The article – or at least its salient points – had served over the past few days as a lightning rod. Stephen Rodrick’s treatment of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the latest edition of Rolling Stone contained something supporters and detractors alike could take away. Justin fans could beam that Canada’s message was being heard across the border – in a hip, stylish, rock-music-oriented magazine, while those opposed objected to what amounted to a deification of the PM (“Why Can’t He Be Our President?”, lamented the Stone cover).
While not terribly surprised over the tone of the Rodrick article, Barrie MP John Brassard does fret over the direction in which political figures are headed when dealing with the media.
“We are in an era of politics where style trumps substance,” Brassard tells BarrieToday. “Right or wrong, it’s what plays well, but it distracts from the real substantive issues facing our nation. Whether it’s Rolling Stone, Vogue or appearances on (TV’s Live with) Kelly and Ryan, the narrative is the Trudeau celebrity persona rather than the legislative head of a country.”
Brassard says, with the preponderance of social media, it’s just going to get worse.
“The Liberals know that not many people pay close attention to what is happening in Ottawa or the House of Commons, but they are paying attention to Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram. We are in a 140-character-or-less information age because of time constraints. People don’t have time to do an in-depth analysis of issues or read newspaper columnists, so by manipulating the message, often with images, it’s enough to control the message the Liberals want to get out; and they do it very well.”
Brassard stops short, however, of telling President Donald Trump to curb his tweetaholic ways, seeming impulsively to use social media to vent his spleen about slights – real or imagined – rather than concentrating on governing.
“(Our) relationship (with the States) must continue to be productive regardless of what presidents or prime ministers come and go. The last thing I want to offer, or any Canadian politician should offer, is advice to the new U.S. president.”
Trudeau has led something of a charmed life since being elected in the fall of 2015, having two opposition parties in transition. But now that the leadership void has been filled within the Conservative Party, Brassard lauds new leader Andrew Scheer – suggesting there’s more to him than a smile, an image and a famous name – and is hopeful more Canadians will warm to his message.
“Andrew knows, as I do, that Canadians are beginning to see through the Trudeau-Liberal act. For Conservatives, we have to match the style with substance. Substance to me means coming up with policy for the next election that reflect Canadian interests first and foremost.
“I’ve talked to a lot of people and many, even those who voted Liberal in the last election, are saying to me, ‘When is Justin Trudeau going to start looking after Canada and Canadians?’”
Brassard concludes that what sinks political parties and their message in this country is “broken focus.”
“I know Andrew Scheer and the Conservative Party are focused on what matters to Canadians. A jet-set lifestyle on the taxpayer dime, giving billions to other countries to buy a United Nations seat and foreign media and celebrity adulation is not a priority for Canadians.
“While Justin Trudeau appears on the cover of Rolling Stone and (deciding) what socks to wear so he can post it on social media, Conservatives will stay focused on what matters to Canadians and that is ensuring the prospect of a better life and opportunity for their family and for future generations.”
