There are increasingly strong reasons to doubt Mark Carney's leadership credentials. Thus, Yaroslav Baran and Balkan Devlen, guests on this week's Hannaford show.Exhibit one is Carney's failure to remove Paul Chiang as the Liberal candidate for Markham-Unionville, after Chiang had told a Chinese-Canadian community meeting that people should turn over his Conservative opponent to the Chinese secret police in Toronto. The obvious course for a party leader was to remove a problem candidate, as Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has done four times during this campaign. Carney, however, defended Chiang. Chiang later withdrew from the race.However, says Baran, Carney lost three days campaigning, while the press ignored his announcements and focussed instead on his handling of the Chiang affair. "It shows Carney has an inability to make tough choices," according to fellow guest Balkan Devlen. .HANNAFORD: Mr. Carney, whom do you serve? .This apparent weakness will matter when it comes to guiding Canada through the present trade crisis. For example, if things stayed sour with the U.S., would Carney turn to China, with which he seems to have a good understanding?Devlen: "That would be a terrible mistake, if that is the backup plan. If Carney thinks that getting into bed with the Chinese is the answer, that would be like cutting off your nose to spite your face. But my concern is that given his previous dealings, like with Brookfield, yes, he will pivot to China. This would be a case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire I am actually concerned about his ability to make tough choices.".Canada escaped further 'reciprocal' tariffs yesterday, when during his 'Liberation Day' speech US President Trump levied high percentage tariffs on about 90 other countries. However, 25% tariffs imposed weeks ago remain on cars made in Canada and exported to the US, and on Canadian steel and aluminium. Alberta energy remains subject to the 10% 'fentanyl tariff.'Baran: "I suppose you could argue things didn't get any worse yesterday. But that still means more than 60% of Canada's exports to the US are under tariff. That's a pretty bad situation and you're already starting to see layoffs among Ontario auto workers."So is it really over with the US, as Mr. Carney says?"It's like getting bitten by a dog. You get over it," says Baran. "But you never forget it. And we will get over this. But we will never forget it.".The other puzzle twelve days into the election is how believable are the polls showing the Liberals pulling ahead. Carney events are sparsely attended while Pierre Poilievre draws enthusiastic crowds of thousands. Wouldn't you think if Carney was on a roll he'd draw bigger crowds?"Part of the Liberal uptick was a natural rebound after Mr. Trudeau left," says Baran. "Trump's obviously a factor. But when people feel threatened, there's a tendency to look for a protector and that's the government.' But — and it's a big but — the subtexts are still there, inflation and the cost of living. Poilievre owns these issues and these are 'young people issues.'"Young people are freaking out. They're ready to vote."It's too early to bet with the polls.Hannaford airs tonight at 7:00pm.
