The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge SMT -- From Dirty Tricks to Debate Tactics - Encore
Apr 16, 2025
Bruce Anderson, a seasoned Canadian pollster and political analyst, and Fred DeLore, a savvy Conservative strategist, dive into the controversial tactics of the Liberal Party, including a recent 'button scandal.' They discuss how political integrity and campaign strategies shape voter perceptions leading up to the upcoming debates. With insights on the importance of candidate likability and media influence, the conversation also touches on the shift to social media in political commentary. Join them as they detail the art of debate preparation and its challenges.
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Campaign Enthusiasm Causes Gaffes
- Enthusiastic campaign workers sometimes act independently with bad ideas.
- The "button scandal" was likely driven by such enthusiasm, not official orchestration.
Dirty Tricks vs Party Image
- Dirty tricks can contradict a party's public narrative of unity.
- Liberal use of divisive messages exposed their vulnerability to accusations of dirty play.
Carney's Likability Advantage
- There's a large likability gap favoring Mark Carney over Pierre Poliev.
- Poliev must choose between softening his style or risking alienation by doubling down on aggression.