Some Politics is Local

The Failing Your Midterms Episode

November 11, 2022 23:30 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MB

For this episode, in US Politics, we talk about the results of the midterm elections that took place - and the implications for the country (and the US Presidential field in 2024). We then talk about Alberta Politics, with Danielle Smith's not-so-landslide victory in her Brooks-Medicine Hat by-election. What does this result say about her strength, the UCP party and that pesky NDP? We discuss! For report, David read (with his eyes) the novel The Circle by Dave Eggers, which has a lot to sa...

The Reacting Too Sloly To the Convoy Episode

October 25, 2022 20:19 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MB

For this episode, in Federal politics, we discuss the inquiry into the use of the Emergency Measures Act. Who said what about who so far - we talk about it all (including the politics, of course). For Provincial politics, we talk about Danielle Smith taking her place as the new Premier of Alberta...how the first couple of weeks have gone. We also leave time to talk Cabinet selection. For report, Mike read (with his ears) the book This Town by Mark Leibovich, which chronicles life and cult...

The Vlad's Going Nuclear Episode

September 23, 2022 20:54 - 36 minutes - 50.7 MB

For this episode, in Global politics, we talk about the latest developments in the Russia/Ukraine War - with the latter putting some pretty impressive wins on the board. How will Putin likely react to such losses (hint: not well)? We discuss! For Federal politics, we talk about the (decisive) ascendency of Pierre (PP) Poilievre to the chair of Official Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Should Trudeau be worried (hint: yes)? We discuss! For the first time ever, we h...

The Liz Lost?! You're Pulling My Cheney Episode

August 19, 2022 22:04 - 38 minutes - 53.4 MB

For this episode, in American politics, we talk about Liz Cheney's primary loss in Wyoming - and what it means for her, the Republican party and the country, more generally. For provincial politics, we talk about the Sovereignty Act being proposed by UCP Leadership Frontrunner, Danielle Smith. Specifically, we talk about whether or not this was a good move for her in the short and medium term, as well as what mandate she might have to implement it post-leadership - and, last but not least, w...

The Knock, Knock, Who's There, the FBI Episode

August 12, 2022 18:36 - 36 minutes - 50 MB

For this episode, it is an all-out Ameri-pod! In it, David and Mike discuss the raid on Mar-a-Lago (Trump's - very tasteful - abode in South Florida). What are the implications for the country - and the fates of the Democratic and Republican Parties, more specifically? We discuss! We also talk about Joe Biden's latest 'roll' that he seems to be on. Is it enough to consider him a 'good' or 'great' President? We discuss (or, more accurately, we argue strongly about our disagreement). For Boo...

The Orange You Glad Your Aren't Donald Trump Episode

July 22, 2022 20:03 - 42 minutes - 58.1 MB

For this episode, in US politics, we have a super-duper scorching hot-take on Episode 8 of the January 6th Committee: Jabba the Hut Does Nothing to Call off His Goons. For provincial/federal Canadian politics, we talk about the latest and not so greatest with healthcare in Canada (and the undue stress on it from the latest COVID wave). What should we do to improve our results (IE which countries in Western Europe should we steal ideas from)? We discuss! For BookReport, we have a DUAL one,...

The No Mo' BoJo Episode

July 09, 2022 00:33 - 23 minutes - 32.4 MB

For this episode, in UK politics, we have a HOT-TAKE on the political demise of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who has just resigned from office on July 7th, 2022. Will BoJo be able to get himself out of this capper and rise back to prominence? We discuss! For Federal (Canadian) politics, we have a warm-take on the expulsion of Patrick Brown from the Conservative Leadership contest. What are the facts (and the politics) of it all - and what will this mean, ultimately, for the race itse...

The (January) 6-Pence None the Richer Episode

June 24, 2022 01:30 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MB

For this episode, in American politics, the January 6th Committee's (6-part) public hearings and what they have unearthed so far...and will it make a difference at all to politics in the US. For provincial politics, we check in on the latest edition of 'Who Wants to Be Our Premiere?' More specifically, we talk about the latest joiners of the race, and also one in particular that is speculating on taking the leap in. For PodReport, Mike listened to the newest 7-part, season of Fiasco, the ...

The Ford More Years Episode

June 04, 2022 11:21 - 39 minutes - 54.6 MB

For this episode, in federal politics, we talk about the new legislation passed by the Liberal government to tighten restrictions on guns and also the drug possession exemption requested by BC that was approved by the federal government. For provincial politics, we have a burning HOT TAKE on the Ontario election results, with the Rob Ford's PC party securing another (even stronger) majority. For BookReport, Mike read (with his ears) This Will Not Pass by New York Times journalists Jonathan...

The Orange Oompa Loompa US Primary Episode

May 26, 2022 20:59 - 38 minutes - 53.4 MB

For this episode, we return to US politics, with a spirited discussion on the US primaries that have recently taken place. We talk specifically about Donald Trump's hold on the party - and the efficacy of his endorsements. We then talk about Alberta provincial politics - and the race for who will be the new leader of the UCP (and, ipso facto, Premier of the province...for at least 5 months). David is back in action for BookReport this week! He read (with his eyes) The Long-Legged House by ...

The Glass 51.4% Full (Mini) Episode

May 19, 2022 14:46 - 17 minutes - 23.4 MB

We have a special super, duper hot-take mini-episode this week! We recorded this special podcast only an hour or so after Jason Kenney announced that he would be stepping down as Premier of Alberta after securing 51.4% of the vote in support of his leadership. In this burning hot take, we talk about what went wrong, revisit our Predict-orama on the leadership review, whether this is good for the NDP, the likely contenders in the now certain leadership race, Kenney's legacy as a Premier and,...

The Let's Make a Debate Episode

May 14, 2022 12:13 - 35 minutes - 48.8 MB

For this week’s episode, in federal politics, we dissect (or, more accurately, Mike regales David on what happened on) the first official Conservative leadership debate. Who scored points, who lost points, who wants to fire the Governor of the Bank of Canada? We discuss! For provincial politics, we revisit the Ides of Spring (AKA Jason Kenney's leadership vote). We offer our take on the buying memberships for others scandal (?), the impact of the new Buffalo party might have and Mr. Kenney g...

Roe, Roe, Roe Your Vote

May 07, 2022 02:12 - 34 minutes - 47 MB

For this week’s episode, for all levels of politics, we tackle on issue only: the implications of the (still draft) decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in the US Supreme Court. What does it mean for the US - and the 51% percent of the population that is oppressed by this vote? What does it portend for Trump? We discuss it all and more! We also talk about what the reverberations in Canada might be (including how likely is such a thing to happen here in the True North Strong and Free). To discuss...

The Brooch-ing Nuclear War Episode

April 29, 2022 19:34 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MB

For this week’s episode, for Global Politics, we talk about the latest (and not so greatest) about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Is Putin rationale? Are we heading towards nuclear oblivious? We discuss! For Media Politics (?), we talk about Elon Musk's move to buy Twitter for the princely sum of 44 billion dollars. Is this good for the world (and, less importantly, the business)? We dig into all of it! For DocReport this week, Mike watched the newest Ken Burns offering on Ben Franklin ...

The Scaring the PP (Pierre Polievre) Out of You Episode

April 15, 2022 03:12 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MB

For this week’s episode, we take the 'lightning round' approach - with a bunch of quick takes on interesting political topics. For Global politics, we talk about the election in France and what it portends for the free-world more generally. For US politics, we quickly gab about the increasing divide amongst Senators in Supreme Court nominations. For Federal politics, we talk about the .5% rate hike, as well at the seemingly unstoppable rise of Pierre Polievre. Finally, we catch our breat...

The You Get an (Electric) Car, You Get an (Electric) Car Federal Budget Episode

April 09, 2022 16:35 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MB

For this week’s episode, in federal politics, we have a smoking-hot take on the Liberals' Federal Budget. Did the NDP get what they bargained for (kind of)? Will the Conservative have well-thought out criticisms against it (don't count on it)? We discuss! For provincial politics, we talk about the Ides of April...and now May (with the move of the Leadership Vote to mid-May)! We go over Danielle Smith re-entry onto the political scene, the latest poll numbers and the resignation/firing o...

The Diplomatic Norm Bustin' with Vlad and Grandpa Joe Episode

March 31, 2022 22:48 - 35 minutes - 48.7 MB

For this week’s episode, in Global politics, we go back and forth on the most interesting developments that happened of late related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Then, for Federal politics, we chat about the new Liberal climate change plan (now 'new-and-improved' with sector specific targets!). Will this new plan save us from a fiery oblivion - and was the Liberal/NDP deal from last week helpful in bringing it to fruition...we'll discuss! For DocReport this week, Mike watched t...

The Worst Day Ever for Red Deer Tourism Episode

March 25, 2022 19:30 - 38 minutes - 53.2 MB

For this week’s episode, in Federal politics, we talk about the brand new confidence and supply agreement struck between the NDP and the Liberals that will (maybe) keep the government in tact until 2025. Who are the big winners and losers of the deal? We discuss! We then check in on the Ides of April, with the April 9th Leadership Review vote fast approaching. We talk about the politics and logistics about moving to a mail-in ballot - and away from an in person vote in (lovely) Red Deer. ...

The Possible China Block Party Episode

March 12, 2022 17:05 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MB

For this week’s episode, in global politics, we talk (yep, once again) about Russia's invasion of the Ukraine. We take a bit of a different take on it this time by chatting about how the conflict could alter the world order - with possibly bolstering the assentation of China as a challenger to the US. For Canadian federal politics, we talk about the new entrants into the conservative leadership - with Mike trying to convince David to care about the race (even at this early stage). Will he su...

The Putin a Bad Place Episode

March 03, 2022 19:55 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MB

For this week’s episode, in global politics, we talk (once again) about Russia's invasion of the Ukraine. Is Putin a rational actor or just a dickhead? We'll discuss! Then, for US politics, we have a 'warm-take' on Joe Biden's first State of the Union address which took place on March 1st, 2022. For extra fun, David only read the transcript while Mike watched the whole thing live (with all the clapping-seal moments) - the medium is (somewhat) the message. We have a dual BookReport this wee...

The Russian to War Episode

February 26, 2022 03:54 - 40 minutes - 55.7 MB

For this week’s episode, in global politics, we talk about Russia's invasion of the Ukraine. What has happened so far, what will happen next and the politics of it all - we will discuss! For provincial politics, we have a hot-take on Alberta's 2022 budget. The roller-coaster is going high (especially given the first topic of the pod) - we'll discuss how this bodes for Jason Kenney's government. For BookReport this week, Mike read (with his ears, of course) Embarassment of Critches, by Mark...

The Just Watch Me Too Episode

February 18, 2022 22:20 - 38 minutes - 52.9 MB

For this week’s episode, in federal politics, we talk about the decision of the Liberal government to activate the Emergencies Measures Act in order to combat the occupation in Ottawa and the blockades around the country. We talk about why they did it and the politics - for all of the Federal political parties as well as the Premiers most impacted. For provincial politics, its our first installment of the 'Ides of April' in Alberta, where we track events to see how Jason Kenney is likely t...

The Seriously, Go Truck Yourself Episode

February 11, 2022 15:19 - 35 minutes - 49.3 MB

For this week’s episode, in federal politics, we talk about the ongoing, trucker-related occupation in Ottawa - and now on Windsor's Ambassador bridge. What are the options the governing Liberals have - and who will wear the blame for this if it continues? We discuss! For provincial politics, we talk about Kenney's move to (suddenly) stop the use of vaccine passports in Alberta. Specifically, we talk about the influence of the Coutts, Alberta trucker-related occupation, as well as Kenney's...

The Murphy Brown, Leader of the Official Opposition Episode

February 04, 2022 21:55 - 33 minutes - 46.3 MB

For this week’s episode, we (once again) have a double-dose of federal politics - with a bit of provincial mixed in for good measure! In the first segment, we (once again) discuss the politics behind the Ottawa trucker convoy. In addition, we talk about the blockade that has been formed in Coutts, Alberta. We wrap up the episode by talking about the sluggish rise and fall of Erin O'Toole as the Conservative Party leader. What does this portend for the party - and the future of democracy in ...

The Moot Convoy That Could Episode

January 28, 2022 19:51 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MB

For this week’s episode, we have a double-dose of federal politics! In the first segment, we discuss the politics behind the cross-Canada trucker convoy that will soon be converging onto Ottawa. What is the upside and potential downside of politicians supporting these folks? We'll discuss! We then have a HOT TAKE on the leaked post-mortem report on what went wrong with the Conservative Party in the last federal election. For MiniSeriesReport this week, Mike watched (for a 2nd time) the HBO ...

The Madu About You Episode

January 22, 2022 03:55 - 38 minutes - 52.3 MB

For this week’s episode, for Global politics, we talk about Russia's march towards a Ukrainian invasion and whether or not it can be headed off. We then talk about Provincial politics in Alberta, with Justice Minister Kaycee Madu being asked to step aside (temporarily) by Jason Kenney for inquiring with the Edmonton police chief about a traffic ticket he received. Will this bonehead move leave him out of cabinet permanently, we discuss! For BookReport this week, David read (with his eyes, l...

The Three's Company Covid Episode (with Guest Kathleen Brayford)

January 14, 2022 19:36 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MB

For this week’s episode, we welcome our first EVER guest to the podcast, Kathleen Bancroft. In the episode, we focus exclusively on 'Covid Across Canada' and each talk about one big related story that we think matters. The conversation is pretty wide-ranging - hitting on everything from Quebec's new 'antivax tax', different provincial policies on school openings, as well as whether firings due to not being vaccinated are ethical/legal. No Report this week because we had such a good time ch...

The Remembering the Beer League Insurrection Episode

January 07, 2022 16:32 - 31 minutes - 43.7 MB

In this week’s episode, it's all about remembering the January 6th insurrection that took place at the US Capitol building last year. In it, we talk about what our views were at the time (we recorded a special Hot Take episode last year as events were unfolding), where the current political landscape is in the US, and what is likely to come with the 2022 midterms and 2024 GOP nomination. No formal report this week but throughout our podcast we cite two really great podcast episodes that ju...

The (Dear) Listener Questions and (Wrong) Host Predictions Year-End Episode

December 30, 2021 20:51 - 36 minutes - 49.8 MB

In this week’s super-special, year-end special, David and Mike take questions from the Dear Listeners! These (great) questions relate to everything from how well Kamala Harris is doing as VP to whether Erin O'Toole will hold on to the Conservative leadership or not? We wrap the show up with 'hot-take' predictions for each level of government from each of David and Mike. As we've said, this is probably a great way to know what definitely won't happen in 2022. No Report this week in order to...

The NATO, I'm Not Putin You On Episode

December 24, 2021 19:27 - 37 minutes - 51.1 MB

In this week’s episode, for Global politics, we talk about Russia's latest moves on the Ukrainian border and what might come next in this pseudo-skirmish with NATO. Is Putin just talking in a puffed-up way to impress his Generals? We'll discuss! For Local politics, we talk about whether or not Calgary should put more money into the arena deal and trying to overturn Quebec's infamous Bill 21. We also talk more generally about Mayor Gondek's style of leadership that is emerging. For DocRepor...

The Donald Trump Knows 'The Secret' Episode

December 17, 2021 20:43 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MB

In this week’s episode, for US politics, we talk about the latest developments to come out of the House of Representatives investigation on the insurrection that took place on January 6th. How many Fox News anchors did Donald Trump have on speed dial (and how often did Mark Meadows cockblock them?) - we discuss! For provincial politics, we talk about the latest policy changes from the Kenney government to ensure he gets the kind of Christmas gathering that he'd want. We layer in a conversati...

The I Didn't Want You To Come To My Olympics Anyways Episode

December 10, 2021 20:03 - 23 minutes - 31.6 MB

In this week’s episode, for global politics, we talk about the flurry of diplomatic boycotts (including Canada's) that have hit China as host of next year's Olympics. What does this say about the state of relations between China and the rest of the world? Is this a template for how Western nations deal with perceived infractions from China? We will discuss! For BookReport this week, Mike read (with his eyes!) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, which is a critically-acclaimed novel set at ...

The Vaccines for Some, Miniature Canadian Flags for Others Episode

December 03, 2021 19:38 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MB

In this week’s episode, for global politics, with the arrival of the Omicron variant, we talk about vaccine distribution strategy. What is best from a utility perspective and how might this diverge from the best course for countries politically? We discuss! We then talk about federal politics, with the (shocking) unanimous passing of the anti-conversion therapy legislation in Parliament. We dig into what this means for the federal Conservatives electoral fortunes, as well to whether this new...

The Throne Back to Where We Were Episode

November 26, 2021 15:15 - 33 minutes - 46.3 MB

In this week’s episode, for federal politics, we talk about the Throne Speech that was for the governing Liberals. Were there any revelations or tea leaves to be read about the future of the Justin Trudeau government, we'll discuss! For provincial politics, we dissect the United Conservative Party (UCP) Annual General Meeting (AGM) that took place at the (lovely) Grey Eagle Resort and Casino. We talk about how strong or not so strong Kenney's hold on power is after the proxy leadership vote ...

The Gambling Big at the Grey Eagle Casino Episode

November 20, 2021 03:42 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MB

In this week’s episode, it is our triumphant return to American politics, where we discuss the off-year election results, Biden's low approval ratings and what it all means for the mid-term elections - and the Presidency in 2024. We also return to our first love (?) of provincial politics, with Jason Kenney under fire from over a quarter of his constituency associations amid the impending jamboree/AGM at the Grey Eagle Casino. For DocReport this week, Mike read (with his ears) the Peter Ma...

The COPs and Randys Episode

November 06, 2021 04:35 - 38 minutes - 52.3 MB

In this week’s episode, it's the long-awaited return of Global Politics, with analysis of the COP26 conference in Glasgow. We talk about the federal government's big announcement to cap oil and gas emissions as well as Mark Carney's Big Finance Crew's deal to possible be more responsible with global investment. For DocReport this week, Mike watched (with his eyes) the four-part, eight hour, documentary on Muhammad Ali, by legendary documentary film-maker, Ken Burns.

The Anita Better Way To Predict Cabinet Episode

October 30, 2021 00:48 - 32 minutes - 44.1 MB

In this week’s episode, we honestly and openly review our Predictorama guesses for who would occupy what position in the federal Liberal cabinet picks (spoiler alert: we weren't even close). We also delve into the logic and politics behind Trudeau's (actual) picks...and who became 'non-picks', ahem, talking to you (astronaut) Marc Garneau. For BookReport this week, David read (with his eyes) 13 Days in October - in which Robert (AKA Bobby) Kennedy chronicles the play-by-play and team dynam...

The Chu-se the Wrong Candidate Episode

October 22, 2021 17:43 - 34 minutes - 46.8 MB

In this week’s episode, we are doing Predictorama for the federal cabinet picks that will be coming out next week - how wrong will we be? We will see! We also talk about the results for the Calgary municipal election, which had Jyoti Gondek defeating handily Jeromy (Fartface) Farkas. Also, we couldn't get away with not talking about world-class POS Sean Chu - and how he is the worst. For PodReport this week, Mike listened to Total Recall - a CNN podcast series on the 2003 recall election t...

The Flo Rida of the Plebiscite Episode

October 15, 2021 21:45 - 38 minutes - 53.5 MB

In this week’s episode, we have our second (and, sadly, last) installment of Municipal (Calgary) ELECTION WATCH! For this one, we go through a scorching hot take of the last candidates debate that just happened on Thursday night. We also go into Predictorama-mode and offer our pronouncements on who will occupy the big seat of mayor. Finally, we go through Mike's vote point by point - does he actually love fluoride? We'll find out! For BoardgameReport this week, we went head-to-head and pla...

The Fartface (Farkas) Running Out of Gas Episode

October 08, 2021 16:05 - 38 minutes - 53.4 MB

In this week’s episode, we talk about the Liberals vaccine mandate plan of action released this week. Is it a political and/or public policy winner? What will the Conservatives say as a rebuttal? We'll discuss! We also have Municipal (Calgary) ELECTION WATCH, where we give you the latest info on the polls and also a play-by-play for how David actually voted. For DocReport this week, we both watched (with our eyes) the five-part documentary 9/11 and the War on Terror on Netflix, which chron...

The Alberta Gets Hit in the Face with Rakes Episodes

October 01, 2021 21:09 - 38 minutes - 52.9 MB

In this week’s episode, we get back to the dumpster fire that is the COVID situation in Alberta (oh how we missed it...). We talk about the situation and whether Kenney's leadership/the UCP will be able to survive from it. We then talk about the Calgary mayoral race, which is on October 18th (don't forget to vote!). We strategize about how anyone can possibly beat Jeromy Farkas (AKA Jeromy Fartface, as the stickers around town would suggest). For Report this week, we both read the long-for...

The Overeating at the Election Buffet Episode

September 22, 2021 14:24 - 44 minutes - 60.9 MB

In this week’s episode, it's...wait for it (one last time)...Election Watch! In the pod, we examine the federal election results to see how close we were in our seat/popular vote Predictorama! Of course, we also talk about the politics driving why we were so right/wrong. We then dive deep into the future of each of the party leaders after all the votes are counted. Who will stick around and who'll get kicked to the curb (hint: it ain't easy being green). No Report this as we are chock-a-bl...

Reminder - Election Day Live Tweeting and Special Episode!

September 20, 2021 14:35 - 32 seconds - 737 KB

Just a quick reminder that we'll be LIVE TWEETING on election night starting at 6pm - you can follow along by going to @spilpodcast on Twitter. Also, we are recording a special election night podcast tonight, which you can expect in your feed late tonight - or tomorrow morning if you're a sane person.

The Very Rosie Leader Interrogation Episode

September 17, 2021 16:16 - 38 minutes - 52.7 MB

In this week’s episode, it's...wait for it (once again)...Election Watch! In the pod, we review the CBC Face to Face episodes, in which each of the National Party Leaders faced questions from undecided voters (not to mention the wrath of Rosemary Barton)! Also, we hypothesize about the potential impact of the dumpster fire that is going on in Alberta (COVID) on the Federal race. We wrap it up with some (inevitably wrong) predictions on the election outcome. For the first time ever, there i...

The More Annamie-ted Debate Episode

September 10, 2021 19:19 - 39 minutes - 53.8 MB

In the pod, we have a smoking hot take on the third and final federal election leaders debate - in English! Also, we talk about the winners and losers of the 2nd French language debate (yes, that's right, there are two in French and only one in English), which took place on Wednesday. For PodReport, David listened to the Dan Carlin 'Common Sense' podcast series' episode on Afghanistan. Can the master of audio war history make sense of that country's experience of late? Listen to find out!

The Mass-Debating in French Episode

September 04, 2021 01:30 - 38 minutes - 53.3 MB

In this week’s episode, it's...wait for it...Election Watch! In the pod, we have a smoking hot take on the first federal election leaders debate, en francais! Also, David dug through the party platforms in painstaking detail - we discuss his findings and try to ID the policies that could indeed move the electorate. For BookReport, David read (with his eyes) The Audacity of Hope by President Barrack Obama, which lays out his 'theory of the case' on politics in 2006 America. Mike also read i...

The Just(in) Time to Get Help Episode

August 27, 2021 16:39 - 33 minutes - 45.4 MB

In this week’s episode, it's (once again) all about Election Watch! In the pod, we talk about how the latest developments in Afghanistan will shape the race, how the shift the centre has worked out for O'Toole and the Conservatives, and the impact of polls on the media election narrative. Also, we both try to channel Trudeau's "former" political Svengali, Gerry Butts, in order to offer some advice to the Liberal leader after a tough start to the campaign. For DocReport, Mike watched (the e...

The Are We Collectively Better Than Evan Solomon Episode

August 19, 2021 16:20 - 33 minutes - 46.2 MB

In this week’s episode, it's all about Election Watch! We breakdown the interesting and sometimes overlooked issues in this first week of the federal election, including: who is winning on mandatory vaccination, how much of an issue will daycare be, what does the PC Nova Scotia election win portend for the Liberals, and, most importantly has David been underestimating Jagmeet Singh? For PodReport, David listened to the NPR Podcast series 'Throughline' on capitalism, which does a deep-dive ...

The Pre-Possibly Probable Election Episode

August 13, 2021 17:28 - 43 minutes - 60.1 MB

In this week’s episode, we continue our Election Watch! (TM) series and talk about all of the news of the week that could impact how Canadians vote in the (likely) upcoming federal election. For provincial politics, we have a HOT TAKE on the backtracking of the Kenney government on lifting testing, tracking and isolation restrictions for COVID. For BookReport, Mike read (with his ears, of course) the book First Friends: The Powerful, Unsung (and Unelected) People Who Shaped Our President...

The Orwell Comes Alive (in Alberta) Episode

August 06, 2021 20:53 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MB

In this week’s episode, for global politics, David and Mike talk about the US’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, how this squares with the impetus to go in in the first place, and the political ramifications for the region. For provincial politics, they discuss the Alberta government plans to roll-back COVID testing, tracing and isolation measures later this month. What’s at stake here and is there a largely (perhaps sinister) play by the UCP? We’ll discuss! For DocReport, Mike watched the doc...