The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

Bruce has briefed various leaders from different parties on how to prep for the big debate nights.  He takes us inside some of those stories on today's Smoke Mirrors and The Truth. 

Canadian political leaders have debated since 1968, but do journalists cover these election spectacles appropriately?  And how about those semi-violent protests - are they covered too much or too little?

We are entering the stretch run, the final two weeks, and the political ad segment of the campaign.  It really started this holiday weekend as the Liberals moved to blunt Conservative momentum. Did it work?  Does it work. Our Insiders look at that, plus the upcoming two debates this week -- and they give us the questions THEY would ask!

One down two to go.  The debates have begun and they matter.  Chantal and Bruce deconstruct last night's French language debate and look ahead to the next two next week.  Everything is now at stake in a very tight race.

You've been writing a lot to themansbridgepodcast@gmail.com in the last two weeks about the election campaign, and about my Arctic travels.  Today is your turn and as long-time listeners to The Bridge know, I love reading your mail.  So enjoy.

Bruce Anderson takes a close-up look at what the polls are saying, and what they are NOT saying.  Also, how big is the pandemic as an issue and could it get bigger.  

Journalists Althia Raj and Rob Russo tackle some key questions about journalism: should Justin Trudeau be called "prime minister" during a campaign?; who pays for reporters' travel on campaign planes?; should reporters share the blame for bad answers from politicians?; and how about the touchy subject of what's on and what's off the record?  It's an action-packed episode you won't want to miss.

The Insiders gather to talk about what's happening in the war rooms as we head into week three.  How does the fact people are considering Erin O'Toole as a prime minister impact the way the different parties run their campaigns? Also up for discussion:  how does momentum affect a campaign, and, what are the underlying factors than can impact the final vote.

Two weeks in to the campaign and there's a sense that the Liberals are struggling.  Are they?  Chantal Hebert and Bruce Anderson on that and a lot more.

Bruce is back, with a detailed analysis of Canadian's attitudes on a number of issues surrounding the election. It's only two weeks in but some early trends are developing.  We also look at the issue of young voters and just how much of a difference they may make this time.