United States, republican, GOP, Donald Trump, Melania Trump, RNC, convention, Cleveland, Michelle Obama

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday July 20, 2016

RNC official cites ‘My Little Pony’ to defend Melania Trump

Who said it: Melania Trump or Twilight Sparkle from “My Little Pony”?

After Trump’s controversial speech from the first night of the Republican National Convention that has some accusing the Trump campaign of plagiarizing passages from a speech by first lady Michelle Obama in 2008, Republican National Convention chief strategist Sean Spicer said the lines being discussed are common phrases.

“We’re talking about 70 words, three passages,” Spicer told Wolf Blitzer on CNN Tuesday.

Donald Trump. Colour illustration by Graeme MacKay (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada). caricature, Donald Trump, apprentice, USA, politics, GOP, republican, boxer, billionaire, The Donald, celebrity

Available for purchase

“Melania Trump said, ‘the strength of your dreams and willingness to work for them.’ Twilight Sparkle from ‘My Little Pony’ said, ‘This is your dream. Anything you can do in your dreams, you can do now,’ ” Spicer said.

He also compared passages of Trump’s speech with phrases from musicians John Legend and Kid Rock.

Wed. night live sketch of 2016 RNC

Wed. night live sketch of 2016 RNC

“I mean if we want to take a bunch of phrases and run them through a Google and say, ‘Hey, who else has said them,’ I can do that in five minutes,” Spicer said. “And that’s what this is.”

The Trump campaign announced it doesn’t plan to fire anybody over the allegations.

Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort also addressed the controversy on CNN Tuesday morning.

“There’s no cribbing of Michelle Obama’s speech. These were common words and values. She cares about her family,” Manafort said. “To think that she’d be cribbing Michelle Obama’s words is crazy.” (Source: CNN)

 

Saturday July 18, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Saturday July 18, 2016 Republican National Convention: Security officials brace for 'anything and everything' About 150 anti-Trump protesters marched along the streets in an unscheduled demonstration Sunday in downtown Cleveland, a peaceful event that law enforcement officials likely hope will be the standard over the course of the next four days. Slowly followed by dozens of officers on bicycles, the demonstrators, many who supported the Black Lives Matter movement, held up large banners that read "Stop Trump and the RNC" and "Stop Trump and stand against racism." And when it was over, the crowd quietly dispersed. Police Cmdr. Keith Sulzer said the protesters did not have one of the official protest permits that have been handed out to dozens of groups who have come to the city, the site of the Republican National Convention. Still, police allowed them to march. "We're letting them voice their concerns and that's completely fine," Sulzer said. The city was given a $50-million grant to boost security specifically for the Republican convention. Officials have been wary to provide information on security, but anywhere between 4,000 to 5,000 law enforcement officers including state, local and those from other jurisdictions will be on hand for the event. Officers have undergone hours of comprehensive training, Williams said. Extra equipment includes 2,000 sets of riot gear with body armour and batons, 2,500 steel barriers and 16 police motorcycles, CNN reported. Meanwhile, security cameras have been placed throughout the city. "Trust me. There will be enough video coverage both on the ground and in the sky," Williams told reporters. Around 3,000 personnel, including members from the U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security and the Coast Guard, are dedicated to the security of the convention itself, Johnson said. Security officials drew up a list of prohibited items within the event zone that include it

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday July 18, 2016

Republican National Convention: Security officials brace for ‘anything and everything’

About 150 anti-Trump protesters marched along the streets in an unscheduled demonstration Sunday in downtown Cleveland, a peaceful event that law enforcement officials likely hope will be the standard over the course of the next four days.

Slowly followed by dozens of officers on bicycles, the demonstrators, many who supported the Black Lives Matter movement, held up large banners that read “Stop Trump and the RNC” and “Stop Trump and stand against racism.” And when it was over, the crowd quietly dispersed.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Saturday July 18, 2016 White House candidate Trump announces Pence as his running mate Republican Donald Trump's choice of Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his vice presidential running mate on Friday helped bolster support among some conservatives skeptical about his policies, a crucial step as he prepares to accept the party's nomination next week. Some conservatives who had fought against Trump's ascendancy in the Republican nominating race welcomed his announcement that he had picked Pence, a well-known social and evangelical conservative. The Club for Growth, a conservative economic group, had sharply criticized Trump's support for protectionist trade policies. On Friday, the group noted that as a member of the House of Representatives, Pence had been a strong voice for "free markets and economic liberty" at a time when the Republican leadership had been weak on these issues. "TodayÕs news gives a similar hope that Mike Pence will be effective in pulling the Republican ticket toward economic conservatism and limited government," the group said. Other conservatives were also heartened by Trump's VP pick, which the businessman announced in a tweet ahead of a joint appearance in his hometown of New York on Saturday. "Pence is a principled conservative, man of faith, and talented messenger for Republican ideas," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "His addition to the ticket will bring even more excitement to the voters who are eager to put a Republican in the White House and deny a third term for President Obama's liberal agenda.Ó Trump, 70, chose Pence, 57, over two politicians he considers friends and close advisers, former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich, 73, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, 53. (Source: Reuters)Êhttp://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-idUSKCN0ZV1HC USA, politics, United States, republican, GOP, Donald Trump, Mike Pence, trumpet, noise

July 18, 2016

Police Cmdr. Keith Sulzer said the protesters did not have one of the official protest permits that have been handed out to dozens of groups who have come to the city, the site of the Republican National Convention.

Still, police allowed them to march. “We’re letting them voice their concerns and that’s completely fine,” Sulzer said.

The city was given a $50-million grant to boost security specifically for the Republican convention. Officials have been wary to provide information on security, but anywhere between 4,000 to 5,000 law enforcement officers including state, local and those from other jurisdictions will be on hand for the event. Officers have undergone hours of comprehensive training, Williams said.

Debate Night, September 26, 2016

Debate Night, September 26, 2016

Extra equipment includes 2,000 sets of riot gear with body armour and batons, 2,500 steel barriers and 16 police motorcycles, CNN reported. Meanwhile, security cameras have been placed throughout the city.

“Trust me. There will be enough video coverage both on the ground and in the sky,” Williams told reporters.

Around 3,000 personnel, including members from the U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security and the Coast Guard, are dedicated to the security of the convention itself, Johnson said.

Security officials drew up a list of prohibited items within the event zone that include items as diverse as water and pellet guns, knives, sledgehammers, ladders, coolers and ice chests, canned goods, umbrellas with metal tips and tennis balls.

But Ohio is an “open carry” state, meaning gun-owners will be able to carry firearms, except within the security perimeter that surrounds the convention venue, dubbed “The Q.” (Source: CBC News)