The cartoon by Graeme MacKay contrasts Theodore Roosevelt's famous speak softly and carry a big stick approach with Donald Trump's version of yelling loudly and spinning a stick covered in tariffs. In the lower panel Trump appears dizzy from the motion as a Canadian hand offers toilet tissue labeled tariff-free wipes. The image comments on recent US tariff actions and their impact on Canadian trade relations as of the September 2026 publication date.
Former Hawks head Lt Gen Godfrey Lebeya publicly questioned the Big Five label applied to him and his unit. The designation refers to the focus on five priority crime areas under South African anti-corruption efforts. The exchange highlights tensions over how the Hawks prioritize cases involving senior officials and organized crime. The cartoon frames Lebeya's denial as an attempt to distance himself from the label's implications for accountability.
High gasoline prices continue to strain household budgets as drivers face elevated costs at the pump. The cartoon depicts a gas station using a sarcastic promotion that labels every fill-up customer a big spender. This reflects ongoing public frustration with energy costs and their impact on daily commuting and small business operations. The piece takes the position that such prices make routine purchases feel extravagant.
Democratic leaders continue to promote the party as a big tent open to all factions. The DSA's growing role creates visible friction with establishment figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. This dynamic highlights ongoing tensions over the party's direction and messaging ahead of future elections. The piece argues that the big tent claim rings hollow when the socialist wing dominates and dismisses traditional voices.
Prince Harry and family appear in tattered clothing seeking reentry to Britain as King Charles stands with a broom marked welcome near the Houses of Parliament. The scene reflects ongoing tensions over the couple's status after their move to the United States.
Ongoing debates over high prescription drug costs from major pharmaceutical companies continue to draw political attention. Lawmakers and regulators have pushed measures aimed at lowering prices for consumers. The cartoon depicts the challenge of reining in those costs as a high-stakes contest. It takes the position that aggressive action is needed to bring relief despite industry resistance.
The cartoon shows Donald Trump acting as a waiter and presenting a plate topped with a mountain labeled national park land to a seated contractor. A sign reading Big Bend appears overhead. The image responds to ongoing debates over development proposals affecting protected federal lands including Big Bend National Park.
Democratic Party figures have grown concerned that the traditional big tent coalition is contracting as radical leftists consolidate control over the party's direction and messaging. The shift sidelines moderates and narrows the range of acceptable views within the organization. This dynamic raises questions about the party's ability to maintain broad electoral appeal in upcoming cycles. The editorial takes the position that the exclusionary turn is self-defeating and accelerates the party's isolation from mainstream voters.
Liberal leadership candidates have identified a prominent opponent as their primary focus in an ongoing contest. The opponent, labeled Doug, appears as a large and visible figure in the political landscape. This dynamic highlights how one individual can dominate attention during a party’s internal selection process. The piece presents the situation as an opportunity for the candidates to rally around a clear adversary rather than internal divisions.
Donald Trump has repeatedly applied the term nasty to female political figures and journalists including Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris and Kaitlan Collins. The August 2026 cartoon depicts those women welcoming a personified Canada into their group, framing the label as a badge of honor rather than an insult. The piece argues that the president's rhetoric has lost its sting and now unites its targets.
Donald Trump has renewed attacks labeling Democrats as communists amid ongoing debates over election rules and economic interventions. The accusation revives Cold War-era rhetoric in current political discourse. The piece portrays the Trump administration itself as adopting the very state-control measures it condemns.
Elon Musk's public commentary on cryptocurrency markets continues to drive price swings and investor attention in 2026. His recent statements coincide with renewed volatility in Bitcoin trading. The editorial takes a critical view of how such high-profile interventions amplify market instability rather than stabilize it.
The Democratic Party's big tent faces internal pressure over its stance on Israel and ideological extremes as the traditional donkey mascot is shown being expelled. The cartoon highlights tensions between inclusivity claims and rejection of certain viewpoints. It argues the party is narrowing its base by excluding elements tied to both pro-Israel positions and communism.
Border authorities continue to manage large inflows of refugees heading into major cities through various channels. The situation highlights ongoing debates over entry methods and urban capacity. Officials monitor the process closely as numbers rise. The piece argues that current approaches resemble mechanical ejection rather than orderly integration.
Republicans continue to rely on the big lie narrative to motivate voters ahead of the 2026 elections. The approach draws internal pushback and highlights deepening partisan rhetoric. The piece criticizes the tactic as tired and counterproductive.
