Trudeau’s biggest applause line: ‘Elbows up’
Two months ago, you could have made a decent case for not having Trudeau speak at this event, such was the Liberals’ — and his own — unpopularity.
It’s a reflection of how much Trump’s threats have changed the political landscape that Trudeau gave a speech to an adoring, cheering crowd here.
The line that got the biggest reaction was when he said Canada can fight when we need to, and added “elbows up,” the Gordie Howe quote that has taken on new meaning to defend the country.
Amazing what two months (and a trade war and annexation threats) can do.
Trudeau’s speech largely looked forward, but he did throw in a reminder that the party was in distant third in 2013 when he took over as leader.
“It’s when you try to count us out that we Liberals show our true mettle.”
He also shouted out two people in particular: Adam Scotti (his longtime photographer) and Katie Telford (his longtime chief of staff). Both have been with him for more than a decade.
