Some Politics is Local
89 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago -Some Politics is Local is the podcast where two guys from Calgary, Alberta, Canada (David and Mike) provide a fun, original and (always) irreverent perspective on all things political. The podcast covers global politics, US politics, federal politics, provincial politics and, of course, some local politics.
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Episodes
The Give Me Liberty or Give Me a Nasal Swab Episode
July 30, 2021 13:10 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MBIn this episode, for Canadian federal politics, we continue to observe the big moves being made by the major parties in our 'Election Watch' series. This week, the Liberals announced nailed down their fourth province to take part in their daycare strategy and also announced that there are vaccines for every Canadian; as well, we talk about how the increased natural disasters due to climate change will shape the campaign. For municipal politics, we talk about the Jeff Davison campaign's third...
The Edmund Burke Rolls Over in His Grave Episode
July 17, 2021 17:03 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MBIn this episode, for Canadian federal politics, we continue to observe the big moves being made by the major parties in our 'Election Watch' series. This week the Liberals announced a bunch of money for Quebec's aerospace industry - is it good politics/policy? We'll discuss! For provincial/municipal politics, we talk about the issues that will be put on the ballot in Alberta municipal elections in the fall - and whether referendums are a good way to make decisions, more generally. For PodR...
The (Disingenuous) Man in the Arena (Deal) Episode
July 09, 2021 14:47 - 38 minutes - 53 MBIn this episode, for Canadian Federal politics, we talk about the 'power moves' being made by Justin Trudeau and Erin O'Toole in the lead-up to the (increasingly likely) fall election. For Municipal (AKA Local) politics, we talk about how the developments in the big arena deal are playing in the Municipal election slated for October. Who is making hay and who is eating it, we'll discuss! For Book/Movie Report, David read (with his eyes) Oh Canada, Oh Quebec by Mordechai Richler and Mike wat...
The (Witch) Hunt for the Orange Gorilla Episode
July 03, 2021 19:27 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MBIn this episode, for US politics, we talk about the indictment of the Trump Organization's CFO. Is this the first step in the bringing-down of Donald J. Trump? We'll discuss! We follow this up with Canadian Federal politics and the sudden resignation of Liberal Cabinet Minister Catherine McKenna. What does this say about how good the job of an MP really is - and what does this portend for the future of the Liberals. For PodReport this week, we both listened to the rest of Slow Burn Season ...
The (O)Toole-ing Around for Canada Day Episode
June 25, 2021 15:44 - 37 minutes - 51.2 MBIn this episode, for Global politics, we talk about the future of work after the pandemic - including how policies like CERB and UBI will play into how we live and work. For Federal politics, we talk about Erin O'Toole's speech on not canceling Canada Day. Will it be a much needed political winner for him? We'll discuss! For PodReport this week, David listened to the final episode of Dan Carlin's Hardcore History podcast series on the Pacific front of the Second World War, called Supernova...
The It Ain't Easy Being Green Episode
June 19, 2021 16:14 - 34 minutes - 46.9 MBIn this episode, for Global politics, we discuss the G7 meeting that took place in England and also the bilateral meeting between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin. What came out of these get togethers and what is the politics behind it - we'll discuss! For Federal politics, Mike tries to convince David that the implosion of the Green Party (and its leader) actually matters in the grand scheme of things. For (Hollywood) MovieReport this week, Mike watched the dramatized campaign drama/comedy Ou...
The Nuthin' But a (5)G Thang Episode
June 11, 2021 20:49 - 34 minutes - 46.9 MBIn this episode, for US/Global politics, we discuss the big spending bill that was passed in the US Senate to fund research in strategic areas where China has upped their game of late. What does this say about the US/China relations and is this further evidence of a new kind of Cold War? For provincial politics, David and Mike debate whether Jason Kenney is 'hot or not' based on all of the weeks developments (politically-speaking...definitely not physically-speaking). For PodReport this we...
The Return of the Sky Palace Episode
June 04, 2021 19:35 - 31 minutes - 42.8 MBNote: the audio quality of this episode isn't great as we recorded it from Mike's Backyard, we assure you that the audio quality will be better next time. In this episode, for Federal politics, we talk about the horrible discovery of 215 indigenous children's graves in the Kamloops Residential School. What does this mean and will it impact the Federal government's response on First Nations issues? For Alberta politics, we talk about whether Jason Kenney's Sky Palace dinner was a big deal...
The Kenney Wants to Wear His Belt Buckle Episode
May 29, 2021 18:32 - 37 minutes - 51.1 MBIn this episode, for federal politics, we talk about NDP scion Avi Lewis getting into the family business, with a run in West Vancouver for the Federal NDP. What does this mean for the party and their likely future policy course? We'll discuss! For Alberta politics, we breakdown the policy and politics of Jason Kenney's aggressive re-opening plan for Alberta. For PodReport this week, David listened to the latest season of Serial, called Improvement Association, which centers on the one cas...
The UCP-ed off at Jason Kenney Episode
May 15, 2021 01:52 - 34 minutes - 47.2 MBIn this episode, for provincial politics, we talk about the Todd Loewan's 2am letter, the ejections of him and Drew Barnes from the UCP Caucus that came from it and what's next for Jason Kenney's UCP Party. On the local side of things, Jeff Davison, the city councilor from Ward 6, has entered the fray - we'll analyze the race...and offer an EXCLUSIVE announcement in relation to it! For BookReport this week, Mike read (with his ears) Double Down by John Heileman and Mark Halperin about the ...
The David’s Biography Gets Cancelled Episode
May 07, 2021 19:40 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBIn this episode, for federal politics, we talk about the Liberal Government scandal having to do with General Jonathan Vance of the Canadian Forces. Is the scandal worth all of the ink it is gathering - we'll discuss! We then chat about the cultural politics involved in a Philip Roth biography being 'cancelled' due to allegations made against the author of it. Is this appropriate...or not so much? For DocuReport this week, we both watched (David more recently) OJ: Made in America by ESPN. ...
The Grandpa Joe Gets His Report Card Episode
April 30, 2021 20:28 - 32 minutes - 44.9 MBIn this episode, we talk about Joe Biden's first 100 days, including the joint session of Congress speech. More importantly, we each ascribe a letter grade to his performance! We then get into provincial politics, with the continuing dumpster fire that is Alberta in relation to rising COVID case counts. We have a 'hot-take' Premier Kenney's his latest press conference. For PodReport this week, we both listened to the first two episodes of Season 5 from Slow Burn (by Slate), which go deep i...
The Spendpalooza Federal Budget Episode
April 25, 2021 18:48 - 33 minutes - 46 MBIn this episode, we talk about the first federal budget in close to 2 years that the Liberals have just rolled out. Spoiler alert, if you have a pulse, you get something from it. We also talk about the state of politics in Alberta - with new fundraising and poll numbers having the NDP looking pretty good. For BookReport this week, Mike read (with his ears) On the House by John Boehner. This autobiography, written and (most likely drunkenly) read by the author, tells the story of how a blan...
The Green Petro Points Episode
April 16, 2021 21:03 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MBIn this episode, we talk about the dueling conventions - with both the Federal Liberals and NDP holding their policy conventions on the same-ish days! We talk about what each of the parties talked about and who won the news cycle. We also talk about the Federal Conservatives brand spanking new climate policy. Is it enough to get centrists over the line to support them? We will discuss! For BookReport this week, David read (with his eyes) Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the ...
The Little UCP Revolt That Could Episode
April 09, 2021 18:18 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MBIn this episode, we talk about the revolt of 17 UCP MLAs to the Kenney government's decision to tighten restrictions in response to rising COVID case counts, including what this might mean in terms of Kenney's control over caucus and the Leadership Review vote next year. We also talk about the Naheed Nenshi's decision to not seek another term as the mayor of Calgary - and speculate on the political reverberations of his decision on the mayoral race and also his legacy as the mayor of CowTown...
The Play-Doh for Plato Pedagogy Episode
April 02, 2021 16:20 - 42 minutes - 58.2 MBIn this episode, we talk about the Biden Administration's big, bold and expensive infrastructure plan - and its chances of becoming reality. For provincial politics, we delve into the new (draft) K-6 curriculum that was just released - including what might be missing and possible subliminal messages being conveyed by the Kenney government through it. For BookReport this week, David read (with his eyes, of course) the very thorough book on Malcolm X that just came out entitled The Dead Are ...
The Erin O'Toole Goes To Normandy Episode
March 26, 2021 16:28 - 35 minutes - 48.2 MBIn this episode, we talk about the Conservative Party of Canada's policy convention - including the speech from Erin O'Toole...and the contradictory, news-worthy vote that took place thereafter. We double-it-up on Federal politics this week by chatting about the Supreme Court ruling affirming that the federal government has jurisdiction to impose a carbon tax over the country (and the provinces that reside within). For BookReport this week, Mike takes us through all of the US Presidents th...
The Sub-Basement-B Sino Summit Episode
March 19, 2021 15:18 - 36 minutes - 49.6 MBIn this episode, we talk about US-China relations as the first bi-lateral summit of the Biden Presidency takes place in (not so tropical) Anchorage, Alaska. We also talk about the (pending regulatory approval) deal for Rogers to buy Shaw - and the political implications on a provincial and federal level (who doesn't like trashing telcos, right?!). For BookReport, Mike read (with his ears, of course) What It Takes by Richard Ben Cramer. This 56 hour tome goes into amazing detail about 'what...
The Sharks With Lasers Stimulus Episode
March 12, 2021 16:27 - 32 minutes - 44 MBIn this episode, we talk about the (massive) 1.9 trillion dollar stimulus package that was just passed - as well as the politics of this (gigantic) development. We also talk about the royal family (this isn't a typo) - with the Harry and Meghan interview - as well as our shared distaste for this anti-democratic, and generally gross, institution. For PodReport, David listened to the Real Dictators series which chronicles in multi-part episodes the best of best when it comes to the worst of ...
The Trump Plays His Greatest Hits Episode
March 05, 2021 15:47 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBIn this episode (our 20th podcast!), we talk about Donald Trump's rambling return to the spotlight with his appearance (and speech) at the Conservative Political Action Committee (or CPAC) - and what it means for the future of the GOP. We also talk about the federal government's (seemingly impending) airline industry bailout - and the recent history of the industry's relationship with the feds. For PodReport, we both listened to Renegades (ironically sponsored by Starbucks Canada), the 8-p...
The Justin Trudeau is in a Box Episode
February 26, 2021 19:23 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MBIn this episode, we talk about the vote in Parliament to call out China on committing genocide and, of course, the politics of it all for Erin O'Toole's Conservatives and the Trudeau government. We also provide a very 'hot-take' on the Alberta provincial budget which just dropped on the day of recording. Finally, we quickly talk about the latest 'faceplant' by the Kenney government with the vaccine appointment website (and call center) going down. For PodReport, we both listened to the New...
The Too Cute Gun Control Policy Episode
February 19, 2021 15:35 - 33 minutes - 46 MBIn this episode, we talk about the verdict on the second impeachment trial of Donald J. Trump, the politics of why Senators voted the way they did and what might come next. We also talk about the new Liberal gun control legislation from both a policy and (of course) from a political perspective. For BookReport, David read (with his eyes) and we discuss The Russian Job: The Forgotten Story of How America Saved the Soviet Union From Ruin by Douglas Smith. The book tells the story of the fami...
The How the Trump Trial is Kind of Like OJ's Episode
February 12, 2021 21:20 - 39 minutes - 54.9 MBIn this episode, we talk about the latest on the (second) impeachment trial of Donald Trump - including, as mentioned in the title - the similarities with the OJ trial in the 90s. We also have a double-dose of provincial politics with the Newfoundland election in COVID times and also as fierce of a debate as you'll hear over the just-announced 'Kenney-bucks' for critical workers. For MovieReport, we discuss the documentary The Champions by acclaimed director, Donald Brittain. In this doc, ...
The Jason Kenney Cannot Say Uh-Oh Episode
February 05, 2021 15:27 - 40 minutes - 55.1 MBIn this episode, we talk about the latest on the Republican Party civil war between people who believe in religiously-affiliated space lasers and the other side. We also talk about the latest setbacks in the vaccine distribution in Canada and whether hypothetical Prime Minister O'Toole would have done anything differently. Finally, for Alberta politics, we chat about possible issues with the latest reopening plan and the latest on the coal mining re-opening in the province. For BookReport,...
The Joe Biden is Going To Work (Homonym) Episode
January 29, 2021 13:57 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBIn this episode, we talk about President Joe Biden's first week in office (and ponder GameStop's value, for good measure). For Federal Canadian politics, we assess how the vaccine roll-out is going to date here at home - and, of course, the politics of it all (spoiler alert, David's belief in a spring election is waning). We also talk local politics this week, with the possible plebiscite on 40 KM/H speed limits in Calgary. For BookReport, we talk about The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life...
The David for Pseudo-Queen Episode
January 22, 2021 14:17 - 37 minutes - 51.4 MBIn this episode, we talk about the inauguration of Joe Biden as President (and the associated sense of overwhelming relief that we all feel). We also talk about the (somewhat breaking) news of the Governor General of Canada, Julie Payette, resigning and, more importantly, David's chances on assuming that sweet, sweet role. On the provincial side of things, we talk about the latest missteps (and possible missteps) of the Kenney government in Alberta. For PodReport, we talk about Rabbithole,...
The Aloha-Travel-Gate Episode
January 15, 2021 20:28 - 43 minutes - 59.9 MBIn this episode, we talk about the short and long-politics and policy implications for the Trump Impeachment (Part II), as well as where America is heading, more generally. We also talk about the latest to do with the travel scandal that has embroiled the United Conservatives Party (UCP) government in Alberta - Rachel Notley (obviously she is a listener), there is some good advice to be had in this one for you! For PodReport, we talk about the Frost Tapes, a seven-part documentary podcast ...
The Bumbling US Insurrection Special Episode
January 07, 2021 15:02 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBIn this special episode, we dedicate the entire podcast to discussing the events and implications on what happened in Washington on January 6th, 2021. This is a wide-ranging conversation that goes well beyond the headlines - hitting on everything from the role of race in policing demonstrations, to the benefits and costs of free speech in today's media landscape. We also discuss the impact of the Georgia senate race results on Biden's agenda moving forward, the Republican party, and the po...
The Not Everyone Forgot Bev Oda Episode
December 31, 2020 15:28 - 43 minutes - 59.3 MBIn this episode, we make bold and possibly incorrect predications of what is going to happen in politics in 2021. We do this for each level of politics - including Global, US and Canadian (federal, provincial and, of course, local). Who knows, maybe this will be our redemption from the ocean of wrong-ness that was US Fantasy Cabinet? For ShowReport, we talk about the Reagans, a four-part documentary series from Showtime that chronicles the life and times of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. If you ...
The Suburban Battle Royale Episode
December 18, 2020 18:54 - 37 minutes - 51.6 MBIn this episode, we talk about the latest Russian cyber antics and what it means for the US/Russian relationship. For Canadian/provincial politics, we judge the policy and ponder the politics of the new Liberal Carbon Tax plan. For BookReport, we talk about the much anticipated new memoir from Barack Obama, A Promised Land. The book gives a play-by-play of Obama's first term in office, and 'the Coles Notes' of his life leading up to that point. Spoiler alert: it's amazing.
The Bad News Bears Iran Episode
December 11, 2020 13:23 - 43 minutes - 59.8 MBIn this episode, we talk about global politics, with the latest on Iran's nuclear program. For Canadian politics, we wrestle with the conundrum of who should get vaccinated first (...second and third). On the provincial side of things, we look at the latest COVID measures in Alberta, and also debate the acting ability of Brian Pallister (Premier of Manitoba). For BookReport, we talk about the Presidents Club by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy (NOT Mike Duffy), a book documenting the sacred f...
The University Paper Economic Update Episode
December 04, 2020 13:39 - 44 minutes - 60.8 MBIn this episode, we talk about the possible pardons that Donald Trump may or may not do. For Canadian politics, we offer our perspective on the Liberals Economic Update. And, finally, for Local politics, we delve into the (current) Calgary Mayoral candidates. For (the first ever) MovieReport, we talk about Les Rose, a documentary by the son of former FLQ leader Paul Rose about his father’s role in the October Crisis and the motivations that led to it.
The Coals of a Dumpster Fire Episode
November 27, 2020 13:15 - 36 minutes - 50.8 MBIn this episode, we talk about the latest with the US government transition and provide a (sad) update on our Fantasy Cabinet. We also (sadly, again) talk about COVID from both a federal and a provincial perspective, focusing on the basket case that is Alberta. For BookReport, we talk about Trevor Noah's early life autobiography, Born a Crime, where he explores life growing up under South African Apartheid.
The Rice Supplanting Rice Episode
November 20, 2020 13:53 - 47 minutes - 65 MBIn this episode, we go through our fantasy (incoming) US government cabinet picks (President-Elect Biden, take note)! We also talk about COVID from both a federal and a provincial perspective. For BookReport, we talk about the Gatekeepers by Chris Whipple – a book chronicling the role of the Chief of Staff in the US Presidency.
The Only FDR Had It Worse Episode
November 13, 2020 13:34 - 44 minutes - 61.2 MBIn this episode, we talk about the (now projected) US election results and Biden’s next move(s). We also talk the Liberals spreading of broadband in Canada, what will happen with Keystone/climate policy in Alberta, and why most municipalities are screwed. For BookReport, David goes back to the early 1900’s with Jungle from Upton Sinclair, which blew the whistle on the meat industry in the US (and was a bit of a socialist manifesto).
The Trump is HAL from 2001 Episode
November 06, 2020 13:19 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MBIn this episode, we talk about where the US election results stand (and what might/will happen next). We also chat about the responses of the various provincial governments in Canada to the COVID pandemic (the good, the bad...and the really bad). PodReport this week features Slow Burn Season 4, which profiles former Grand Wizard of the KKK (and Louisiana State Representative), David Duke. Spoiler alert: it's worth a listen.
The Neo Abe Lincoln Episode
November 06, 2020 05:15 - 40 minutes - 55.1 MBIn this episode, we talk about the US election, the Federal Conservatives getting a bill through Parliament, and the BC and Saskatchewan elections. PodReport is a US election special, with Nate Silver on the Ezra Klein Show. Also, David brings us down gangsta rap memory lane with Charlton Heston’s rendition of an Ice-T classic.
The Horse in a Hospital Episode
November 06, 2020 05:10 - 34 minutes - 46.7 MBIn this episode, we talk about the second US presidential election debate. We go over the near-election we almost had in Canada due to the WE scandal. Finally, does Jason Kenney want people to leave Alberta? BookReport for this week is Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, which David read with his eyes.
The Better Than a Lump of Dough Episode
November 06, 2020 03:01 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MBIn this episode, we talk about what Trump’s chances are to win the US Presidential Election. We also chat about how Erin O’toole is doing so far – especially relative to his predecessor. Finally, we banter about Tyler Shandro (Minister of Health for Alberta) and his tone/impact on healthcare in the province.