As some of the world’s biggest liberal leaders are on their way off the global stage, one of politics’ newest leftists pounced on Fidel Castro’s corpse to tout his liberal bonafides.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a glowing eulogy after Castro, 90, passed away Friday. Trudeau referred to the tyrant responsible for thousands of deaths over his 47-year reign as a “life leader” and “remarkable.” His praise for the Cuban strongman was markedly bolder than President Barack Obama’s more neutral tone. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, described as one of liberalism’s last defenders, hasn’t publically said anything at all.
Trudeau’s first push for the crown came when he hosted Global Progress 2016 in September. Global Progress, organized with the liberal Center for American Progress, “shares ideas, resources and talent in the pursuit of a more socially and economically progressive international community.” Its “Featured Participants” section includes a list of liberal juggernauts, such as Planned Parenthood’s Cecile Richards, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Obama has already tipped his hat to Trudeau as a potential replacement. In a March 10, 2016, joint press conference, Obama lauded Trudeau’s leftist policies and ideals.
“We’ve got a common outlook on what our nations can achieve together. He campaigned on a message of hope and of change,” Obama said. “His country is leading on climate change and he cares deeply about development. So, from my perspective, what’s not to like?”
Castro’s death was an opportunity for the newcomer to strengthen his position in the left’s future.
Obama’s two-term presidency is almost over, Sen. Harry Reid is retiring, Merkel is in bad shape as she runs for a fourth term, Britain rejected the European Union and the right-wing is on the rise in France. Even U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi could be on her way out. She’s 76, and being challenged for Democratic House leadership after Hillary Clinton’s presidential loss to Donald Trump that gave all three branches of government to Republicans.
Trudeau’s statement praises Castro’s “efforts” in Cuba’s education and health care — both of which are often used by the left as success stories for liberal policies.
Fidel Castro was a larger than life leader who served his people for almost half a century. A legendary revolutionary and orator, Mr. Castro made significant improvements to the education and healthcare of his island nation.
Unfortunately, Cuban healthcare is anything but a success, and the Cubans that are educated tend to flee the country.
While a controversial figure, both Mr. Castro’s supporters and detractors recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for “el Comandante.”
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On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and many, many supporters of Mr. Castro. We join the people of Cuba today in mourning the loss of this remarkable leader.
Castro dissidents experienced his love by being thrown in jail, exiled or killed. Members of Ladies in White, a movement of Cuban women who wear white on Sundays and march the streets in protest of jailed loved ones, were arrested by Cuban authorities before Obama’s historic March visit.
Cuban-Americans showed their “deep and lasting affection” for Castro by dancing in the street the night he died.
Trudeau is handsome and espouses the same youthful call for change Obama made. The Obama aspirant, 44, lines up in age with when Obama became president at 47. For the average person, he’s easy to like. An October poll showed 64 percent of Canadians approve of the job his government is doing. Fifty-eight percent said Trudeau has met or exceeded their expectations.
Trudeau’s words don’t resonate politically with the left, center or right, because they aren’t meant to. He is talking to the hard left in his praise for Castro’s ideology and legacy. At a time when the world’s Western powers are rejecting leftist policies like mass immigration, globalism and environmentalism, Trudeau is making a move to solidify his place as one of the global left’s leaders.
As he said in his press conference with Obama: “Overall, the president and I agree on many things, including, of paramount importance, the direction we want to take our countries in to ensure a clean and prosperous future.”