Prime Minister Mark Carney's meeting with Donald Trump

Prime Minister Mark Carney's meeting with Donald Trump is indeed a critical moment for Canada. As you've outlined, it's not about solving the tariff war in one fell swoop, but rather about managing a complex and unpredictable situation with finesse. Carney's experience and diplomatic acumen are indeed assets in such a scenario. However, we must also acknowledge the inherent limitations of the encounter.

Dealing with Donald Trump is not a straightforward affair; his approach to international relations often seems to be governed by impulse and personal vanity rather than rational discourse. The challenge for Carney will be to navigate this minefield without conceding ground on important Canadian interests, while simultaneously avoiding any missteps that could be used against him in the onslaught of political theatre that is likely to follow.

The holding pattern analogy is apt. This is about maintaining altitude, assessing conditions, and preparing for a safe landing. It's about buying time, building understanding, and setting the stage for more substantial talks down the line. It's about keeping the conversation open and the airways clear for when the real negotiation begins.

Canada's relationship with the U.S. is too important to be left to the whims of one man, even one as powerful as the President. Our economic ties are deep and complex, and they require careful stewardship. Carney's role is to represent Canada's interests with clarity and resolve, to keep the focus on the long game, and to ensure that when the time is right, we're ready to make our move.

As for the right-wing outrage machine, it's a beast that feeds on conflict and controversy. It's unlikely to be satiated by a measured and thoughtful approach to diplomacy. But Canadians should not hold their breath waiting for a grand gesture or a Twitter-friendly victory. Real progress in international affairs is usually achieved through a series of small steps, taken with care and consideration.

So let's support Mark Carney in his mission, recognizing that the real work of diplomacy is often invisible, conducted in the quiet corridors of power away from the cameras and the tweets. And let's remember that the true measure of success in this meeting will not be the headlines it generates, but the outcomes it produces for Canadians in the weeks, months, and years ahead.