There is the observation in local U.S. markets near the Canadian border that their local weather maps don't acknowledge their neighbouring country.
U.S. news also mostly ignores that Canada exists. The limited coverage of the trade negotiations was pathetic on trade in general but amazingly so with how Canada was involved.
Having Justin Trudeau as the prime minister hasn't really swayed that coverage more than say Stephen Harper or John Turner. The Chuck Todd interview on Meet the Press came on the heels of the virtual meeting with Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden.
Trudeau noted that his government and the new U.S. administration were more closely aligned on COVID-19 reaction and climate change. Todd asked about the Keystone XL pipeline. Trudeau gave the balanced answer of fighting for the pipeline and the climate change efforts with his government.
Todd asked Trudeau about the border closure on behalf of his friends in Buffalo and Detroit. We don't know if Todd has friends in those places; that was a nice approach. Trudeau said a number of factors will be considered. Trudeau should have pointed out the lost revenue of trade between the countries, especially at those border points, but wanted to emphasize the science in dealing with COVID-19. Besides, both countries have to agree to open the border. Our instinct is that the U.S., even under Biden, will be the ones to push to open before Canada is ready.
CBC News reported that the interview also contained questions about Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor as well as the relationship with Saudi Arabia. U.S. journalism has hardly touched the Meng Wanzhou story. Those questions and answers did not get into the broadcast on NBC.
Justin Trudeau singled out as part of a broader conversation about world leadership
Brian Williams exemplifies why Canada doesn't get covered well by MSM
CanadianCrossing.com journalism coverage
Those who follow the Canada-U.S. relationship didn't learn anything new from the approximately 8 minute interview. "Americans" who casually follow Canada got a glimpse into the Canada-U.S. relationship, however brief.
The Justin Trudeau relationship with Barack Obama had a lot of visuals: White House official visit; Barack Obama in Ottawa; Three Amigos gatherings. U.S. journalism is rather lazy in that they respond to flashy events, such as the virtual visit between Trudeau and Biden. The Canada-U.S. story is always relevant even if invisible for most of U.S. journalism.
Imagine a scenario where a journalist who knew a lot about Canada could interview the prime minister and ask more insightful questions. Hmmmm.
Meet the Press airs on NBC Sunday mornings with a same day rebroadcast on MSNBC.
video and photo credit: Meet the Press/NBC News
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