The Paikin Podcast Everything Political: Mamdani, Maduro, and the Biggest Story of 2026
Jan 8, 2026
Tony Clement, a former Canadian MP and cabinet minister with a conservative lens, joins Martha Hall Findlay, a centrist political commentator and former MP, to dissect the political landscape. They delve into New York's new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, exploring his ambitious goals and the dynamics within the Democratic Party. The discussion turns to Pierre Poilievre's support for Trump regarding Venezuela and its implications for Canada's economy, particularly in the oil sector. They predict that Canada-U.S. trade negotiations will be pivotal by 2026.
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Charisma Won, Funding Will Decide
- Zohran Mamdani's charisma and bold promises won him New York City's mayoralty despite low prior name recognition.
- Delivering on broad socialist goals will hinge on pragmatic funding choices and trade-offs among many priorities.
Define Who Pays Before Making Transit Free
- Free transit only shifts who pays; policymakers must identify the payer and rationale before implementation.
- Targeted support may better help the poor than blanket fare elimination that burdens the whole budget.
Audacity Energizes But Demands Focus
- Audacious goals can be the ‘secret sauce’ for game-changing politicians and energize voters.
- Big proposals demand focus because you cannot credibly pursue many major priorities at once.