Others have given direct context but general context within Canada is that the federal parties and provincial parties are only tangentially related. However I would say historically Ontario has had the provincial parties most closely aligned to their federal counterparts.

Ontario also had a very odd habit of always voting in opposition to the federal party in power. (IE feds are liberal so we go conservative). Ford actually recently called an early election precisely because he was worried that PP would be in power federally which would have drastically harmed his performance if Ontario had its election as planned.

One thing I haven’t seen mentioned here but is in the article is how odd it is that he turned down P but met personally not just with our new PM Carney of the liberals, but with Christia Freeland one of the most prominent federal liberals. She is also now the minister in charge of internal trade. Something currently both (if not all) parties are closely aligned on solving.

I don’t think it’s an issue of his image, but of what he can personally benefit from it. He sees a sinking ship, so he’s distancing himself from PP

completely agree. Ford is a populist cut from a different cloth than PP. He realized a lot quicker that Trump style conservative rule isn’t going to fly here yet (hopefully never). He’s also a lot more open to backing down when he realizes he read the room wrong instead of doubling down.

Ford’s far more slimey than you’re giving him credit. It’s obvious when you consider that he widely advertised the 25% energy surcharge, then backed off of it quietly when the US gave him some compliments and offered him a seat to a talk without a single promise, and he went around claiming he “did something” despite nothing coming out of it, all being paid for by taxpayers.

I will disagree with this however. Between Ford’s meeting with Carney and other Feds from when the surcharge was added till now it feels more like he was asked to get onboard with a new tact. I honestly think he was better at being the blowhard but I’m willing to let this cook for a bit and see where it goes.

The complete abandonment of 100+ years of building soft and hard power globally has certainly been a wild choice.

i think the trumpists understand perfectly and that’s why they’re working to destroy it

I honestly think there is a good portion of the fan base who fully drink the koolaid and think other countries are not viable without them. And have forgotten or not understood America is the world police by their own choice

They have an absolute classic piece of Canadiana on there https://www.nfb.ca/film/log_drivers_waltz/ 

The fall of civilizations - it tells the story of the rise and fall of different groups of people through history. Often with readings in the original tongue.

From the same creator “vaccine” is the history of the creation of the works first vaccines. Neither podcast has any ads which is awesome.

Lastly factually with Adam conover is great. Comedian discussing often political issues.