Parti Quebecois Elected to Minority Government; Coalition de Avenir Quebec Loses All Seats

(Snapshot from CBC coverage of YouTube ofQuebec Premier-elect Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's victory speech)

I have been watching Quebec election results, and the Parti Quebecois has been elected to a minority government. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (a.k.a. PSPP) will become Quebec's new Premier. As of this writing, here the seat and popular vote distributions:

Parti Quebecois                    59    28.1%

Liberals                                40    24.1%

Progressive Conservatives   19    21.3%

Quebec Solidaire                   9     11.9%

The PQ finished 5 seats short of a majority and won less than 30% of the popular vote. While Plamondon might be Quebec's next Premier, he will be on a short leash.

What is most notable is that the governing Coalition de Avenir Quebec (CAQ) lost all of their seats. Originally elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022 with a greater margin with 90 seats under Francois Legeault, he left office earlier this year and was succeeded by Christine Frechette.

The CAQ collapse is reminiscent of the Tories under Kim Campbell in the 1993 Canadian election although voters' anger was directed at Brian Mulroney. However, the Tories did win 2 seats in that election.

Prior to tonight, there have been three instances in Canadian history in which provincial governments have lost all of their seats. Two of those instances took place in 1935 at the height of The Great Depression. In July 1935, voters in Prince Edward Island ousted the Conservative government with the Liberals winning all 30 seats. A month later, Alberta voters ousted every member of the United Farmers of Alberta government with the insurgent Social Credit Party beginning their 36-year dynasty under "Bible" Bill Aberhart. It would be more than 50 years until it happened again when New Brunswick voters tossed the Progressive Conservative government of Richard Hatfield in favor of Frank McKenna's Liberals who won all 58 seats in the 1987 provincial election.

It should be noted the CAQ actually earned more of the popular vote than the far-left Quebec Solidaire with 13.2% of the vote. But that is cold comfort to the CAQ who will not have seats in the Quebec National Assembly. Frechette did not announce her resignation during her concession speech. But it is only a matter of time before she tenders it.

The PQ only won 3 seats in the 2022 Quebec election. Plamondon moved the PQ to the right with his anti-immigration platform. While this boosted the PQ, they were denied an outright majority with their referendum talk even with the pledge not to hold one as long as Donald Trump remains in the White House. Quebec voters might have elected a separatist government, but they do not want to vote to leave Canada.

Quebec Liberals under Charles Milliard more than doubled their seat total from 18 to 40 while the Conservatives under Eric Duhaime won 19 seats marking the first time the Tories have won seats in the Quebec National Assembly since 1935 before Maurice Duplessis rebranded them as the Union Nationale.

Quebec Solidaire lost three seats resulting the loss of party status although you wouldn't know it if you heard Ruba Ghazal's speech this evening. Yet there is speculation that because the PQ has a minority government, it might give Quebec Solidaire party status as it is only other sovereigntist party in the National Assembly. Of course, Plamondon would have to jettison his anti-immigration platform to gain any measure of support. 

While Quebec might have a PQ government, a minority government will likely guarantee another election come 2028. In which case, Plamondon will still want to hold a referendum even with Donald Trump in the White House.

UK Greens Vote to Declare Zionism as Racism & Support Replacing Israel with a Palestinian State

The UK Greens convened in Brighton yesterday and voted to declare Zionism as racism and to replace Israel with the "establishment of a single democratic Palestinian State in all of historic Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital."

I'm sure Hamas chortled at the notion of a democratic Palestinian state as I am sure Mahmoud Abbas, who is currently serving the 21st year of his four-year term as President of the Palestinian Authority.

Nevertheless, I have no doubt Hamas and the Palestinian Authority welcome any measure by a Western political party that delegitimizes Israel as a nation state.

It should be clear there is nothing racist about Zionism. Indeed, Zionism is at its essence the establishment of a Jewish homeland and Jews have ancestral ties to Israel.

But in declaring Zionism as racism (as the UN did half a century ago), the Greens have taken the first step in dismantling Israel and replacing it with a Palestinian state.

Of course, in order to supplant Israel with a single Palestinian state would involve more October 7th attacks.

Simply put, replacing Israel with a single Palestinian state requires the murder of every single Jew living in Israel.

In other words, an actual genocide.

For this is what Free Palestine truly means.

It should be noted that an amendment stating Green Party members who attend "Zionist synagogues" would not be targeted was defeated.

It is also worth noting that Green Party Leader Zack Polanski was notably absent from the proceedings as he is ostensibly campaigning in a by-election in Holborn and St. Pancras to replace former UK PM Keir Starmer who stepped down from the House of Commons after being ousted as Labour Party leader by new PM Andy Burnham this summer.

Still, it is a copout on Polanski's part. The fact that the Green Party leader who is currently running for the House of Commons skipped his own party's convention demonstrates how little control he has over the party. Polanski couldn't have stopped it even if he so desired and all evidence suggests he had no desire to say stop. Why would he? He has openly tolerated anti-Semitism within his party for months now notwithstanding being Jewish himself. 

The inmates are officially running the asylum that the UK Greens have become. They have traded the green of environmentalism for the green of Islamism as represented by Hamas. The UK Greens are now little more than a Hamas front. 

Goodbye to Charlie's Kitchen - For Now

 

If you have spent any amount of time in and around Harvard Square in Cambridge, one of its landmarks is Charlie's Kitchen. 

It is part dive bar, part diner and all around a good place to be. When we were roommates, no trip to Harvard Square was complete without a stop at Charlie's. Indeed, I remember when we attended the Bruins Stanley Cup victory parade in Back Bay 15 years ago, we took a long walk to Harvard Square just to have a bite at Charlie's. I particularly enjoyed their portobello mushroom sandwich although they would discontinue this item. In the absence of the portobello mushroom sandwich, I would settle for a veggie burger or a salmon burger. 

When I moved back to this area more than five years ago, Charlie's was among the things with which I was looking forward to renewing acquaintances. Usually, I would go to Charlie's for a quick bite either before or after taking in a film at the Brattle.

This year marks Charlie's 75th anniversary. Unfortunately, it's not been much of an anniversary. In late January, Charlie's was forced to close due to extensive water damage.

However, I must confess I did not realize this had happened until the Friday of Memorial Day weekend when I went to see Taxi Driver at the Brattle. I ended up grabbing a bite at IHOP. Less than two months later, the IHOP would be shuttered.

A few days ago, it was announced that Charlie's would be selling off everything at a public sale which took place both yesterday and today. I ventured by Charlie's today and bought a chalice with a sticker bearing Charlie's logo for $15.

The sale is intended to help finance the gutting of Charlie's and to rebuild it. Of course, nothing is the same as it ever was before. Yet a Harvard Square without Charlie's is unthinkable. 

When Charlie's might reopen is anyone's guess. But when it does, it will be a good thing. Especially if they bring back the portobello mushroom sandwich.

Democrats Shouldn't Be Overconfident About Retaking The Senate

In one month from today, the 2026 mid-term elections will take place.

It is widely expected that Democrats will regain control of the House of Representatives.

Recently polling would also suggest that Democrats could also retake the Senate.

Democrats need to hold onto the seats they have and win four more to take control of the Senate.

It appears that voters in North Carolina will choose former Governor Roy Cooper as their new Senator with Republicans all but ceding this race.

So, can the Democrats gain three Republican seats? Democrats are banking on former Senator Sherrod Brown in Ohio, James Talarico in Texas, Troy Jackson in Maine, Josh Turek in Iowa, former Congresswoman Mary Peltola in Alaska. Democrats also have visions about winning Senate seats in Kansas and Mississippi along with an independent in Idaho.

Let's say for argument's sake the Democrats win three of those seats - Brown in Ohio, Turek in Iowa and Peltola in Alaska. Along with Cooper, that is 4 seats and it gives the Democrats a majority in the Senate.

Well, not so fast.

Remember, the Democrats still need to hold onto the seats they have, and Republicans have a chance to gain Senate seats in Michigan with Mike Rogers, in Minnesota with Michele Tafoya and in New Hampshire with former Senator John Sununu. 

It is true that Abdul El-Sayed has consistently led Rogers in the polling in Michigan, but generally within the margin of error. That's too close for comfort.

The race in Minnesota should really worry Democrats. Given everything which has gone on in Minnesota with ICE this year, one would think that Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan would win in a cakewalk, but the race is a virtual tie. 

Meanwhile, in New Hampshire, Democratic candidate Chris Pappas, who currently serves in the House of Representatives, has openly said that Democrats don't retake control of the Senate without retaining NH and is concerned the DNC is taking his race against Sununu for granted. Pappas doesn't appear confident about his chances.

If the scenario that I present comes to pass, then Republicans retain the Senate by a margin of 52-48.

But let's say Trump becomes so toxic that Democrats manage to win two more Senate seats making it a 50-50 Senate. In that case, Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman becomes the next Joe Manchin. Fetterman has become virtually persona non grata in his own party for his stalwart support of Israel and his friendliness towards President Trump. Democrats are going to have to make nice with him and forget any futile attempts to try to impeach Trump even if he is guilty as sin. Republicans will move Heaven and Earth to have him join their ranks. 

This outcome will be very dissatisfying for Democrats. But for better or for worse, this is what democracy looks like.

Thoughts on The Inaugural Cambridge Cat Tour & Meowfest: Too Many People, Too Few Cats

 

This afternoon, I attended the inaugural Cambridge Cat Tour & Meowfest.

Those of you who take the time to read my dispatches will know that cats mean a great deal to me. One of the best things about living in Cambridge is occasionally encountering Remy the Harvard Cat although it has been nearly two years since I last gazed upon him. A year ago, less a day, I spent part of a Saturday afternoon at a cat cafe in Boston. 

So, I was delighted to learn that the City of Cambridge was organizing this event. For everything cats give to us, I don't think we give nearly enough back.

The gathering point for the tour was Dana Park which is situated in Cambridgeport. Much to my surprise, leading the parade was Cambridge Mayor Sumbdul Siddiqui.

The plan was to walk around the neighborhood where we would see approximately 15 different cats. This would take approximately 90 minutes. At the conclusion of the procession, we would return to Dana Park for the Meowfest. 

I think the city underestimated the number of people who would be interested. As we returned to Dana Park, I overheard one of the organizers state that they expected maybe 50 people would show up. Now perhaps that is how many people actually registered to walk. My estimate of the crowd would be 200-300 people. 

While it is great that there are people who want to see cats, the problem is there was a paucity of cats. Or should I say pawcity?

Many of the cats were part of the tour viewed us from the safety of a window. Although a few of the cats were comfortable with the large amount of attention, many were freaked out by the site of hundreds of people converging on them. 

Let us remember that cats are not dogs. They do not take orders. You cannot make them do things they do not want to do. Standing in front of a window to see a large mob is a hard no unless there are treats to follow.

Because of the crowds, it would take 5 to 10 minutes even to get a glimpse of a cat. As a result, there were a couple of instances when I would arrive at a destination only for Mayor Siddiqui to ask us to turn around which caused considerable confusion.

Considering we were in a residential neighborhood, not everyone could use the sidewalk. So, many of us had no choice but to walk in the streets. Although Cambridge PD were accommodating this did have the effect of clogging up traffic. We eventually had to pause to either allow traffic to pass or pause to wait for people to catch up. I will say that Mayor Siddiqui and the Cambridge PD were in close communication with each other in real time. So, they were able to adapt on the fly.

I should note that this event was supposed to take place a week ago but was postponed due to the Nor'easter which brought massive rain and heavy winds. After a week worth of clouds, it was nice to get into the sun in comfortable weather and see parts of Cambridge I don't regularly see up to and including its feline population.

All things considered, with the inaugural cat tour under their belt, the city will hopefully plan more effectively for next year's edition and plan with the expectation that more people will attend. Because people do love cats. It is an idea whose time has come.

Next month, there will be a cat tour in Somerville. Unlike this cat tour, the Somerville Cat Tour is sponsored not by the city but by Tandem Vet Care. Somehow, I missed last year's inaugural edition. In any case, I plan to make up for that error of omission. It will be interesting to see its logistics. Hopefully, this cat tour will have more cats.

Zach Bryan Becomes The Latest Useful Idiot

 

Last night, while performing at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, country music star Zach Bryan and his band sported "Free Palestine" t-shirts. Bryan's drummer Nate Head wore a t-shirt bearing the name of Hind Rajab, the 5-year-old girl allegedly killed by the IDF which Israel is currently probing.

It remains to be seen if this was a one-night only gesture as Bryan is scheduled to perform a second concert at Gillette this evening. In which case it could be argued Bryan and his band merely may be objecting to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft's removal Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's U.S. tour for shouting "Free Palestine" during a concert at The Meadowlands earlier this month on free speech grounds. 

But even if Bryan and his band don't don the apparel at other tour stops, the fact remains that when I see someone, anyone, wear a "Free Palestine" t-shirt the message I see is "Kill Jews". When people make the Free Palestine statement, they are not clamoring for Gaza to be freed from Hamas. Wearing a Free Palestine t-shirt once is enough to convince me that you wish my people harm.

In which case, were Macklemore to take his Free Palestine tour to this country, it would not shock me if Zach Bryan were to join his Artists for Anti-Semitism cavalcade. 

Like many who don Free Palestine apparel, I doubt Zach Bryan could find Gaza on a map. But like all demagogic movements, Free Palestine is built on the pillars of hate and ignorance. 

Bryan and his band might be part of the latter pillar. Hell, this might have nothing to do with Macklemore at all. They might just want to be trendy. It could be the case that wearing a Free Palestine t-shirt is current day equivalent of wearing a Che Guevara t-shirt. Yet statements borne out of ignorance have a way of turning actions driven by hatred.

In which case, Zach Bryan has become the latest in a long line of useful idiots. Sadly, this line gets longer with every passing day.

No Sunny Skies for Sonny Gray & The Red Sox

 

(Screenshot of Boston Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray following Game 2 of the 2026 AL Wild Card Series)

There is considerable frustration among the Boston Red Sox and Red Sox Nation follow a sweep in the AL Wild Card by the New York Yankees. 

In my commentary on the series last night, I briefly alluded Red Sox manager Chad Tracy pulling both Game 1 and Game 2 starters Peyton Tolle and Sonny Gray before the end of the fifth inning and the bullpen not rising to the occasion.

It turns out Tracy's decisions, especially in last night's game, proved very unpopular with Red Sox players. Following their elimination, it was clear there were no sunny skies for Sonny Gray:

I think I’m the best pitcher in the American League going through the order the third time. I think that’s a fact. Yeah, I would have liked to live or die with me in that moment but that’s the competitor I am. I think you can probably ask the guys, and they feel the same way. I felt strong, I felt confident, I felt convicted, but what can you do?

I would have liked to have been trusted in that moment.

I don't blame Gray for his cloudy outlook on what was the brightest season of his 14-year MLB career. Gray, who turns 37 next month, posted a career high 18 wins and a career best 2.72 ERA in 29 starts with the Red Sox this season. 

Gray is evidently considering retiring. But if he does return to the mound in 2027, I cannot see him pitching in a Red Sox uniform given his public rebuke of Tracy.

Meanwhile, Red Sox slugger Willson Contreras seemed to take aim at the Red Sox front office led by Craig Breslow:

It's not enough when you have talent, or you have data, or you have computers that are telling you what to do, because this is baseball. The data is here to help us, but at the end of the day, you're going to have to need experience and veteran guys to win games.

Writing for CBS Sports, Julian McWilliams wrote, "Don't be fooled by the summer surge. Don't be fooled by the progress. This season wasn't a success."

However, McWilliams does not define success. Now if success constitutes winning the World Series, then 29 out of 30 teams will have had unsuccessful seasons. But if that is the criteria then there is no difference between a team which makes the post-season and a team which loses 100 games. 

In the space of five weeks, the Red Sox went from the worst record in the AL to claiming an AL Wild Card berth. That is certainly successful even if post-season success was elusive. Of course, what dampens the spirits is the fact the Red Sox have been ousted in back-to-back years by the Yankees.

As such, there will be considerable cloudiness hovering over Fenway through this off-season. Hopefully, things will thaw by spring and perhaps Chad Tracy and whoever is part of the 2027 Red Sox can move past. But if the Red Sox get off to a slow start in 2027, Tracy might end up wearing Alex Cora's shoes three-year contract be damned.