FELDSTED - Trudeau and Trump do not have to like one another, but must maintain a level of decorum and respect
Apparently, Prime Minister Trudeau cannot help allowing his inner child
to rule his behaviour. There is no excuse for Trudeau to mock Trump in public.
There are no “unguarded moments” at an international venue.
Everyone present is “on stage” from arrival to departure. Hordes of
media and private journalists armed with high quality video and sound equipment
record every move.
Trudeau was not caught. He was exhibiting the same childish behaviour
that he did during his excursion to India, trying to dress and dance like the
native he is not. His hosts were insulted.
Trudeau fails to realize that if there was a “jaw dropping”
announcement or pronouncement during the press interview, Trump’s political
enemies will jump on it.
It is important to avoid the perception of appearing
as one of those political enemies when dealing with a neighbour, important
trading partner, and defence ally.
Justin Trudeau
attempting to clarify comments made,
and caught, on video, during London NATO meetings |
Trudeau and Trump do not have to like one another, but must maintain a level of decorum and respect that allows them to work together for the mutual benefit of both nations. Trudeau broke protocol, and aroused Trump’s ire, with nothing positive achieved.
International politics is measured in points and is like money; one can
create a political deficit that reflects badly in future dealings. Trudeau is
well on the road to rendering Canada inconsequential in international dealings.
John Feldsted
Political Commentator, Consultant & Strategist
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Political Commentator, Consultant & Strategist
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Almost not reported is that when Trump asked Trudeau, What is Canada's, "number?" for NATO spending. Trudeau stated that defence spending was "up by 70%" and that the Liberals were making new investments after years of cuts by previous governments. A 70% increase in defence spending is 100% pure balderdash and he know it. Then when Trump asked again, What is Canada's NATO spending number?, Trudeau again inflated the number and stated 1.4%. Are we to believe that the Prime Minister of Canada actually believes that his government has increased defence spending by 70% and that we contribute 1.4% to NATO. Trump is right Canada is capable of meeting the 2% commitment even if that is planned over time. Lying on the international stage is not the image Canadians want from their Prime Minister.
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