Conservative leadership popularity gap creates an impossible choice for voters. You're watching Pierre Poilievre get 87% support at the party convention. Solid A. Strong mandate. Clear leadership. But there's a 20-point gap between how much party members like him and how much the rest of Canada does. Mark Carney beats him decisively in personal popularity. That's not a polling fluctuation. That's a fundamental problem when millions of moderate voters who don't carry party cards decide elections.

Gurney calls it a confession disguised as an accusation. When Conservatives complain that Liberals steal their ideas and succeed with them, that's not theft. That's execution. If the other party consistently takes your ideas and does better with them than you can, the problem isn't intellectual property. The problem is you. And here's the part that should terrify Conservative strategists: the last election wasn't a fluke. A fluke doesn't recur. But if you go into the next election with a bombastic US leader meddling in Canadian politics and a leader 20 points behind in personal popularity, that's not luck. That's a pattern you had every reason to expect.

Three groups call themselves conservative. Party members gave Poilievre 87%. Elected officials and staff are largely aligned. But millions of Canadians who identify as conservative but don't follow political nuances? They vote based on six days of attention every four years. That's where elections get decided.

Topics: Conservative leadership problems, Pierre Poilievre popularity gap, Mark Carney advantage, Canadian election strategy, moderate voters

GUEST: Matt Gurney | http://readtheline.ca , @‌mattgurney

Originally aired on 2026-02-03

Conservative leadership popularity gap creates an impossible choice for voters. You're watching Pierre Poilievre get 87% support at the party convention. Solid A. Strong mandate. Clear leadership. But there's a 20-point gap between how much party members like him and how much the rest of Canada does. Mark Carney beats him decisively in personal popularity. That's not a polling fluctuation. That's a fundamental problem when millions of moderate voters who don't carry party cards decide elections.
Gurney calls it a confession disguised as an accusation. When Conservatives complain that Liberals steal their ideas and succeed with them, that's not theft. That's execution. If the other party consistently takes your ideas and does better with them than you can, the problem isn't intellectual property. The problem is you. And here's the part that should terrify Conservative strategists: the last election wasn't a fluke. A fluke doesn't recur. But if you go into the next election with a bombastic US leader meddling in Canadian politics and a leader 20 points behind in personal popularity, that's not luck. That's a pattern you had every reason to expect.
Three groups call themselves conservative. Party members gave Poilievre 87%. Elected officials and staff are largely aligned. But millions of Canadians who identify as conservative but don't follow political nuances? They vote based on six days of attention every four years. That's where elections get decided.
Topics: Conservative leadership problems, Pierre Poilievre popularity gap, Mark Carney advantage, Canadian election strategy, moderate voters
GUEST: Matt Gurney |<a href="http://readtheline.ca"> http://readtheline.ca</a> , @&zwnj;mattgurney
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-03

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.