Eric Ham is based in Washington, DC and is a political analyst for CTV News. Successful author and former member of the American Congress staff, he writes for ctvnews.ca.
The two men warmly greeted each other, with warm handfuls, radiant smiles and tight fists. The jovial and festive atmosphere continued in the oval office, where the two leaders continued to covered themselves with praise. We were far from scathing attacks and disrespectful gestures that had marked the last days of Trudeau’s mandate.
Nevertheless, despite the camaraderie and servile admiration displayed by everyone, it was Carney who knew how to remain resolved and firm, leaving no doubt that his insight and determination are equal, even superior, to those of the “leader of the free world”.
After months of electoral campaign, Carney managed to convince voters that he was the only leader capable of leading Canada in the face of incessant attacks by his southern neighbor against national sovereignty. After having led his party to one of the most improbable feedback in recent history, the new Prime Minister had to show a still tired country and an American tyrant of what he was capable of politically.
Sitting with skill and nervousness next to the protagonist of his country, Carney jumped on each deformation of the facts and aut with dexterity, but also with flawless precision, Trump’s efforts to suggest that Canada would be better off as a territory of the United States.
This text is a translation of an article by CTV News
Taking up the language used by the president, Prime Minister Carney interrupted the conversation at some point by declaring: “As you know in real estate, some places are never for sale,” said Carney. “We are currently sitting in one of them. There is also Buckingham Palace, which you also visited. And after meeting the owners of Canada during the electoral campaign in recent months, I can tell you that it is not for sale and will never be. But the opportunity lies in the partnership and what we can build together. ”
Demonstrating a impactful political counterattack, the Canadian “comeback Kid” has clearly shown that he could resist virulent attacks on his country while stating just as paralyzing as most had not seen coming. Throughout the public party of Reunion, each world leader sought to take the advantage in an escalation game to obtain the most elegant praise.
-Carney, a novice on the international scene for some, with many questions about his political sense and endurance, faced the strong man in the making of the United States.
Would he be treated as the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who was reprimanded and expelled unremary of the White House? Would he behave like the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who, according to some, hastened to crawl to appease the unpredictable president?
Or would the Canadian Prime Minister simply submerged by the moment and would he accept all the incessant requirements of Trump’s submission?
With a foolproof determination and a heart that seemed to beat at full speed, the Canadian Prime Minister was held on behalf of his nation. Far from being simple hollow speeches or a jargon devoid of meaning, the campaign message that propelled him towards victory was more than a simple persuasive speech, it was an action plan. He not only embodied what the Canadians expected from their leader, but also the determination and convictions of an entire nation, summarized and released by their Prime Minister in the face of an existential threat.
Customs duties, trade agreements, national security and many other questions are on the table while two former great allies are looking for a new way to move forward. It is certain that their relationships have changed forever. During his high -risk meeting with Carney, Trump clearly indicated that the primordial objective was “friendship”.
There is no doubt that the definition of Trump of this word is malleable and changes often, especially when all the advantages are favorable to it. Give and receive. Trump gives nothing and takes everything. A friendship with a macabre touch. Carney’s surprising decision to meet Trump in Washington, shortly after his monumental victory, had to surprise many Canadians. Voters may have wondered if they had been dupped by the former banker. Worse, following the announcement of the contraction of the national economy, was he going to offer the country for a bite of bread? Carney has categorically answered these questions and many more.
The country would be the objectless object in the face of the unstoppable force of the United States. The Prime Minister was unfortunately not able to end the devasting trade and customs rights. However, that day and during this meeting, he did not need to do so; It was enough for him to hold on to a relentless economic war machine orchestrated by an autocrat determined to inflict the maximum damage.
Mission accomplished.
