Although one may be skeptical of Pierre Poilievre’s populism, think that he often takes shortcuts and has a tendency to exaggerate more often than not, it is undeniable that his communication strategy is extremely effective. .
If Pierre Poilievre has understood anything, it is that as an opposition, we must not get lost in unimportant details, we must be concise and impactful, even if that means being accused of lacking subtlety or depth. You need to have a clear message, a unique obsession linked to the issues of the moment and an ability to adapt quickly to be constantly present in the news.
The real problems
Inflation, housing, public financial management and car theft are battles that Mr. Poilievre has made his own and for which he promises to fight. These are subjects that affect ordinary people on a daily basis, which concern Canadians from all provinces and from all levels of society. These are concrete and real issues which impose themselves in the news. He doesn’t even need to impose them himself.
This is where common sense comes in…strategic.
And it works! Voting intentions across the country are at their highest, with the exception of Quebec. Canadians do not seem to blame him for his lack of nuance, so necessary in certain more delicate subjects, nor for his excess of partisanship, nor for his untimely and overly aggressive outings. He embodies the popular fed-up that everyone feels and expresses it bluntly, even if it means offending those with whom he will have to deal tomorrow.
There was a time when Canadians didn’t like this kind of politics, didn’t like “angry” and pessimistic politicians. It seems that things have changed!
A curious but profitable discretion
What is interesting in Poilievre’s case is not so much the subjects on which he loses his temper, rather the subjects on which he is more discreet. He understood that no one votes based on Canada’s diplomatic strategy, so he does not seek to define himself in this area. He doesn’t talk much about defence, relations with Aboriginal people, industrial development, relations with the provinces or other subjects far removed from the daily life of the average voter.
He doesn’t get bogged down in jurisdictional disputes at this point and expresses what the people want to hear: that their frustration is legitimate, that it is shared and that there is someone to express it on their behalf .
This may be a simple, even simplistic strategy, but it is incredibly effective when in opposition. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to put on the mantle of head of state and demonstrate more rigor and a sense of responsibility if he is at the head of Canada.