Some Politics is Local

For this episode, in US Politics, we talk about the results of the midterm elections that took place - and the implications for the country (and the US Presidential field in 2024). We then talk about Alberta Politics, with Danielle Smith's not-so-landslide victory in her Brooks-Medicine Hat by-election. What does this result say about her strength, the UCP party and that pesky NDP? We discuss!

For report, David read (with his eyes) the novel The Circle by Dave Eggers, which has a lot to say about big data and privacy in our digital age.

For this episode, in Federal politics, we discuss the inquiry into the use of the Emergency Measures Act. Who said what about who so far - we talk about it all (including the politics, of course). For Provincial politics, we talk about Danielle Smith taking her place as the new Premier of Alberta...how the first couple of weeks have gone. We also leave time to talk Cabinet selection. 

For report, Mike read (with his ears) the book This Town by Mark Leibovich, which chronicles life and culture in Washington DC (circa 2013, at least).

For this episode, in Global politics, we talk about the latest developments in the Russia/Ukraine War - with the latter putting some pretty impressive wins on the board. How will Putin likely react to such losses (hint: not well)? We discuss! For Federal politics, we talk about the (decisive) ascendency of Pierre (PP) Poilievre to the chair of Official Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Should Trudeau be worried (hint: yes)? We discuss!

For the first time ever, we have a DOUBLE-report, with Mike reviewing, not one, but two podcasts which cover with the US midterm election - Campaign HQ (hosted by former Obama Campaign Manager, David Plouffe) and The Run Up (New York Times podcast hosted by Astead Herndon).

For this episode, in American politics, we talk about Liz Cheney's primary loss in Wyoming - and what it means for her, the Republican party and the country, more generally. For provincial politics, we talk about the Sovereignty Act being proposed by UCP Leadership Frontrunner, Danielle Smith. Specifically, we talk about whether or not this was a good move for her in the short and medium term, as well as what mandate she might have to implement it post-leadership - and, last but not least, what such a central policy could do for the NDP's chances in the impending general election.

For BookReport, Mike read (with his ears) Thank You For Your Servitude by New York Times Journalist Mark Leibovitch, which seeks to answer the question: why did so many prominent GOP members become sycophants for Trump (and why did a select few not)?  

For this episode, it is an all-out Ameri-pod! In it, David and Mike discuss the raid on Mar-a-Lago (Trump's - very tasteful - abode in South Florida). What are the implications for the country - and the fates of the Democratic and Republican Parties, more specifically? We discuss! We also talk about Joe Biden's latest 'roll' that he seems to be on. Is it enough to consider him a 'good' or 'great' President? We discuss (or, more accurately, we argue strongly about our disagreement).

For BookReport, David read (with his eyes - like a nerd) A Spy Among Friends by Ben MacIntyre, which chronicles the life and times of the highest level Russian spy to infiltrate Britain's MI6.

For this episode, in US politics, we have a super-duper scorching hot-take on Episode 8 of the January 6th Committee: Jabba the Hut Does Nothing to Call off His Goons. For provincial/federal Canadian politics, we talk about the latest and not so greatest with healthcare in Canada (and the undue stress on it from the latest COVID wave). What should we do to improve our results (IE which countries in Western Europe should we steal ideas from)? We discuss! 

For BookReport, we have a DUAL one, where Mike listened with his ears (like a cool person) and David read with his eyes (like a nerd) the Rick Mercer (of Monday Report and This Hour Has 22 Minutes fame) Memoir - Talking to Canadians.

For this episode, in UK politics, we have a HOT-TAKE on the political demise of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who has just resigned from office on July 7th, 2022. Will BoJo be able to get himself out of this capper and rise back to prominence? We discuss! For Federal (Canadian) politics, we have a warm-take on the expulsion of Patrick Brown from the Conservative Leadership contest. What are the facts (and the politics) of it all - and what will this mean, ultimately, for the race itself? We try to hash it all out!

For DocReport, Mike watched the short documentary, the Martha Mitchell Effect, from Netflix, which talks about the impact of an outspoken wife of President Richard Nixon's Attorney General (John Mitchell).

For this episode, in American politics, the January 6th Committee's (6-part) public hearings and what they have unearthed so far...and will it make a difference at all to politics in the US. For provincial politics, we check in on the latest edition of 'Who Wants to Be Our Premiere?' More specifically, we talk about the latest joiners of the race, and also one in particular that is speculating on taking the leap in. 

For PodReport, Mike listened to the newest 7-part, season of Fiasco, the Audible Original podcast from Leon Neyfakh on the AIDS crisis. 

For this episode, in federal politics, we talk about the new legislation passed by the Liberal government to tighten restrictions on guns and also the drug possession exemption requested by BC that was approved by the federal government. For provincial politics, we have a burning HOT TAKE on the Ontario election results, with the Rob Ford's PC party securing another (even stronger) majority.

For BookReport, Mike read (with his ears) This Will Not Pass by New York Times journalists Jonathan Martin and Alex Burns, which chronicles (in pain-staking detail) the 18 month period around the 2020 election - including the January 6th riots.

For this episode, we return to US politics, with a spirited discussion on the US primaries that have recently taken place. We talk specifically about Donald Trump's hold on the party - and the efficacy of his endorsements. We then talk about Alberta provincial politics - and the race for who will be the new leader of the UCP (and, ipso facto, Premier of the province...for at least 5 months).

David is back in action for BookReport this week! He read (with his eyes) The Long-Legged House by Wendell Berry, which is a collection of writings written long ago, but very much applicable to our crazy world today.