Bill Maher Grills Chrystia Freeland on Liberal Policies, "Wokeness," and Trudeau’s Legacy
Bill Maher, the often-provocative host of HBO’s "Real Time," recently engaged in a spirited discussion with Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s former Deputy Prime Minister, about the direction of Canadian politics and the legacy of outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The interview, which aired on Maher’s show, focused on Freeland’s vision for the country, particularly her potential bid for the prime ministership, and her views on the liberal policies that have, according to Maher, alienated a significant portion of the Canadian population.
Maher didn’t mince words, directly challenging Freeland on the "woke" policies associated with Trudeau’s leadership. He suggested that these policies, similar to what he perceives as a shift to the far-left in American politics, have backfired and alienated voters. He questioned whether Freeland, should she become the next leader, would distance herself from these policies.
"This just pisses people off, and it looks like – as in America – they still haven’t got the memo that this s*** don’t work," Maher bluntly stated.
The conversation began with Maher inquiring about Freeland’s past support for Trudeau. He highlighted the decline in Trudeau’s popularity, fueled by concerns surrounding inflation and immigration, and questioned why Freeland, a former key member of his cabinet, had seemingly "turned on him."
"So, Justin Trudeau, who’s on his way out, used to be very popular. I mean, he still has his fans – three – and they may be asking, why did you turn on him? Because, you know, you were part of his government. What was it? And also, what would you do differently?" Maher asked.
Freeland acknowledged that Trudeau had perhaps overstayed his welcome, suggesting he had reached his "sell-by date." However, she also emphasized a more fundamental shift in the Liberal Party’s approach, arguing that Trudeau had strayed from the "old-school liberal" values that she believes are essential for electoral success in Canada.
"But I think the other thing that happened is, my party – we’re actually called the Liberal Party and I am an old-school liberal, and liberals in Canada win when we are focused on people and on what they need in their lives," Freeland explained. "And we lose when people think that we’re focused on virtue signaling and identity politics."
This emphasis on "old-school liberal" values resonated with Maher, who sees a parallel between the perceived shift toward "wokeness" in Canada and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party in the United States. He argued that the embrace of certain progressive causes had alienated moderate voters and contributed to electoral setbacks.
Maher specifically criticized Trudeau for adopting an "elitist" and "overbearing" persona, pushing policies that he believed were out of touch with the concerns of ordinary Canadians.
"Why did he go and become one of those elitist type of scolds who looked like he was just overbearing, that sort of left-wing overbearingness?" Maher questioned.
To illustrate his point, Maher cited a recent policy implemented in Ottawa, the Canadian capital, that restricts the amount of time drivers can idle their vehicles. He highlighted the potential inconvenience this could cause, particularly during the harsh Canadian winters.
"I saw recently – I think it was last week – Ottawa, I see, is trying to pass a law limiting the amount of time you can idle your car. Now, I’ve been in Canada in the winter. It’s pretty f—— cold out there," Maher noted.
He pointed out that the Ottawa regulations, which went into effect on January 1, regulate idling on both public and private property as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Maher, however, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such measures in addressing global warming.
"The reasoning is it’s going to put a dent in global warming – I don’t think it is," Maher continued. "That you can only idle your car for a minute, I think remotely, and three minutes if you’re in it before you can get going – to warm it up."
In response to Maher’s criticisms, Freeland assured him that she had "received the memo" and understood the concerns being raised. She emphasized the importance of politicians listening to the needs and concerns of the people they represent.
"Politicians win when they listen to people sincerely and hear what people are saying to them about their lives," Freeland said. "And politicians lose when we think we are smarter than the people we work for – and when we think that our job is to lecture people."
Freeland’s comments suggest a potential shift away from the perceived "virtue signaling" and "identity politics" that Maher criticized, and a return to a more pragmatic and people-focused approach. Whether she can successfully navigate the complex political landscape and appeal to a broad range of voters remains to be seen.
The interview highlights the ongoing debate about the direction of liberal politics in both Canada and the United States. As Trudeau prepares to step down, the Liberal Party of Canada faces a crucial decision about its future leadership and policy platform. The success of the next leader will depend, in part, on their ability to address the concerns raised by Maher and others who believe that the party has lost touch with the needs of ordinary Canadians.
The exchange also underscores the growing divide in Western societies between those who embrace progressive social and environmental policies and those who feel alienated by what they perceive as an overemphasis on "wokeness." This divide is likely to continue to shape political discourse and electoral outcomes in the years to come.
