“You must be kidding.” That was one of the many emails I received in response to a column I published in Policy Options in 2021 titled ”Justin Trudeau: The Mature Brand.” It argued that the man once accused of being ”just not ready” in a barrage of attack ads by the Stephen Harper-led Conservatives had transformed into a seasoned, mature figure.
At nearly 50, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had just navigated the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic. But I warned that while Trudeau starts from a position of strength, the unpredictable nature of the pandemic could affect voter loyalty. I wrote that “strong brands provide certainty, ease, and empathy, qualities Trudeau must embody to win the next election. Nonetheless, voter fatigue and a desire for straightforward solutions may challenge his campaign’s effectiveness.” He won another minority in October 2021. But the voter fatigue I warned of has grown into irritation. Many, including the person who wrote me that email, are now convinced Trudeau wasn’t ready to be Prime Minister. And still isn’t.
Blackie’s Star is getting more desperate by the day.
