All right, so let's dive into this post-election world.
We've got a ton of news and analysis here,
all trying to make sense of what's next
for the US and Canada after these 2024 elections.
It's interesting to see how quickly things shift.
One minute, you're all focused on these campaign promises,
and then the next, you're dissecting the real priorities
of the people now in power.
It's really like peeling back the layers of an onion, isn't it?
I mean, we're not just looking at these headlines,
but we're trying to understand the motivations behind it all,
the strategies, and then of course,
the potential consequences of these political shifts.
Exactly, and trust me, you're in for some surprises today.
Oh yeah.
We've got sources covering everything,
from Trump's legal battles, his economic policies,
Trudeau stepping down in Canada.
We even have some quirky facts about the new Congress.
Oh, fun.
So...
I think what's gonna be really interesting for you
is seeing just how interconnected all of these events are.
I mean, Trump's agenda is gonna have ripple effects
across the border, and then of course,
you have the political climate in Canada
could in turn influence US politics as well.
Right, okay, so let's start with the elephant in the room,
or should I say Trump in the room.
Kamala Harris conceded right away.
As soon as the AP called enough states.
Yeah.
Which is a stark contrast to Trump's refusal back in 2020.
It really is fascinating to see how her concession,
which was expected, you know,
now carries this added weight,
almost like a reaffirmation of these democratic norms,
after they were just so blatantly disregarded.
Right.
You know, I think this sets a really different tone
for the start of Trump's second term,
compared to the just chaos we saw in 2020.
Right, it almost feels like we're stepping back
from the brink a little bit,
but now with this awareness of what we almost lost.
Right, yeah.
Speaking of Trump's second term.
Yeah.
What does he actually plan on doing
now that he's back in the Oval Office?
Well, one of our sources, it was an Axios analysis piece.
Okay.
And they dug into Trump's campaign speeches,
and came up with this fascinating list
of his top 10 priorities.
And you know, the number one spot might surprise you.
You get really?
Okay, give me with it.
Settling the war in Ukraine.
Wow.
It even outranked immigration and border control,
which were these mainstays throughout his campaign.
I definitely did not see that coming.
Yeah.
Wait, hold on.
Didn't he spend most of his campaign
criticizing US involvement in the conflict?
You did.
And that's what makes this a really intriguing priority,
you know, and it seems to suggest
a significant shift in strategy.
Okay.
It's possible that Trump sees an opportunity here,
maybe to leverage this conflict for personal gain.
Okay.
Maybe through business dealings with Russia,
or by positioning himself as this global peacemaker.
Interesting.
So you're saying there's more to this than meets the eye.
Exactly.
It's not just about ending the war,
it's about how he ends it.
Yeah.
And what he stands to gain.
Right.
Okay.
And this is where things could get complicated.
Yeah.
And we have to consider the potential backlash
from Congress, from both Democrats,
who vehemently oppose any appeasement of Putin,
and even from Republicans,
who are increasingly concerned about Russia's aggression.
So even with a Republican majority,
Trump might face some roadblocks
trying to push his Ukraine agenda.
Absolutely, and this isn't just about Ukraine.
Many of his other top priorities,
like cutting funding for schools with vaccine mandates,
and tightening border control,
those are likely to face strong opposition as well.
Okay, so it seems like Congress won't just be
a rubber stamp for Trump's agenda this time around.
Not at all.
Okay.
And this potential for conflict
is definitely something to watch closely,
because it could significantly impact
how much of his agenda he's actually able to enact.
All right, so we've got potential conflict brewing
over foreign policy and domestic issues.
What about the economy?
Right.
I mean, Magnonix was a big part of his platform, right?
It was.
Yeah.
And it looks like he's doubling down on that approach.
Okay.
He's appointed Stephen Meran,
as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers.
Right.
And Meran is a staunch advocate for supply-side economics.
Okay, so for those of us who aren't economists,
sure, and you break down what that actually means.
So in a nutshell, supply-side economics
focuses on cutting taxes and regulations
for businesses and investors with the belief
that this will stimulate economic growth
that will ultimately benefit everyone.
Okay.
Meran's particularly hostile towards what he calls
government mandates that favor things like electric cars
and worker protections.
In fact, he specifically mentioned his dislike
for the Davis-Bacon Act,
which sets wage standards for government-funded
construction projects and parts of the Inflation Reduction
Act, which aims to promote clean energy and manufacturing.
But wait, doesn't that seem to clash with the influence
of co-president-elect Musk, as some are calling him?
That's a good point.
Yeah.
And it really highlights a potential tension
within Trump's economic team.
Right.
On the one hand, you have Meran pushing for deregulation
and favoring traditional industries.
And on the other, you have Musk,
who's a major player in the tech and clean energy sectors.
Right.
So it'll be interesting to see how those two visions collide.
It's like a tug of war between the old guard
and the new wave.
Speaking of clashes, we can't forget about Trump's
ongoing legal battles.
Oh, of course.
He's facing sentencing in that New York fraudulent bookkeeping
case, right?
Yeah, he is.
And as you might expect, he's trying his best
to delay those proceedings.
Classic Trump.
So what's his legal strategy this time around?
He's arguing that presidential immunity, which,
as you know, shields presidents from lawsuits related
to their official actions.
He's arguing that should also extend to actions taken
before becoming president if those actions are somehow
related to their eventual duties as president.
So he's basically saying that falsifying business records,
Rode payoff, Stormy Daniels, was somehow
related to his future role as president of the United States.
So it's essentially his argument.
It's a long shot.
But his goal is to delay the sentencing
until he's back in office, hoping that his Justice Department
might just drop the charges altogether.
It seems like he's always playing legal chess,
trying to outmaneuver the system.
What are the chances this strategy actually works?
It's hard to say.
Legal experts are skeptical.
But the judge, in this case, has hinted
that he's not inclined to impose jail time.
Really?
Instead, he's considering labeling Trump a convicted felon,
Wow.
which would be a huge blow to his reputation
and could have implications for his political future.
A convicted felon in the White House.
I know.
That's a scenario.
Right.
I don't think anyone predicted back in 2016.
Yeah.
OK, so we've got Trump back in the White House
with this ambitious agenda.
Yeah.
Facing potential resistance from Congress.
Right.
Navigating this web of legal challenges.
Yeah.
It sounds like his second term could be just as tumultuous
as his first.
Absolutely.
And we haven't even touched on what Biden did on his way
out the door.
Oh, yeah.
Remember his ban on all oil and gas drilling off US coasts?
Right.
Yeah, that was a pretty big move.
It was a big one.
Didn't he use some obscure law to make it permanent?
He did.
He invoked this provision of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands
Act, which gives presidents the authority
to withdraw areas from oil and gas leasing indefinitely.
And this move sets up this major legal showdown
with the incoming Trump administration, who, of course,
have vowed to reverse it.
So another battle brewing, this time over energy policy.
But isn't it fascinating how, even as presidents come and go,
these issues continue to resurface and shape
the political landscape?
I mean, it really underscores the complexity
of these challenges.
They're not easily resolved.
And they often involve these conflicting interests
and ideologies.
OK, so we've got a lot to unpack here.
Trump's agenda, the role of Congress, the courts,
these ongoing legal battles.
It's enough to make your head spin.
But before we dive deeper into those,
let's shift gears for a moment and take
a look north of the border, because Canada's political
landscape is also undergoing a major shift with Justin Trudeau's
resignation.
It's true.
And this was another really surprising development.
It seems that even charismatic leaders like Trudeau
aren't immune to these waves of political change
that are sweeping the globe.
His resignation comes amidst declining popularity
and some internal turmoil within the Liberal Party.
And it creates a lot of uncertainty
about the future of Canadian politics.
OK, so Trudeau's out.
What happens next?
Who takes over?
What does this mean for Canada's relationship with the US,
especially with Trump back in charge?
Well, the Liberal Party is gearing up
for this leadership race, with several potential candidates
already emerging.
There's Christia Freeland, the former deputy prime minister,
who is seen as a strong contender.
And then there's Melanie Jolie, the current minister
of foreign affairs, who has a really strong international
relations background.
OK, those seem like the obvious front runners.
Are there any dark horse candidates we should be watching?
Well, there's Mark Carney, the former governor
of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.
So he brings a wealth of financial expertise
and could appeal to voters who were concerned about the economy.
And then we can't forget about Dominique LeBlanc,
a longtime friend of Trudeau and the current finance minister.
He's got really deep roots within the party
and could emerge as a compromise candidate.
OK, so a diverse field with a lot of experience,
but regardless of who wins, they're
going to have their work cut out for them.
I mean, navigating the Canada-US relationship
with Trump back in power, it's going
to be a challenge, to say the least.
It really is.
And let's not forget about Pierre Poilier of the leader
of the Conservative Party.
He's been wading in the wings, ready to capitalize
on Trudeau's declining popularity,
and position himself as this strong alternative.
He's already been critical of Trudeau's handling
of the economy and has promised a more fiscally
conservative approach.
OK, so it sounds like the political stage in Canada
is set for a pretty dramatic showdown.
It really is.
And the outcome could have significant implications,
not only for Canadians, but for the US as well.
It's true.
The next Canadian prime minister is
going to have to make some tough decisions about how
to engage with the Trump administration,
particularly when it comes to trade, immigration,
and border security.
OK, so I've got political intrigue, potential conflicts,
major leadership changes brewing on both sides
of the border.
I know.
It's a lot to digest.
It is.
And it's a reminder that politics is never static.
It's this dynamic process constantly evolving.
And it's our job to try to make sense of those changes
and understand their implications.
Well said.
Now, before we jump back into the deep end of US politics,
I thought we could take a quick detour and have a little fun
with some interesting facts about the 119th Congress.
Because even in the midst of all this political turmoil,
there are always these quirky details that stand out.
I agree.
It's good to have a little levity to break up the intensity.
Right.
OK, so for starters, there are seven new House members.
Born in the 1990s.
Can you imagine being in Congress?
No.
At 27 years old?
That's amazing.
We've also got three new members with degrees
in both medicine and law.
Talk about overachievers.
Right.
OK, and then get this.
Representative Brad Knot from North Carolina
is one quarter of a quadruplet.
And Representative Gil Cisneros from California
only got interested in politics after winning a $266
million lottery jackpot.
Oh, my goodness.
Right.
Wow.
So these are some incredible stories.
You know, it's a reminder that the paths to Congress
are varied and that anyone, regardless of their background,
can end up serving in government.
It's like this microcosm of American diversity
playing out on Capitol Hill.
It is.
And it's also a reminder that even in a system as complex
and often frustrating as politics,
there's always room for the unexpected and the extraordinary.
All right, so we've covered a lot of ground already
from Trump's priorities and his legal troubles
to Trudeau's resignation and these new faces in Congress.
It's been a whirlwind.
It has.
It's been a whirlwind tour of this post-election landscape.
And we've only just scratched the surface.
We have.
Now it's time to really dig in and analyze
the potential consequences of all these political shifts.
And I think you're going to be particularly interested
in how these events could impact different groups
within the US from everyday workers to big businesses,
from environmental activists to those concerned
about civil liberties.
OK, let's do it.
All right, then let's get to it.
Stay with us.
As we continue our deep dive into the political landscape
and explore the challenges and opportunities that
lie ahead for both the US and Canada.
Sounds good.
So, oh, welcome back.
Yeah.
Before we take a look at some of those interesting characters
in the new Congress, we were talking
about how Trump's second term might be even more
tumultuous than his first.
With the potential roadblocks in Congress,
the web of legal challenges, Biden's last minute
move to ban offshore drilling, things are already heating up.
Exactly.
And remember how we were talking about Trump
wanting to settle the war in Ukraine?
Well, it seems like that might be easier said than done.
You mentioned he might face pushback
from both Democrats and even some Republicans.
Precisely.
Yeah.
You see, a lot of Republicans in Congress
are deeply concerned about Russia's aggression
and the implications for global security.
OK.
They see this conflict as a fight for democracy and freedom.
Right.
And they're unlikely to support any policy that
appears to appease Putin.
Yeah.
Even if it comes from their own party leaders.
It's not just about party loyalty anymore.
Right.
There's a genuine ideological divide
within the Republican Party when it comes to Ukraine.
Absolutely.
OK.
And that makes Trump's task much more difficult.
Yeah.
He can't just rely on his usual tactics.
Right.
Of strong arming and deal-making.
He'll need to build consensus.
Right.
And persuade those within his own party
that his approach is the right one.
That sounds like a tall order for someone like Trump.
Especially considering his history of, well,
not being the most diplomatic person in the room.
Exactly.
And this potential for conflict within the Republican Party,
it isn't just limited to foreign policy.
OK.
It extends to domestic issues as well.
Right.
Remember those other top priorities we were discussing?
Yeah.
Things like cutting funding for schools with vaccine mandates.
Right.
Cracking down on illegal immigration.
Exactly.
Those were hot button issues throughout his campaign.
They were.
And those are also areas where he's likely
to face significant pushback from Congress.
OK.
Not just from Democrats, but also from some moderate Republicans
who might be hesitant to support such hard line policies.
So what you're saying is even with a Republican majority
in Congress, Trump might not have as much power
as some people think.
Exactly.
OK.
The political landscape is far more complex than just
looking at which party controls which branch of government.
You have to consider the ideological factions
within each party.
OK.
The potential for alliances and coalitions,
the influence of various interest groups.
It's like a multi-dimensional chess game.
It is.
With all these different players and strategies at play.
It's a great analogy.
Yeah.
And it's important to remember that the outcome of this game
will have real consequences for people's lives.
Right.
The decisions made in Washington will impact everything.
Right.
From health care and education to the environment
and the economy.
Speaking of the economy, you mentioned
that Trump appointed Stephen Mirren,
a supply side economist, to lead his economic team.
Right.
Can you explain a little more about what that means
for everyday people like me?
So Mirren's economic philosophy essentially
boils down to this idea that the best way to stimulate
economic growth is to cut taxes and regulations
for businesses and investors.
Right.
The theory is that this will create more jobs and opportunities,
which will ultimately benefit everyone.
OK.
But wouldn't that also lead to a widening gap?
That's a common criticism of supply side economics.
And it's something to watch closely.
OK.
Mirren has argued that the benefits will trickle down
to everyone.
Right.
But critics argue that this hasn't really happened in the past.
Right.
They point to the fact that income inequality has actually
increased during periods when supply side policies have
been implemented.
So it's a bit of a gamble then.
It is.
We'll have to wait and see if Mirren's approach actually
delivers on its promises.
Right.
Or just exacerbates existing inequality.
Right.
And this is where things get really fascinating.
Yeah.
Because Mirren's views seem to clash
with those of Elon Musk, who, as you know,
is a major player in the tech and clean energy sectors,
and has been dubbed co-president-elect Musk by some.
Exactly.
So it seems like Mirren is very skeptical of government
intervention in the market, even when it comes to things,
like promoting clean energy or protecting workers' rights.
He is.
In fact, he's openly criticized the Davis-Bacon Act,
he has, which sets wage standards for government-funded
construction projects and parts of the Inflation Reduction
Act.
Yeah.
Which includes incentives for clean energy
and domestic manufacturing.
Right.
But wouldn't those policies actually
help create jobs and boost the economy?
That's the argument.
Especially in emerging sectors like renewable energy.
Right.
That's the argument made by proponents of those policies.
Right.
They argue that investing in clean energy
and supporting American manufacturing
will create good-paying jobs.
Right.
And help the US transition to a more sustainable economy.
Yeah.
But Mirren sees these policies as government overreach.
OK.
And believes that the market should be left to decide
which industries succeed and which ones fail.
So it's a clash of economic philosophies, then.
One side believes in a more hands-off approach.
Right.
While the others sees a role for government
in shaping the economy.
Yeah.
And addressing issues like climate change and income
inequality.
Exactly.
And this debate is playing out not just
within the Trump administration, but also
in Congress and among the American public.
Yeah.
It's a fundamental question about the role
of government in society.
Right.
And the best way to create a prosperous and equitable
economy.
OK.
So we've got a lot to watch.
We do.
In terms of Trump's economic agenda and how it unfolds.
Yeah.
But let's shift gears for a moment
and talk about something a bit more personal.
OK.
His ongoing legal battles.
All right.
It seems like every time we turn around.
Yeah.
There's a new lawsuit or investigation.
It does seem that way, doesn't it?
It does.
And remember that New York fraudulent bookkeeping case
we were talking about earlier?
Yeah.
Well, it's actually part of a broader legal strategy
that Trump has been using for years
to delay and obstruct justice.
You mentioned that he's trying to use presidential immunity.
Right.
To shield himself from legal consequences.
Yes.
And it's a tactic he's employed in several cases.
OK.
Including the investigation into his role
in the January 6th insurrection.
Right.
And the various defamation lawsuits he's facing.
So it's not just about this one case.
No.
It's about setting a precedent.
Exactly.
That could protect him from future legal challenges as well.
He's trying to establish this principle
that a president is essentially above the law.
Wow.
Both during and even before his time in office.
Right.
And if he's successful, it could have far reaching implications
for the future of American democracy.
That's a chilling thought.
It is.
If a president can just ignore the law
and face no consequences.
Right.
What's to stop him from abusing his power?
That's the concern of many legal experts and democracy
advocates.
They see Trump's legal maneuvers as a direct threat
to the rule of law.
And the system of checks and balances,
that is fundamental to American democracy.
So what can be done to counter this strategy?
That's a good question.
Yeah.
Is there any way to hold him accountable?
Well, it's a complex legal battle.
Yeah.
And the outcome is far from certain.
But there are several organizations and legal experts
who are fighting back, challenging Trump's claims,
and defending the principle of accountability
for those in power.
It's encouraging to know that there are people out there.
Yeah.
Who are willing to stand up and fight for the rule of law.
It is.
Even when it's difficult.
And it's a reminder that democracy is a constant struggle.
And we all have a role to play in protecting it.
All right.
So we've got Trump's agenda potentially clashing
with Congress.
His legal battles challenging the very foundation
of our democracy.
Yeah.
And now we have Biden's last minute move
to ban offshore drilling.
Oh, right.
That move could have a significant impact
on the energy sector and the environment.
Yeah.
But it's also a reminder that the political landscape
is constantly in flux.
Yeah.
And even seemingly settled issues
can resurface in unexpected ways.
It's like a political earthquake,
shaking things up.
Right.
Just as we thought we were getting a handle
on the new landscape.
And remember, this isn't just a domestic issue.
Right.
It has global implications as well.
Right.
The US is a major player in the energy market.
Yeah.
And Biden's decision to ban offshore drilling
sends a signal to the world about America's commitment
to addressing climate change.
So it's not just about oil and gas.
Right.
It's about America's role in the global fight
against climate change.
Exactly.
And the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
It is.
And it's going to be interesting to see
how other countries respond to this move, particularly
those that are heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
It seems like Biden's decision has thrown another wrench
into the works, adding another layer of complexity
it has to an already tangled web of political and economic
interests.
Right.
And this brings us back to the interconnectedness
of all these events.
Right.
What happens in the US doesn't stay in the US.
Yeah.
It has ripple effects across the globe.
Right.
And just as Trump's policies will impact Canada,
so too will Biden's decisions influence global energy
markets and climate policies.
That's like a butterfly effect, where even seemingly
small actions can have far reaching consequences.
That's a great way to put it.
Yeah.
And it underscores the importance
of understanding the global context
of these political shifts.
OK, so we've got a lot on our plates here.
We do.
Trump's agenda, his legal battles,
Biden's parting shot, the changing
political landscape in Canada, and the global implications
of all of this.
It's a lot to process.
It is.
But it's also what makes politics so fascinating, right?
It's a constant struggle for power and influence,
this never ending story of conflict and compromise.
Right.
And by understanding these dynamics,
we can better understand the forces shaping our world.
All right, let's take a deep breath
and try to make sense of it all.
What are the key takeaways for our listener?
OK, so first and foremost, they need
to pay attention to the balance of power
between the different branches of government.
Right.
Trump might be back in the White House.
Yeah.
But that doesn't mean he has free reign.
Right.
Congress will play a crucial role in shaking his agenda.
Right.
And the courts will continue to weigh in
on key legal challenges.
So it's not just about the president.
Right.
It's about the interplay between the different institutions
of government.
Exactly.
OK.
And it's also about the role of the people.
Democracy requires an informed and engaged citizenry,
people who are willing to hold their leaders accountable
and demand policies that reflect their values and interests.
So we need to stay informed, stay engaged, and stay vocal.
Absolutely.
OK.
And we also need to be mindful of the global context.
Right.
What happens in the US doesn't happen in a vacuum.
Right.
It has implications for the entire world.
OK, that's a lot to keep in mind.
It is.
But it's also empowering to know
It is.
that we have a role to play in shaping the future.
Yeah, absolutely.
So we've been unpacking a lot of this deep dive.
Trump's return.
Yeah.
Trudeau's exit.
Right.
Even Rudy Giuliani's legal woes.
It's true.
It feels like the political ground is constantly
shifting beneath our feet.
It is.
And navigating this new terrain requires not just keeping up
with the headlines, but also understanding
those underlying currents, the power dynamics at play,
and the potential long-term consequences.
So as we wrap things up, what are the key things you think
our listeners should be paying attention to as we move forward?
What are the big questions that will
shape this political landscape?
Well, one of the most important things to watch
is how Trump navigates the potential conflicts
within his own party.
Right.
We talked about the Republican resistance
to his Ukraine strategy and the potential pushback
on some of his more hardline domestic policies.
These internal divisions within the Republican Party
are going to be crucial in determining
how much of his agenda he can actually enact.
So even though Republicans control Congress,
it's not a guaranteed slam dunk for Trump.
Not at all.
Those legal cases, particularly the ones
where he's trying to assert broad presidential immunity,
have the potential to set precedence
that could have really far-reaching consequences
with a balance of power and the future of American democracy.
It's almost like we're watching this slow-motion
constitutional crisis unfold.
In a way, yes.
And it's a reminder that the rule of law
and the institutions that uphold it aren't invincible.
They require constant vigilance and defense,
especially in times of political polarization and division.
OK, so we've got the internal power struggles
within the US.
But then there's also the ripple effect on the global stage.
What should we be watching for there?
Well, one of the most immediate impacts
will be on the US's relationships with its allies.
Trump's America-first approach and his unpredictable foreign
policy decisions have already strained those relationships.
And his second term could further alienate key allies
and embolden adversaries like Russia and China.
So we're potentially looking at a more isolated America.
It's a possibility.
Or the world stage.
Yeah, and that could have significant implications
for global stability and security.
It also creates opportunities for other countries
to step into the void and exert their influence,
potentially leading to a more fragmented and unpredictable
world order.
That's a pretty sobering thought.
It is.
It seems like there's a lot of uncertainty
about how the rest of the world will react to Trump's second
term.
There is.
But amidst all this uncertainty, there
are also opportunities for positive change.
Remember Biden's decision to ban offshore drilling.
That move, while controversial, signals a commitment
to addressing climate change and transitioning
to a more sustainable energy future.
And you mentioned this could have a ripple effect on other
countries as well.
Exactly.
It could encourage other nations to adopt similar policies.
Or it could incentivize innovation and investment
in clean energy technologies.
In a way, it's a challenge to the rest of the world
to step up and take action on climate change.
So even amidst the political turmoil and uncertainty,
there are glimmers of hope for a more sustainable
and equitable future.
There are.
And it's important to remember that we, as individuals,
also have our role to play in shaping that future.
What do you mean?
Well, we can't just sit back and passively
observe these political shifts.
We need to stay informed, engage in critical thinking,
and participate in the political process
in whatever way we can.
That could mean voting, volunteering for a campaign,
contacting our elected officials,
or simply having informed conversations
with friends and family.
So it's not just about understanding the big picture.
It's about taking action, even in small ways,
to make a difference.
Exactly.
Democracy requires participation.
It's not a spectator sport.
It's about actively engaging in the debates,
advocating for the policies we believe in,
and holding our leaders accountable.
That's a powerful message and a good reminder.
Even in the face of daunting challenges,
we have the power to shape the future,
absolutely, both individually and collectively.
It's been fascinating exploring these topics with you today.
Yeah, me too.
Hopefully, our listener feels a little more equipped
to make sense of this new political reality.
Yeah, and you know what?
Yeah.
Even though there's a lot of uncertainty,
I actually feel a sense of hope.
That's good.
Because when we understand the challenges,
when we engage in these thoughtful discussions,
and when we take action, that's when
we can start to create real and lasting change.
Well said.
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Of course.
Remember, stay curious, stay informed, and stay engaged.
Absolutely.
We'll see you next time for another deep dive
into the world of ideas and information.
Sounds good.