The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Good Talk -- Has Trump Lost It? Is It Advantage Canada?
Feb 16, 2026
Discussion on whether Donald Trump is losing political support and how that could affect Canada. Debate about Trump’s messaging, polls, and potential midterm consequences. Examination of reports linking Alberta separatists to U.S. staffers and how credible those ties seem. Consideration of policy shifts that might harm Canadian industries and national unity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Congress Pushback Weakens Trump's Trade Grip
- Bruce Anderson sees this as potentially the worst week for Trump in maintaining support, noting congressional pushback on tariffs and the Gordie Howe Bridge comments.
- He argues these defeats show a growing Republican willingness to oppose Trump's trade actions and rhetoric about Canada.
Cascade Of Crises Deepens Political Fractures
- Peter Mansbridge highlights compounding crises: the Gordie Howe Bridge tweet, Epstein document releases, and missteps by allies like Pam Bondi.
- He suggests these cascading issues deepen fractures within the Republican caucus and fuel global mistrust of U.S. reliability.
Electoral Gravity Could Erode Trump Support
- Chantal Hébert argues electoral gravity will make Republican loyalty to Trump harder as midterms approach and polls matter more.
- She says Trump's attacks on Canada have failed because Canada remains highly popular in U.S. polls compared with Trump.