新书 Ripper: The Making of Pierre Poilievre

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https://www.amazon.ca/Ripper-Making-Poilievre-Mark-Bourrie/dp/1771967005

4.2/5 Amazon.ca 4.4/5 Indigo

As Canada heads towards a pivotal election, bestselling author Mark Bourrie charts the rise of Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and considers the history and potential cost of the politics of division.

Six weeks into the Covid pandemic, New York Times columnist David Brooks identified two types of Western politicians: rippers and weavers. Rippers, whether on the right or the left, see politics as war. They don’t care about the destruction that’s caused as they fight for power. Weavers are their opposite: people who try to fix things, who want to bring people together and try to build consensus. At the beginning of the pandemic, weavers seemed to be winning. Five years later, as Canada heads towards a pivotal election, that’s no longer the case. Across the border, a ripper is remaking the American government. And for the first time in its history, Canada has its own ripper poised to assume power.

Pierre Poilievre has enjoyed most of the advantages of the mainstream Canadian middle class. Yet he’s long been the angriest man on the political stage. In Ripper: The Making of Pierre Poilievre, bestselling author Mark Bourrie, winner of the Charles Taylor Prize, charts Poilievre’s rise through the political system, from teenage volunteer to outspoken Opposition leader known for cutting soundbites and theatrics. Bourrie shows how we arrived at this divisive moment in our history, one in which rippers are poised to capitalize on conflict. He shows how Poilievre and this new style of politics have gained so much ground—and warns of what it will cost us if they succeed.

Mark Bourrie is a Canadian lawyer, author, and journalist, and he calls himself a staunch conservative.

 

[JClub]

From Amazon Reviews

Mark Bourrie begins by declaring, “I am a staunch conservative,” and thoughtfully defines what it means to hold conservative values. Yet, as Bourrie argues, Pierre Poilievre—despite his self-branding—is anything but a true conservative. The book’s title, Ripper, aptly captures Poilievre’s political persona. “Rippers,” Bourrie explains, “whether on the left or the right, see politics as war—it gives their lives meaning. Weavers are the opposite: they try to fix things by bringing people together and building consensus.”

If you’re interested in the history of Canadian politics and the future of the country, this book is essential reading.

Poilievre has been deeply invested in politics since his teens. Known both as one of the hardest-working MPs and one of the angriest voices in Parliament, he has mastered the art of modern political messaging. In 2024 alone, he posted over 3,000 YouTube videos and amassed more than half a million followers. His team has even traveled to the United States to study and adopt the political tactics of Donald Trump. His strength lies in the “short, sharp soundbite”—a tool that has so far proved difficult for opponents to counter effectively.

This challenge is not unique to Canada. Across the world, mainstream politicians continue to struggle in their efforts to combat the misinformation, disinformation, and emotional appeals that fuel populist movements.

One of the most revealing sections of the book focuses on the WE Charity scandal. Poilievre’s relentless campaign against Marc and Craig Kielburger, despite mounting evidence of their innocence, illustrates his willingness to sacrifice truth—and the good work of a respected youth-focused organization—for political gain.

A final reading tip: consider skipping the introduction at first. Begin with the main chapters to understand Poilievre's story, then return to the introduction afterward for additional context.

 

[JClub]

作者 Mark Bourrie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Waterloo. He also holds a diploma in public policy and administration from the University of Guelph, a master's degree in journalism from Carleton University, a doctorate in Canadian media history from the University of Ottawa, and a law degree in from the University of Ottawa. He is a member of the Ontario bar.​

From Amazon Review:
A well written book by someone who is an historian and understands today's legal and political system. Mark uses extensive footnotes to document his research and back the statements he makes. At first ,I thought this was written from someone with a liberal background but discovered that Mark is conservative in his thinking.