By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has paused an ad critical of tariffs featuring a quote from Ronald Reagan, after the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute claimed the ad misrepresented Reagan’s 1987 radio address and President Donald Trump terminated trade negotiations with Canada. Ford stated the intention was to spark conversation and achieved that goal, directing his team to air the ad during the World Series games. The ad, which cost $75 million, features Reagan’s voice speaking against tariffs. Trump accused Canada of fraud and cheating in response to the ad, which comes as the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on the legality of Trump’s tariffs.
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Ontario to pause Reagan tariffs ad after Trump terminated Canada trade talks, and let me tell you, it’s raising some eyebrows. The initial reaction? A resounding chorus of “Christ, Ford, have some balls!” The sentiment is clear: This isn’t the way to fight a trade war. When something works, you don’t abandon it; you double down. It’s a gut reaction, a sense of disappointment and frustration that seems to resonate widely.
The key point here is that any time you ruffle Donald Trump’s feathers, you’re likely doing something right. That’s the core argument, the underlying thread woven through the various comments. Appeasing a leader who consistently demands more isn’t a winning strategy. The collective voice is urging Ontario, and specifically Premier Ford, to keep doing what they were doing because, in their eyes, it was working. The ad’s impact was undeniable.
The ad in question, as it turns out, is the one that has made waves, already seen by millions, with plans to air during the World Series. Its mission was accomplished, people felt. It got under Trump’s skin, which only amplified its reach. The suggestion? The Democrats in the US should be running this ad constantly. The feeling is that the truth needs to be told, and the ad was a vehicle for that.
The immediate reaction to the pause is one of anger, even betrayal. It’s like, “Why are we giving in? Why are we rewarding a temper tantrum?” There’s a palpable sense of lost opportunity, of a strategic misstep. The financial investment seems insignificant when compared to the impact and reach the ad achieved, especially given the free publicity generated by the controversy. The word “coward” is used more than once.
The Streisand Effect is being touted, rightly so, as a significant factor. The ad’s message is out there, regardless of whether it’s paused or not. In fact, by pausing it, the attention and discussion has only grown, making it a bigger story. The ad’s impact isn’t contingent on continued airtime; it’s already viral. The news broadcasts and social media are going to do the rest, driving people to the ad itself.
The ad itself is considered a home run, directly addressing American conservatives with their own history. And the fact that Trump’s reaction demonstrated its effectiveness makes the pause seem like a concession. The voices are calling for more, not less, exposure. Why pull back when you’ve achieved the desired effect? Why give Trump what he wants? They suggest more ads, not fewer, especially on platforms like Fox News, to flood the zone with the message.
The call to action is clear: Double down! Don’t back down! It’s about getting Americans to know the truth. It’s about refusing to give in to bullying. “Grow a pair, Dougie!” is a common sentiment that speaks volumes about the perceived weakness of the decision. The message is to not reward the tantrum with silence, especially as this is 2024. And it doesn’t matter, as Trump wasn’t going to change his mind.
The underlying frustration is that they believe the message resonated so strongly that the pause is a strategic error. It’s seen as a waste of the initial investment and a missed chance to continue influencing the American audience. The reaction is fueled by a feeling that a strong message had been crafted, and now it’s being abandoned. It’s perceived as a missed opportunity to continue holding up a mirror to a specific group, and calling out the current cult leader.
The overall sentiment is one of disappointment and a plea to stand firm. The ad’s power lies in its ability to challenge, to make people question. The voices feel this moment is now, a turning point. Don’t stop telling the truth. The message is that Ford has talked big, and now, it’s time to prove it. In conclusion, the pause is a failure.