Rolling Stone says the ideal American president right now would be a Canadian — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
For 50 years, Rolling Stone has produced dozens of iconic covers. This month features the entertainment and music magazine asking why President Trump and a nation filled with political rivals are no match for Canada’s 45-year-old prime minister.
“Why can’t he be our President?” the magazine asks with its August 2017 issue, which features Mr. Trudeau casually leaning back against a desk while staring into the camera.
“Justin Trudeau is trying to Make Canada Great Again. He is using, let us say, different methods,” writer Stephen Rodrick said for a piece published online Wednesday. “Trudeau reminds me of, well, Obama as he smiles and listens patiently to me droning on about my Canadian wife as if it is actually interesting. For Trudeau, listening is seducing. But as soon as I start asking questions, he snaps into place, admiringly forthcoming on his life journey and frustratingly on message when it comes to political answers. As we chat, he smiles and locks in with his blue eyes, but Trudeau, whose mother’s side is of Scottish descent, swats away all Trump-baiting questions with a look that says, ’Not today, laddie.’”
The interview, titled “Justin Trudeau: The North Star,” touted the prime minister for his diverse Cabinet, his support for socialized health care, his environmental record and foreign policy.
“Trump is defunding Planned Parenthood. Trudeau is firmly pro-choice; abortions are provided as part of Canada’s universal health care. (We know Trump’s position on that issue.) Meanwhile, Attorney General Jeff Sessions is trying to roll back America’s weed laws to ’Reefer Madness’ days,” the author added.
MSNBC’s Chris Hayes was among many social media followers who questioned the magazine’s editorial decision regarding the cover.
“This is unseemly, [in my honest opinion],” the liberal Mr. Hayes wrote.
“He *could* be your president, @RollingStone. Move to Canada,” added Twitter user Jeryl Bier.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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