Front Burner

Dive into the tumultuous relationship between Canada and the U.S. under Trump's leadership. Discover how a light-hearted joke about Canada becoming the 51st state spiraled into serious diplomatic tensions. The conversation unveils the differing reactions from Canadians and Americans about trade tariffs, and personal spats that add complexity to the dynamics. Explore Canada's strategic options amid a challenging trade standoff and what the future may hold as negotiations loom. It's a colorful look at friendship turned intricate situation!

Murtaza Hussain, a national security and foreign affairs reporter for Discourse/Drop Site News, unpacks the recently released emails tied to Jeffrey Epstein, revealing disturbing connections to global power players and President Trump. He discusses implications of Epstein's interactions with political elites, raising questions about the true extent of his influence. Hussain also explores potential Israeli intelligence links, why media coverage has been limited, and whether Congress will push for more transparency on Epstein's dealings.

Join Kate Harrison, a conservative commentator and Vice-chair at Summa Strategies, alongside Fred DeLorey, Chair of Northstar Public Affairs and former campaign director for Erin O'Toole, as they dissect recent Conservative Party upheavals. They explore crisis management following floor crossings and resignations, debates about leadership strategy, and the impact of Poilievre's aggressive tone on voter sentiment. The duo argues over whether he's the right leader to unite the party and broaden appeal to centrist voters in light of current challenges.

In this discussion, political journalist Susan Delacourt and historian Gil Troy dive into the surprising romance between former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and pop star Katy Perry. They explore the unusual intersection of celebrity and politics, examining how public figures navigate their post-office lives. Delacourt shares insights on Canadian leaders' typically quiet exits, while Troy contrasts this with the lucrative pursuits of American presidents. From Barack Obama's rise to fame to Stephen Harper's reclusive life, the conversation unveils the complexities of former leaders' legacies.

Ali Breland, a staff writer at The Atlantic, explores Nick Fuentes's rise in the conservative movement, shedding light on the online dynamics that built his following. Ben Lorber, a senior research analyst, dissects Fuentes's controversial beliefs, including white supremacy and Christian nationalism. They discuss how Fuentes’s recent appearance with Tucker Carlson signals a normalization of extremist views within MAGA circles. The guests also highlight generational shifts in conservatism and the troubling implications for future policy.

Stephen Maher, a veteran federal politics reporter and author of 'The Prince: The Turbulent Reign of Justin Trudeau', dissects the turmoil within the Conservative party. He explains the recent resignations of MPs Chris d'Entremont and Matt Jeneroux, exploring the implications of floor crossings and internal pressures. Maher discusses the precarious mood among Conservative MPs and the potential for further defections. He analyzes Pierre Poilievre's leadership precariousness while contrasting it with the growing influence of Mark Carney, suggesting a complex political landscape ahead.

Louis Blouin, U.S. correspondent for Radio-Canada, shares insights on the evolving landscape of American politics one year after Trump's election. He highlights the shockwaves felt in Canada and reports on the local impacts of Trump's policies, particularly Medicaid cuts in North Carolina. The podcast also explores why some voters remain loyal to Trump despite adverse policy effects. Blouin discusses how affordability issues continue to dominate voter concerns and reveals how the unpredictability of U.S.-Canada relations has shifted dramatically.

Haitian filmmaker Raoul Peck, known for his thought-provoking documentaries, delves into George Orwell's influence on today's world. He discusses Orwell's warnings about mass surveillance and propaganda, drawing parallels to modern events like the January 6th insurrection. Peck highlights the dangers of language manipulation and the assault on literature by authoritarian forces. He argues for reclaiming Orwell's original messages, emphasizing their relevance in understanding today's political landscape and the importance of history in avoiding past mistakes.

In this insightful discussion, Joshua A. Cohen, writer of the Ettingermentum newsletter, analyzes Zohran Mamdani's stunning electoral victory as NYC's new mayor on a bold leftist platform. They dive into Mamdani's successful strategy of rallying non-white working-class voters and focusing on affordability rather than divisive culture wars. Cohen also explores the Democratic establishment's hesitation to embrace Mamdani amid concerns over donor influence and its future balance between progressives and centrists. The conversation sheds light on the evolving Democratic identity.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal government have unveiled a budget that calls for $141-billion of new spending in the next five years to prop up an economy grappling with major economic disruptions. It also proposes $51.2-billion in cuts and savings, including the slashing of tens of thousands of public service jobs.From billions of investment in infrastructure and defence, to new details about the government’s climate and immigration targets, we’ll break it all down with Aaron Wherry and David Coletto.Aaron is a senior writer with CBC’s parliamentary bureau, and David is the CEO and founder of Abacus Data.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts