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.
U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian steel in 2025 triggered sharp declines in the domestic industry by 2026. The federal government responded with a $100 million shipping rebate. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre continued to focus attacks on the Liberal government rather than the trade shock. The cartoon argues this stance amounts to a repeated distraction from the core economic damage.
A horse wearing a Canadian flag blanket rears and kicks at the Calgary Stampede as a top-hatted figure extends sugar cubes from a bag marked $UGAR. A Mountie in cowboy attire stands nearby holding a bitten red apple and frowning. The cartoon, dated July 13 2026, depicts Canada turning away from the sweetener offer in favor of the fruit. The visual plays on the annual Stampede event and ongoing economic negotiations between Canada and its southern neighbor. The horse's bandaged hindquarters and the spilled sugar emphasize the abrupt refusal.
John Darkow's cartoon captures the Artemis II crew gazing through their spacecraft window at the far side of the moon, where craters frame an unexpected sight: the Midvale School for the Gifted from Gary Larson's The Far Side, complete with a striped-shirted figure fumbling at a 'pull' door on stairs. Tagged with artemis ii, moon flyby, far side, gary larson, nasa, space, and science, the image blends real space exploration with absurd humor. One crew member exclaims excitement, labeled with Artemis II Crew and NASA markings. This satire highlights the blend of high-stakes missions and pop culture whimsy, poking fun at what astronauts might hope to find beyond the visible lunar surface. The dry wit underscores how science fiction tropes collide with actual programs like Artemis II.
