The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Good Talk -- Does The "Belly Rub" Approach to Trump Work?
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Sep 19, 2025 Andrew McDougall, a former communications director for the Stephen Harper government, joins to weigh in on recent political maneuvers. They dissect Keir Starmer's 'Belly Rub' tactic with Trump, pondering its effectiveness and what Canada can learn. The discussion shifts to Chrystia Freeland’s departure and its implications for Trudeau's government. They also address media challenges, with insights on Jimmy Kimmel’s controversy and the risks of government influence on journalism. McDougall’s expertise provides a fresh perspective on the current political landscape.
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Pageantry As Diplomatic Leverage
- Keir Starmer used a soft-power, high-pageantry approach to blunt Trump's economic threats and secure less punitive tariffs and tech investment.
- Andrew MacDougall credits the UK’s cultural ties and looser economic integration with the US for that tactical success.
Canada Lacks Appetite For Charm Offensive
- Chantal Hébert argues Canada lacks the domestic political cover to emulate Britain's 'belly rub' with Trump without political backlash.
- Public skepticism in Quebec, among women and left-leaning voters makes a pro-Trump charm offensive politically risky for Mark Carney.
Outsider Brand Versus Governing Trade-Offs
- Carney campaigned as an outsider but must now balance popular anti-Trump sentiment with economic realities requiring cooperation with the US.
- Andrew warns this balancing act risks tarnishing Carney's outsider brand if compromises look like ordinary politics.