The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Your letters this week are very moving, your memories of holidays past for family and friends. I thank you for all of them. I'll read as many as I can today and I'll pick one to be the recipient of the new book by Mark Bulgutch and myself, "How Canada Works". And of course the Random Ranter with his take on this time of year.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's the final regular episode of Smoke, Mirrors and The Truth and we focus on some comments Justin Trudeau made in his annual year-end interview with podcaster Terry DiMonte. The prime minister is clearly worried about the influence the American right is having on Canada.  Are we seeing a preview of the next election campaign? Bruce is here with his collector's edition of SMT! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's an end bit special today as we approach the holidays. Topic One is that old daydreaming habit many of us have when we fly on a passenger jet -- if something happens to the pilots, could we takeover even with no real flying experience? A surprising number of us think we could. That's just one of more than half a dozen end bits you will find interesting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The accidental killing of three Israeli hostages by Israeli troops has led to new calls, many from Israelis, for a ceasefire in Gaza.  Would Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu agree, would Hamas agree? Those questions and many more for our regular Monday guest Janice Stein of the Munk School at the University of Toronto. Plus, the latest from Ukraine. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The podcast discusses the divisions and mistakes within the Conservative Party, criticism faced by right-of-center journalists, the liberal party's dissension on Middle East policies, the fight for solutions and unity within the political party, the prime minister's year-end interviews and shifting messaging, and the delay in implementing a pharmacare plan in Canada.

Hard to believe at a time with so many issues facing Canadians that the number one topic in your letters this week was the claim that 77 percent of Xmas trees sold in the USA this year are artificial trees. Your thoughts on that seem to indicate you agree with the direction of tree purchases, plus lots of comments about the latest Moore Butts conversation which we aired on Tuesday. And of course the random Ranter -- this week again on housing and specifically, affordable land. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Going back to the future may be one way to look at Housing Minister Sean Fraser's latest announcement for a housing fix. Another way may be to listen again to what the Random Ranter had to say on housing on September 7th!  Bruce Anderson is here for SMT. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James Moore and Gerald Butts discuss the impact of polls on politicians, including demoralizing effects and discrepancies between internal and public polls. They also talk about the significance of focus groups and the impact of polling on fundraising and candidate recruitment. They share advice on running for office and making a successful exit from politics. The speakers discuss the benefits and drawbacks of imposing term limits for politicians and express their excitement for future episodes of the podcast.

The podcast discusses the ongoing Israeli invasion of Gaza, the sexual violence charged against Hamas, and the United States' influence in the Middle East. It also touches on the humanitarian crisis, the conflict in Ukraine, and the increasing popularity of artificial Christmas trees.

Discussion about Trudeau's potential resignation, declining influence of editorial endorsements, Trudeau's plans for the next election, hockey goal tenders, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Canada's stance, and the appointment of the Speaker of the House of Commons.