sidewalk

Saturday August 17, 2024

As Donald Trump’s campaign falters under the weight of his stubborn and predictable insults, the Democrats, led by Kamala Harris, gain momentum by uniting around a vision of stability and progress.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday August 17, 2024

The Schoolyard Bully’s Last Stand: Trump’s Unraveling Campaign

Link to the animated version of this editorial cartoon.

September 2, 2020

As the 2024 election season unfolds, the political landscape is witnessing a remarkable shift in momentum, with many feeling an exhaustion from Donald Trump’s approach. His stubbornness, repetitive insults, and seemingly unhinged behaviour have not only alienated potential voters but have also drawn criticism from within his own party. This critique points to a deeper issue at play: the former president’s inability to adapt and pivot from his familiar tactics, despite changing dynamics.

Just a month ago, Donald Trump’s campaign seemed poised for a strong run, buoyed by his resilient base and the advantage of having once held the presidency. However, the perceived invincibility of Trump’s campaign has been waning, exacerbated by a series of missteps and a refusal to heed the advice of key allies who have urged him to focus on policy rather than personal attacks.

Video: ‘Naturally a bully’: Donald Trump has ‘trouble campaigning against women’

Kamala Harris's candidacy offers a dynamic and historic alternative to Donald Trump, with the potential to energize the Democratic base and appeal to swing voters despite significant challenges.

July 23, 2024

Trump’s penchant for personal attacks, especially those directed at Vice President Kamala Harris, have been a focal point of criticism. Figures like former Trump White House aide Peter Navarro and Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy have suggested that these attacks may not only be ineffective but could also hurt Trump among swing voters. Such voters, particularly suburban women and independents, are often repelled by negative campaigning and might find Trump’s tactics off-putting.

The metaphor of Trump as a schoolyard bully aptly captures the current state of his campaign. By persistently targeting opponents with insults rather than engaging in substantive policy discussions, Trump risks isolating himself further. His behaviour resembles that of a provocateur who eventually provokes a backlash not only from his opponents but also from bystanders who grow tired of the disruption. This dynamic is playing out in real-time as Democrats and Harris consolidate their efforts and rally support in anticipation of the Democratic National Convention.

J.D. Vance’s extreme and divisive rhetoric, coupled with Trump’s lackluster campaign strategy, has turned their ticket into a significant liability, overshadowed by Kamala Harris's rising appeal and strategic positioning.

August 1, 2024

In contrast, the Democrats, led by Kamala Harris, appear to be gaining traction. As they unite around a common goal, their message of stability and progress stands in stark contrast to the chaos and controversy that seem to follow Trump. The upcoming DNC convention is likely to amplify this momentum, providing a platform for Harris and other Democratic leaders to articulate their vision for the future and further galvanize their base.

The comparison of Trump’s campaign to a “lazy apocalypse-ing” by Jon Stewart underscores a broader sentiment that Trump’s strategy is not only predictable but also disconnected from the pressing issues facing the country . While he continues to rehash old attacks, the Democrats are leveraging this opportunity to present themselves as the party of solutions and unity.

News: Trump says he’s ‘entitled’ to make personal attacks on Harris, citing lack of respect

April 13, 2018

For Trump, the path forward is fraught with challenges. If he continues on his current trajectory, his campaign risks further alienation from key voter demographics. To regain his footing, he would need to demonstrate a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue and address the concerns of the electorate with specificity and empathy. Without such a shift, his campaign may continue to unravel, giving the Democrats an even greater advantage as the election approaches.

This editorial cartoon was inspired by a another drawn in 1938 by the Hamilton Spec’s Ivan Glassco which showed an anthropomorphized globe casually walking across the street past a trio of layabout thugs bearing a resemblance to Hitler, Mussolini and Hirohito under the heading “Uneasy Street”. Like so many of Glassco’s cartoons, themes resonate 85 years later.

The exhaustion with Trump’s campaign tactics reflects a broader desire for a more mature and substantive political discourse. As the Democrats rally together, buoyed by a clear sense of purpose and momentum, the contrast with Trump’s campaign could not be more stark. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Trump can adapt or whether his stubbornness will ultimately be his undoing. (AI)

USA, election, after Ivan Glassco,Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Ron DiSantis, J.D. Vance, bully, thug, sidewalk

Friday June 23, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 23, 2023

Marco Mendicino’s Political Future Hangs in the Balance

Liberal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino faces an uncertain summer as doubts emerge regarding his ability to retain his position in a cabinet shuffle. With the start of the Parliamentary recess, Mendicino confronts numerous public safety challenges that may jeopardize his tenure.

April 27, 2023

At a recent dinner, jesting comments about his potential removal from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet spurred Mendicino to mock-charge the stage, defending his honor and signaling his determination to remain in his role. However, subsequent controversies, such as the mishandled transfer of murderer Paul Bernardo to a medium-security prison, have only intensified the scrutiny on Mendicino. The fact that he was uninformed about the transfer further weakened his standing.

The Bernardo debacle is the latest in a series of political setbacks for Mendicino. His proposed sweeping gun ban had to be rescinded, his justifications for using the Emergencies Act were questioned, and he faced criticism for the government’s handling of foreign interference. As the former immigration minister, he also dealt with the complexities of managing border closures during the pandemic and organizing evacuations from Afghanistan.

News: Justin Trudeau is preparing a summer cabinet shuffle — and all eyes are on Mendicino  

October 26, 2021

These challenges have raised doubts about Mendicino’s future, with Trudeau yet to express confidence in his continuance. Although Mendicino became the MP for Eglinton-Lawrence without Trudeau’s explicit endorsement, his victory over Conservative Finance Minister Joe Oliver in 2015 demonstrated his political staying power.

Mendicino’s reputation as a capable communicator within Trudeau’s inner circle has suffered recently. Attempting to evade reporters’ questions and failing to address the Bernardo transfer have raised concerns about his transparency and accountability.

Despite his strengths, including humility and tenacity in rectifying mistakes, Mendicino faces an uphill battle. The controversies surrounding the gun bill and the Bernardo incident have provided ammunition to those advocating for his departure. Conservative critics question his ability to ensure public safety when trust in his words wavers.

As rumors of a cabinet shuffle circulate, Mendicino’s fate rests in Trudeau’s hands. Supporters highlight his intelligence, amiability, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to his work as reasons for his potential survival. Only time will reveal whether Mendicino will emerge victorious and “live to fight another day.” (AI) | Also published in the Toronto Star.

 

Tuesday March 11, 2008

Sidewalk Shovelling

McHattie is hot on snow removal If you’ve had it up to here with shovelling snow, Councillor Brian McHattie has an easy-on-the-back solution.

The Ward 1 councillor is proposing hiring contractors to clear sidewalks outside people’s homes next winter.

If McHattie gets enough support from his west-end constituents, he’ll ask city council to approve adding the snow removal cost to property owners’ tax bills.

After discussing it with city staff, McHattie estimates it will cost Ward 1 residents $28 to $31 per household for the first year of service.

In the second year of a presumed five-year contract, the cost would fall to around $19 to $22 per year.

It would be more expensive the first year because the private contractor would likely have to buy specialized plows.

The work would be contracted out because the city apparently doesn’t have the resources to take on the job itself.

Right now, McHattie’s proposal is focused only on his own ward.

But he says there’s nothing stopping other councillors looking at the same service for their area. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)