Crystal ball (2)

After my blog on the 12th, wondering whether the ‘left’ could be resurgent, two results have come in which support the proposition. There has to be a caveat entered here of course, which is to say that how one defines the ‘left’ is very loose. If the left in the US means the Democratic Party many familiar with European-style left politics would poo-poo the idea. Anyway, the Governor of California, Democrat Gavin Newsom handsomely saw off a Republican attempt to depose him in a recall vote. I will chance my arm and say that it’s probably a bit better to have a Democrat than a Republican, not least when US Republicans are leaning further into the waters of neo-fascism. Then another result: Norway’s ‘left wing opposition’ has toppled a conservative government of eight years’ standing. Since I know nothing of Norwegian politics I have no idea what drove this result or indeed whether it is particularly good or bad. But Prime Minister Trudeau may be taking some comfort that the tide is washing his way. Canada’s election is tomorrow.