Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes - "Trump’s Attack On Canada Did Something SHOCKING"

Release Date: April 27, 2025

Overview

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, The Bulwark team delves into the dramatic shifts occurring in Canadian politics ahead of the imminent elections. Hosted by Justin Ling and featuring expert analysis from Howie Mandel, the discussion centers on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s unexpected surge in popularity, the volatile relationship between Canada and the United States under Donald Trump's administration, and the broader implications for North American geopolitics.

1. Introduction to the Canadian Elections and Mark Carney

Justin Ling opens the discussion by introducing the Canadian electoral landscape, highlighting the surprising developments that have unfolded over the past six months. He welcomes Howie Mandel, an expert in Canadian politics, to provide insights into Prime Minister Mark Carney’s leadership and his party's standing.

Mark Carney’s Political Journey:

Howie Mandel provides a comprehensive background on Mark Carney, illustrating his transition from prominent financial roles to political leadership.

Howie Mandel [03:10]: "Mark Carney,... became Governor of the Bank of England,... spent some years in private finance before deciding to run for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada,... he ran away with it, I think like 80% of the 75, 80% of the vote in kind of their... Liberal Party primary leadership race."

2. The Polling Shift and Reasons Behind It

The conversation shifts to the remarkable surge in the Liberal Party’s polling numbers under Carney’s leadership, a shift that has surprised political analysts.

Unprecedented Polling Rise:

Howie Mandel [04:54]: "His party's polling numbers just went completely in the opposite direction. They went from, you know, low 20s, maybe high teens, all the way up to 35, 40% in the polls. And he's now kind of, you know, careening towards what is likely an election victory of pretty, pretty epic proportions."

Factors Contributing to the Shift:

Several factors contribute to this shift, with Howie Mandel emphasizing the significant role of Donald Trump’s policies affecting Canada.

Howie Mandel [05:55]: "It was Trump. It was just... Donald Trump is the single biggest factor in this election."

3. Trump’s Impact on US-Canada Relations

A central theme of the episode is the detrimental impact of Donald Trump’s administration on the traditionally close US-Canada relationship.

Economic and Trade Tensions:

Howie Mandel elaborates on Trump’s aggressive trade policies towards Canada, which have heightened economic anxieties among Canadians.

Howie Mandel [05:55]: "Donald Trump... was openly saying... we want to basically end automotive imports from Canada... the only real way to kind of equalize the trade deficit with Canada is to assume them as... the 51st state."

Rise in Nationalist Sentiment:

The discussion highlights a surge in patriotic sentiments among Canadians as a direct response to perceived threats from the US.

Howie Mandel [06:47]: "The fact that Donald Trump just keeps adding to it. There has been this kind of really almost unbelievable outpouring of patriotism that... People have started making hats that say they look like mega hats, but they say Canada is not for sale."

4. Public Sentiment and Polls

The episode examines shifting public opinions as reflected in recent polls, showcasing a decline in favorable views of the United States among Canadians.

Deteriorating Views of the US:

A pivotal poll by Ipsos is discussed, revealing a dramatic 33-point drop in favorable views of the US among Canadians.

Justin Ling [12:15]: "They asked people around the world if they thought America would have a good influence or a bad influence on the world. Only six months ago, they say 52% of Canadians, the U.S. as a positive influencer. Now only 19% feel the same."

Attribution to Trump’s Administration:

Howie Mandel interprets these findings as a reaction not just to US policies but also to the leadership under Trump.

Howie Mandel [12:49]: "I think this is a really emotional and irrational response and it's not going to be Undone easily."

5. Future Implications for US-Canada Relations

Looking ahead, the discussion explores potential long-term changes in the bilateral relationship, emphasizing strategic and economic realignments.

Defense and Procurement Shifts:

Mark Carney’s administration is portrayed as steering Canada towards greater independence from US-led defense initiatives.

Howie Mandel [18:44]: "Mark Carney has ordered a review of the F35 procurement process... striving to reorient defence procurement towards countries like France, Germany, Canada, and Australia."

Energy and Trade Realignments:

The conversation anticipates significant shifts in energy exports and trade relationships as Canada seeks new international partners.

Howie Mandel [17:30]: "We're talking about moving more pipelines to get oil and gas, LNG petroleum to mostly the west coast to ship it to Japan, China, Korea... forging new links with Europe, Australia, potentially with emerging economies in Africa."

Potential for Broader Separation:

The discussion speculates on the broader implications, including the symbolic separation of airspaces and joint defense operations.

Justin Ling [19:02]: "Is that, okay, well, like we're actually going to, you know, observe the border then like our airspace is our airspace and yours is yours."

Howie Mandel [19:23]: "I, I kind of think that there is no limit to how different this relationship could be in the near future."

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, Justin Ling reflects on the profound changes underway, expressing hope for a positive turnaround while acknowledging the challenges ahead.

Justin Ling [21:54]: "I think NORAD will be the last domino to fall. I would only disagree and say that I think you may still be underestimating how drastic and foolish this administration can be."

Howie Mandel concurs, emphasizing the depth of the crisis and its potential to reshape Canadian identity and policy.

Howie Mandel [22:17]: "Thanks for having me."

Final Remarks:

Justin Ling encourages listeners to engage with The Bulwark’s content and stay informed on these critical issues affecting North America’s geopolitical landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Mark Carney’s Leadership: Carney’s pragmatic and centrist approach has revitalized the Liberal Party, propelling them to the forefront of Canadian politics with a potential majority government.

• Trump’s Influence: Donald Trump’s aggressive trade and immigration policies have significantly strained US-Canada relations, fostering economic insecurity and nationalist sentiments in Canada.

• Public Opinion Shift: There has been a substantial decline in favorable views of the United States among Canadians, driven largely by policy disagreements and fears of economic subservience.

• Strategic Realignments: Canada is actively seeking to diversify its economic and defense partnerships, reducing dependency on the US and exploring alliances with other global powers.

• Long-Term Implications: The evolving dynamics may lead to a profound realignment of North American relations, with lasting impacts on trade, defense, and cultural ties.

Notable Quotes

• Howie Mandel [05:55]: "Donald Trump is the single biggest factor in this election."

• Justin Ling [12:15]: "Only six months ago... 52% of Canadians view the U.S. as a positive influencer. Now only 19% feel the same."

• Howie Mandel [17:30]: "You're going to see a lot more stuff like that... we’re going to be more and more French, German, Canadian, Australian companies and much fewer American ones."

• Justin Ling [19:02]: "Is that, okay, well, like we're actually going to, you know, observe the border then like our airspace is our airspace and yours is yours."

• Howie Mandel [19:23]: "There is no limit to how different this relationship could be in the near future."

• Justin Ling [21:54]: "NORAD will be the last domino to fall."

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a thorough analysis of the seismic shifts in Canadian politics and US-Canada relations, underscored by authoritative insights and compelling evidence from recent polls and political developments.