'Hate votes' might decide the election.
How Milk Bag readers are feeling this morning.
Good morning everyone. Within just two weeks of launching, Milk Bag is one of the fastest-growing newsletters in the business category on Substack. That’s crazy! I can’t wait to throw you all a big party one day.
Over the weekend, I ran an anonymous pre-election vibe check for Milk Bag readers. Your smart, thoughtful responses confirmed the narrative I’ve been hearing for weeks: Mr. Worldwide is more qualified to handle our new set of problems, but people are not jumping at the opportunity to vote in a Liberal government for a fourth time.
I am calling them hate votes and they will probably decide the election.
When asked how you were feeling, most of you said some variation of nervous, but a few of you said optimistic and hopeful. One reader wrote: “Excited, because for the first time it feels like people are engaged and will vote.” Another said that with all attention on the economy, they worry important issues have fallen off the radar.
In terms of what’s driving the Milk Bag vote, most of you will vote in alignment with your core values, but some of you are voting from a place of (mostly negative) emotion, specifically those who feel a strong desire for change. I was pleased to see opinions from across the political spectrum, some of which I’ve shared below.
How are you feeling this morning?
“Excited… is that crazy? We have a shot at having a leader who’s a real adult with real experience. The world is grim but I’m excited by the opportunity for change.”
“Disappointed the country has forgotten about 10 years of failed Liberal policies.”
“Hopeful. Young people have not forgotten about the issues of affordability and housing. I think Poilievre has a real chance.
What has influenced your vote the most?
“Reducing inequalities between rich and poor. That means investing in healthcare, education, affordable housing, transportation, and social programs. We need to make Canada great for everyone, not just the wealthy few.”
“Who is the most prepared to deliver solutions over slogans in a complex world.”
“Who can effectively stand up to the U.S., who is most qualified to address the major challenges in our economy, who is genuinely committed to combating antisemitism, and which MP candidate will best serve my riding.”
Is there anything you’ve felt stuck on?
“The Liberals don’t have a good track record, but Carney has a strong resume.“
“Not just voting for what's best for my wallet, but what’s best for the country.”
“Carney is great but he has a near identical cabinet to Trudeau, why expect anything different? Hopefully he switches it up when he wins. Wish he was blue. Pierre Poilievre is a dork and that party is a mess.”
Do you think either front-runner will be able to deal with Donald Trump and U.S. tariffs?
“It’s not about dealing with tariffs, it’s about creating a more resilient economy to better deal with the unexpected.”
“I think Mark Carney might be more capable. His time leading major financial institutions could help him navigate complex U.S. trade and diplomatic tensions. Pierre’s style feels more focused on domestic political posturing, and I’m not sure he has the diplomatic skill set or credibility needed to manage someone like Trump or push back on aggressive trade measures.”
“Doesn’t matter. Trump doesn’t have any policy consistency.”
“Carney can do it. He has existing positive relationships with other key political figures internationally. That street credit is key. I really hope he wins.”
What's your plan if the candidate you don't vote for wins?
“Despair, then tequila, followed by resistance.”
“I normally vote Green; I’m used to it.”
“I’ll stay engaged, keep paying attention, and do what I can to advocate for the things that matter to me.“
“Bear the everyday indignities for another four years.”
“Move! (Just kidding). Perhaps cry.”
“Neither of these guys are our saviours, you have to look out for yourself: we have an infinitely larger impact on our own outcomes than any politician does.”
“Hope for the best.”
NON-ELECTION NEWS:
“It’s the money of international traders and financiers, as well as of tourists and drug traffickers.” The USD has fallen 9% against a mix of major currencies this year. Some say its dominance over the world’s financial markets is at stake.
The process to elect a new pope will start May 7. Of course betting culture is now making its way into the dealings of the Roman Catholic Church.
Tesla is advertising ‘pre-tariff’ prices in Canada. Some Teslas are as much as 21% more expensive since a 25% tariff on passenger vehicles and key parts came into effect. Also relevant: Tesla reported a 71% drop in profits compared to last year, prompting Elon Musk to step back from his Washington side quest.
I just think this summer is going to be all about the Ninja Creami Swirl.
L’Oréal Groupe invests $20 billion in research and files about 700 patents every year. The company owns 39 brands including Maybelline, Lancôme, and Kiehl’s, and acquires Toronto’s ModiFace in 2018 to dabble with AI beauty tools.
It’s going to be another big year for running. The London Marathon set a world record for most finishers yesterday and other races are also reporting more participants than ever, so it could be the start of a busy race season. What has dropped off are developments around super shoes, which tells you we’ve hit peak innovation (for now) but that hasn’t stopped runners from breaking records.
There’s a global coconut shortage. Unclear whether this will affect the Lobby Spritz at Lisbon Hotel, which is made with coconut limoncello and sparkling wine.
Chatbots are becoming the “ultimate influencer.” About 80% of people rely on AI-written results, like ChatGPT, for at least 40% of their searches, reducing organic web traffic by up to 25%. It’s a new era of search engine optimization.
Nude models can earn up to $60 an hour. Life drawing classes happen across the city every day, drawing in artists up for the challenge of capturing the human form. “The work of is essential but often misunderstood,” writes Marisa Coulton.
Secondhand stores are a very good business. And it’s not just because Value Village sells Dollarama cases for $8.99. Resellers are insulated from tariffs since they are not buying internationally, meanwhile shoppers seem to be cutting back on just about every category of spending except thrifting. Brands like Canada Goose, Lululemon, Zara and IKEA have launched their own resale platforms.
People are no longer dancing at the club. Just a lot of standing around and scrolling. Interestingly, clubs with bad cell phone reception are not seeing this.
Not sure if this is related but tattoo removal is on the rise.
I’m concerned that Canadians fear change. We have become complacent and subservient to our own federal government.