The Decibel What’s going on with Pierre Poilievre?
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Oct 22, 2025 Robyn Urback, an Opinion columnist at The Globe and Mail, dives into the recent controversy surrounding Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's comments about the RCMP. She describes her initial shock and explores possible motivations behind his remarks. Urback discusses why attacking the RCMP goes against Conservative principles and examines the damage control efforts that followed. The conversation also touches on Poilievre's fixation on Trudeau, his online behavior, and potential areas like immigration where he could shift focus for future success.
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Unexpected Off-Brand Comment
- Pierre Poilievre's remark calling the RCMP "despicable" surprised commentators because it was tactically foolish and unlike his usual disciplined persona.
- Robyn Urback sees it as feeding weaknesses that cost him politically and making him appear unhinged.
Possible Motives Behind The Remarks
- Urback offers three explanations: deliberate strategy, provocation to galvanize base, or genuine anger and frustration after near-miss premiership.
- She leans toward genuine anger rather than a clever political play.
Off-Brand Attack On Police
- Attacking the RCMP is off-brand for a party that traditionally supports law enforcement and seeks 'law and order' messaging.
- Poilievre later narrowed his target to former RCMP commissioner Brenda Lucki as damage control.