Blazingcatfur

Election candidates who have taken positions against the Chinese regime’s human rights infractions and interference operations are finding themselves targets of efforts to rob them of votes, such as smear campaigns, candidates and activists say.

Conservative candidate Kenny Chiu, who is seeking re-election in the B.C. riding of Steveston–Richmond East, says he has been a target of misinformation against him in previous election campaigns, but this year “it has been exceptional.”

“Lock him up.”

No, this wasn’t chanted at a rally of former U.S. president Donald Trump, but by protesters at a campaign event of Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau.

While the words may be the same, experts say the anger expressed at some Liberal rallies is not necessarily directly influenced by events in the U.S., but reflect a simmering resentment that has existed even before Trump.

The outcome of another odd and surprising federal election may depend on whether voters see this exercise as a referendum or a choice.

Speaking to reporters in Kanata, Ont., on Monday, Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole called the election a “choice.” But then he spoke of it as a referendum on the incumbent.

This election, he said, is “about whether or not we want to reward Justin Trudeau for breaking his promise and calling an unnecessary $600 million election in the middle of a pandemic “

Stark choice? Mush tastes the same served in any bowl.