By Hubie and Bertie
On the eve of the 2021 Canadian election, let's take a trip into the past.
Specifically, the fabulous White House state dinner that the Obamas threw for Justin and Sophie Trudeau in March of 2016. We knew the 44th President was on his way out — but we had great Hillary Hopes for the future, and had no idea of the nightmare that awaited. Still, we look back on that dinner fondly.
We're also thinking even farther back. Especially after we saw a conversation on Twitter about how Trumpy Canadian men find Justin Trudeau enraging. Said one, "There is something about Justin Trudeau that infuriates weak men, and men who seem unsettled in their masculinity. It is a psychosexual thing, a fury of envy. It is especially strong among men who don't have what it takes to partner with beautiful, strong women."
What a blast from the past. Pierre Trudeau, a longtime Canadian Prime Minister whose attractiveness was based (we think) in intelligence, inspired the same outrage. But his contemporaries — if they were men of sharp intellect who were secure in long-term relationships with strong women — thought Pierre was the bee's knees.
As Jimmy Carter, husband of Rosalynn, has written: "There are multiple entries in my personal White House diaries that refer to Pierre Trudeau, almost every one ending with 'I like him very much,' or words to that effect. My first visit with him was in January 1977, when I had been in office only a few days. It was a state visit, and his beautiful young wife, Margaret, came with him.
"The subsequent big news story in The Washington Post the following day was that she had worn a very short skirt to a formal banquet. I agreed with Rosalynn and Pierre that it was very attractive. To ease any mutual discomfort, he and I agreed that we would approve of Margaret's dress if the Canadians would approve our daughter Amy reading a book during the Prime Minister's official toast at the banquet."
Canada, you have a tremendous and accomplished family representing you to the world. We hope you keep them. We cats PURR.
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