text: In reality, the US is objectively in a stronger position both economically and militarily. Our PM's job is to figure out how to warm up and negotiate for the best possible deal despite this obvious and objective discrepancy in power. Harper's biggest failing as PM was his inability to recognize this simple fact with the US, China, Russia, and Germany. For example, he tried the "position of strength" tactic on XL, doubling down, and lost, and in turn, soured relations with Obama, reducing Harper's ability to win anything else for our country. The costs of poor relations with the US are enormous. It appears that public praise and positive attention to Trump is a great way to win his affection. If so, I'm all for our PM doing so. Canada's PM trying to pretend it's powerful and strong against the US (or any major power) is like a miniature poodle being aggressive with a german sheppard.