The Iranian Quagmire

In Episode 80, Frank jumps right into the tariff fray with a review of the recent 50% tariffs imposed by the United States on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, suggesting that the maneuver is in part designed to eliminate any Canadian leverage in advance of CUSMA negotiations. He urges calm from Canadian leaders and no rhetoric. Frank disagrees with the decision by Carney's government to provide concessions to the US to get the Windsor-to-Detroit Gordie Howe Bridge opened as it might provide leverage to Republicans running for office in Michigan and directly impact control of the Senate and future relations between the two countries. However, he understands that the Canadian Government needed to consider the bigger picture relationship and upcoming negotiations in weighing the pros and cons of giving in to US demands. He admits to being stunned by the recent flattering coverage of Mark Carney in the Wall Street Journal.  The Rupert Murdoch owned Journal's two-part detailed analysis of Carney's role in dictating the rest of the world's approach to the US likely left the US Administration seething and leads Frank to conclude that the Wall Street Journal supports Republicans, not Trump. Frank finishes up with thoughts on the US quagmire in Iran, suggesting one of two outcomes is now possible: a deal that does not result in US objectives or an expansion of hostilities that will result in loss of more US soldiers. This podcast was recorded on July 21, 2026 Chapter Headings 00:35 - Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Canada 09:34 - Did Canada Compromise on the Gordie Howe Bridge? 15:39 - Elbridge Colby's Defense of US-Global Relations rings Hollow 19:30 - Takeaways from Frank's East Coast Summit 22:22 - Does Graham Plattner's Resignation Help or Hurt Democrats in Maine? 29:29 - Wall Street Journal Profile on Carney Leaves Frank Gobsmacked 32:00 - Why Iran is a Quagmire?