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Canadian strategists who've been around the block giving an informed outsider's perspective of American elections, political discourse and approach to governing.
Stephen Carter does campaign strategy. Corey Hogan does communications strategy. Zain Velji sometimes remembers how to buckle his pants. Described as "sports talk radio for politics" by Facebook's recommendation algorithm, the three hosts dissect the news of the day, pass judgment and lift back the curtain on how decisions are made.
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The Strategists
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Episode 908: Capers, raisins and vinegar
1:16:48
1:16:48
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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the possibility of an upcoming federal election, Joe Biden dropping the hammer on the Keystone XL pipeline and get tortured by Zain in the infamous Strategy Session. Will the Liberals pay a price for going to the polls early? Can Erin O'Toole successfully define himself as a moderate? And how deep will Jaso…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan talk insurrection, inauguration, prognostication. There's a lot to cover when you take a month off. But first, the headlines...
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Episode 907: The Attempted Coup of December 37, 2020
1:17:21
1:17:21
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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the strategic fallout of the US Senate race and Trump insurrection before returning to Canada with the crowd favourite "Fine, Fabulous or F--ked?". Will the Trump movement survive the inauguration? Will Canadians be vaccinated by the fall? And when has Carter ever passed on giving advice before? Zain Velji,…
Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter build on - and rapidly revise in real time - takes from Episode 906. Did Jason Kenney pay a high enough price in firing a minister and his chief of staff? Will this raise or lower expectations for action across the country? And can we expect Episode 906¾ tomorrow? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps e…
Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the vacations - both literal and from their senses - that politicians across Canada took during these times of Covid-19. Did Doug Ford set an impossibly high standard of action? How badly does this hurt Jason Kenney's government? And most importantly, what are the gang's New Year's resolutions? Zain Velji, …
Put on your best turtleneck, sit on your most bear skin rug and listen to some cool jazz with The Strategists, as they unpack the year that was. Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter grade performances, make appeals to Santa and write political obituaries in this regular-length special. The listening audience, as always, picks the questions while Zain Vel…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan talk about Donald Trump's falling out with his Attorney General, Georgia's national-but-not-at-all-national Senate race and vaccine politics, all under the backdrop of Pete Buttigieg being 14 heartbeats away from the Presidency. But first, the headlines...
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Episode 834: How to get a COVID head in advertising
1:18:32
1:18:32
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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter unpack government COVID advertising, future federal carbon tax hikes and the Georgia special elections. Does the gang love Alberta's "Covid Loves"? Can Trudeau sell $170/tonne? And most importantly, what is so bad that it has to be censored on THIS podcast? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybod…
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Episode 833: Getting Out The Vaccine
1:08:58
1:08:58
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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter rate coast-to-coast COVID-19 strategies and then dive deep on government strategy for vaccine distribution. How does government convince the vaccine hesitant to roll up their sleeve? What did we think of Pallister's "cancelling Christmas"? And why, exactly, does Corey want to privatize misery? Zain Velji, as always, p…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan talk about Trump floating pardons for family and friends, ongoing assaults on the integrity of the vote and how the Democrats should react to all of the above. The word hypocrisy is also used. But first, the headlines...
Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about one wild week in Alberta: Canada's Covid-19 heartland. Did Alberta's Covid-19 restrictions go far enough? Was Jason Kenney's lecture on South Asian radio wise? And did Corey get ratioed for his take on public sector leaks or not? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.…
In this very special American Thanksgiving episode, Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan talk about the strange death of Trump's campaign and political post-mortems. The gang also checks in on each other's religious preferences. But first, the headlines...
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Episode 831: One if by lockdown, two if by herd immunity
1:09:40
1:09:40
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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the surge of Covid-19 cases and silence in times of crisis. Why do politicians sometimes avoid the spotlight in a crisis? How do you condition the public for a major announcement? Can the federal government be doing more? And - most importantly - was VanVleet really worth $85m for four years? Zain Velji, as…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan talk about the Trump legal strategy, how Biden should react and Barack Obama's new book. Stephen Carter also spends the hour trying to relearn how to use metaphors. But first, the headlines...
Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about how the federal government and provinces are responding to spikes in Covid-19 numbers and rate recent political (and "apolitical") developments in Alberta. Is the federal government doing everything it can? Will the Alberta Auditor General's report hurt the UCP government? And are three guys who gave themse…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan talk about whether there is any strategy to Trump refusing to concede, how Joe Biden should play the next two months and Democratic infighting. Meanwhile, Zain refuses to laugh at Stephen Carter's "jokes". But first, the headlines...
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Episode 829: Barbaric voting practices hotline
1:24:24
1:24:24
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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about Trump's newly lame-duck presidency, the Biden transition and the short-lived Whole Foods poppy ban. Will Trump strip the copper out of the walls of the White House on his way out? Has Joe Biden been robbed of a proper transition? And how many pieces of flair will the average Whole Foods employee now have to…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan talk about the state of the US Election with the benefit of 48 hours of hindsight, where the parties go from here and how any governing will be possible. Meanwhile, Zain apologies for sleeping in and missing the live You the People election night coverage. But first, the headlines...…
Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the close-out to the US Presidential Election and the Wildcat Strike by health care workers in Alberta this week. Is there a risk of violence on Election Day? Was the Wildcat Strike a communications success or a communications failure? And should Alberta Federation of Labour President Gil McGowan be exposin…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan talk about how campaigns close out and what they'll be looking for on election night. Meanwhile, Zain and Corey desperately try to avoid engaging Carter on the "Biden Family Sex Tape". But first, the headlines...
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Episode 827: Philosopher King MD LLB
1:15:00
1:15:00
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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the preliminary BC election results, the federal election that almost happened and violence against Mi'kmaq lobster fishers in Nova Scotia. What have we learned from the BC election? Are we destined for a federal election? And when will Stephen and Corey finally rebel against Zain's rating systems? Zain Vel…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan give instant reaction to the the final Trump/Biden debate and then run down the events of the week: the Coney Barrett nomination, the Hunter Biden (?) laptop, the return of Barack Obama and much much more. But first, the headlines...
Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about controversies in Stikine in the BC election, political nomination contests and the strategic value of recent moves by Alberta's UCP government and membership. Should Nathan Cullen have apologized? Where do "star candidates" come from? And why is Stephen always so excited for the start of Overrated/Underrate…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan give instant reaction to the duelling Trump and Biden town halls before providing analysis of the Amy Coney Barrett nomination fight and the value of Aaron Sorkin. But first, the headlines...
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Episode 825: The most important people in British Columbia
1:03:23
1:03:23
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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the BC election through the lens of the BC leader's debate and the Saskatchewan election through the lens of Zain recording from a Regina hotel - before the return of the notorious "Fine, Fabulous, or F**ked". Did John Horgan do what he needed to do? Are there cautionary tales to learn from the BC and Saska…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan discuss the Vice Presidential debate, Donald Trump's return to the White House and the importance of the Senate - all while not being distracted with thoughts of that Swiss Chalet dinner they're going to get on Thanksgiving Day. But first, the headlines...
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Episode 824: Election 2020 - A Mark Burnett Production
1:13:59
1:13:59
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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about Donald Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis and the Vice Presidential debate. Can getting COVID-19 work to Trump's advantage? Does this change our thinking about the Supreme Court fight? And has Stephen Carter invented a new type of negative ad? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.…
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You The People: We watched the first US Presidential Debate so you don’t have to
1:01:23
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Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan convene immediately after the conclusion of the first US Presidential Debate to give their instant reactions and analysis.
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SPECIAL: We watched the first US Presidential Debate so you don’t have to
1:01:02
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Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan convene immediately after the conclusion of the first US Presidential Debate to give their instant reactions and analysis.
Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the New York Times coverage of Donald Trump's tax returns, the start of the BC election and the federal throne speech. Does the release of Trump's taxes change the campaign? Will John Horgan be punished for calling a "Seinfeld election"? And what does Corey have against suits from Sears? Zain Velji, as alwa…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan discuss Republican efforts to fill the Supreme Court vacancy, Democratic efforts to stop them and Trump refusing to commit to a peaceful transition of power - while also discussing how hard it is to sound normal in these deeply abnormal times. But first, the headlines...…
Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the death of RBG, get subjected to the infamous political strategy session and then begin a discussion on Alberta's Premier. Will pushing through a Supreme Court nominee backfire on Trump? What is the strategy behind floating cuts to supports for the severely handicapped? And most importantly did Stephen Ca…
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Biden, Trump and the damn kids on their lawn
49:14
49:14
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Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan discuss Donald Trump's town hall appearance, getting out the youth vote and how thirsty the lyrics are in "Despacito". But first, the headlines...
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Episode 821: Paper cut on a gangrene limb
1:12:10
1:12:10
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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss the wrap-up of the WE Charity, how cabinet retreats work and what to expect from the New Brunswick election. What does wrapping up WE say to Canada? Can we expect fireworks from the Liberal cabinet retreat? And how long did Corey and Stephen need to cram to fuel their deep dive into NB politics? Zain Velji, as…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan discuss revelations that Donald Trump downplayed COVID-19 and disparaged the American military. Bob Woodward, The Atlantic and Joe Biden guest star. But first, the headlines...
Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss political trial balloons and give their feedback on political strategy in the return of "Fine, Fabulous or F*ckd". When and why do governments use trial balloons? How should oppositions respond to them? And has there ever been a better metaphor than a bunch of MAGA boats at the bottom of a lake? Zain Velji, as…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan discuss Trump and Biden's trips to Kenosha, the risk that we won't know the results on Election Day and the utility of waving your penis at traffic. But first, the headlines...
Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss Alberta's budget and the impending federal speech from the throne. How should the UCP manage Alberta's biggest ever deficit? Should the Alberta NDP be making the province's finances an issue? And now that we have Zain's birthday, can somebody give us the elementary school he went to and mother's maiden name? Z…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan convene right after Donald Trump's speech to discuss the Republican National Convention, how narratives are shaping up and the flagrant merging of party and state. Recorded live at the YTP Waldorf Compound. But first, the headlines...
Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss the election of Erin O'Toole as leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Did the delayed results give the CPC a black eye? What does Erin O'Toole do now? And did anybody watch O'Toole's speech? Because we absolutely did not and we're hoping it doesn't negate anything we said here. Zain Velji, as always, pic…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan convene right after Joe Biden's speech to discuss the Democratic National Convention, Democrats' next steps and the Republican response. Meanwhile, Stephen tries his best to stay awake despite his advanced age. But first, the headlines...
EMERGENCY PODCAST: Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss the resignation of Finance Minister Bill Morneau. Did Morneau successfully manage the optics? What should the Prime Minister do to change the channel? And why doesn't Stephen Carter predict world peace will never happen? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line.…
Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss whether Mark Carney will be jumping into Canadian politics and what's going on in Alberta education before being subjected to the return of the dreaded "strategy session" segment. Does Carney have his eyes on the Prime Ministership? Is Alberta's UCP government trying to bite off too much? And who's care are we…
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan discuss Biden choosing Kamala Harris to be his VP pick, the Trump response and the Democratic National Convention, all while Stephen takes on his greatest challenge ever: properly pronouncing a human being's name. But first, the headlines...
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan discuss Biden choosing Kamala Harris to be his VP pick, the Trump response and the Democratic National Convention, all while Stephen takes on his greatest challenge ever: properly pronouncing a human being's name. But first, the headlines...
Zain Velji, Stephen Carter and Corey Hogan talk about the latest developments in American politics.
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Episode 815: The Reverse Chicken Little
1:10:17
1:10:17
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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss Governor General Julie Payette, Chief of Staff Katie Telford's ethics and the politics of being a public health officer. How should the Trudeau government react to the GG's spending and staff management? Have the Conservatives completely overplayed their hand with Telford? And how many quotes from the movie "D…
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Episode 814: All the Finance Committee's a stage
1:04:42
1:04:42
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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss the Kielburger, Trudeau and Telford appearances at the Finance Committee before being subjected to the return of "Bold, Brilliant or Boneheaded". Did Trudeau do what he needs to do? Can Joe Biden just hide in his bunker for the next ninety days? And how many podcasts is The Strategists at war with, exactly? Za…
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Episode 813: My friend from politics
1:13:18
1:13:18
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Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss the Conservative party leadership race, the Trump campaign and the Liberal response to the WE bit of trouble the Liberals find themselves in. What happens when the Conservative leadership finally concludes? How does the Trump campaign turn it around in the last 100 days? And why is Corey answering the scale qu…
Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter discuss updates to the WE Charity situation before diving deep into the issue of grassroots advocacy. Is Trudeau better off this week than last week? What kind of pressure on a government actually makes a difference? And did you know Kanye is running for President? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps …
