Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's shifting approaches to the Pawlowski recording and a no-good, very-bad idea to ban polling in the last two weeks of Ontario elections. Why can't Smith stick to a story? Will Ontario go forward with the recommendation to do away with public opinion polls during the closeout to elections? And when is AFL season over? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.

Episode 1048: The only poll that counts is the one two weeks before Election Day

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter present duelling strategies for the upcoming Alberta election in this episode recorded live in Calgary, with Carter creating a strategy for the NDP and Hogan a strategy for the UCP, before turning to their thoughts on the election overall. Does Corey have the Powerpoint chops to bring home the W? Will hilarity ensue? And will Stephen pour water all over himself before or after the intermission? Annalise Klingbeil hosts and SPECIAL GUEST Zain Velji acts as the voice of the audience.

Episode 1047: UCP vs NDP (LIVE)

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter divide the world of political strategy into three "thrusts" - issues, processes and outrages - and look at the federal budget, the western backlash against TikTok, and more. Does "process" always trump "issue"? Does Jagmeet Singh think Justin Trudeau is a good prime minister? And when are we ever getting to the bottom of Carter's FYP? Zain Velji and Annalise Klingbeil, as always, aren't here. We hope they're out selling tickets to the live show.

Episode 1045: Issue issues

It's the "Strategy Scale!" Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about what kind of week it was for Trudeau, Poilievre, Singh and David Johnston himself - and how they could have turned their generally middling strategy scores into 10s. Did Trudeau misinterpret what public reaction would be to his rapporteur appointment? Has Poilievre overswung in his criticisms? And are tickets still available to the April 2 live show at strategistslive.ca? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.

Episode 1043: Johnston

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about China's influence on Canadian elections and growing calls for a public inquiry on the same. Is an inquiry inevitable? Are Trudeau, Poilievre and Singh holding lit matches in a room soaked with gasoline? And did the gang really mention a movie other than Dave (1993)? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. PLUS: tickets to The Strategists' live show in Calgary on April 2, 2023 go on sale. Hilarity ensues.

Episode 1041: Water's edge

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk discuss Alberta's pre-election budget and what it foreshadows about the provincial election. Will the budget land with Albertans? Have the UCP and NDP flipped sides on spending? And how long until Stephen Carter deletes TikTok "in solidarity with the federal government"? Zain Velji, as always, isn't here. But Annalise Klingbeil is, and she's got you covered.

Episode 1039: Budget Games

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter are led through a special Family Day version of "Fine, Fabulous or "F--ked". Did the Rouleau Inquiry give Justin Trudeau everything he needed? Will Legault's stance on asylum seekers finally lead to a federal leader taking a stand against him? And how many bagels can you buy for $40, anyhow? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.

Episode 1037: Sign language to sea lions

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss John Tory's sudden resignation and how politicians approach life-altering/career ending decisions. Why did Tory resign when others might have tried to hold on? How does politician consult with staff on such decisions? And how long until Zain's son replaces Stephen Carter? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.

Episode 1036: John Tory

Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about - among other things - the Liberal climb-downs on MAID and guns, Poilievre's "Canada is broken" narrative and the fine art of political sloganeering. Are the Liberals falling into a messaging trap? Is public money for private sports teams good politics? And does Joe Clark hold Stephen Carter's slogan choices against him? Zain Velji, as always, isn't here. But Annalise Klingbeil is, and she's got you covered.

Episode 1034: Meeting the moment

Professional unprofessional strategists Stephen Carter, Corey Hogan and Zain Velji dissect the news of the day, pass judgment on strategy choices and lift back the curtain on how decisions are made. Described as "the least deliberate podcast of all time", "shockingly insightful" and "sports talk radio for politics". Not sponsored by Flair Airlines.

The Strategists

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