The highly anticipated showdown between U.S. presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was the most-tweeted presidential debate ever. Some of those 140-character reactions came from Canadian politicians.
Michelle Rempel, an outspoken Conservative MP, live-tweeted her predictions and analysis throughout Monday night’s debate. She was critical of Trump’s performance.
I have no idea what he's saying and I'm in politics.
— Michelle Rempel, MP (@MichelleRempel) September 27, 2016
Most of the tweets focused on Trump’s answers during the debate. Some New Democrat MPs were more blunt in their assessments.
Watching @realDonaldTrump can almost put me off my love of the colour orange. Almost. #debatenight
— Nathan Cullen (@nathancullen) September 27, 2016
I'm just going to say it: Donald Trump is a complete idiot.
— Don Davies, MP (@DonDavies) September 27, 2016
Former MP and interim leader of the Liberal Party, Bob Rae, joined them.
He's hogging so much time. He's a total, crazy, egomaniac.
— Bob Rae (@BobRae48) September 27, 2016
I'm watching Dennis the Menace as an old man. Ludicrous.
— Bob Rae (@BobRae48) September 27, 2016
James Moore, a former Conservative MP who served as industry minister in Stephen Harper’s government, focused on Trump’s declaration that the North American Free Trade Agreement was the “worst deal” the U.S. ever signed.
"NAFTA is the single worst trade deal signed by this country." D. Trump. America buys close to 2/3rds of what Canada sells to the world
— James Moore (@JamesMoore_org) September 27, 2016
This election is deeply consequential to Canada and our economic security. https://t.co/XnqjNmmYeI
— James Moore (@JamesMoore_org) September 27, 2016
Meanwhile, Conservative leadership candidate Tony Clement saw the presidential debate as an opportunity to talk about upcoming CPC leadership debates in November.
Who watched the #USPresidentialDebate? I'm looking forward to the #CPC Leadership debates! #empower #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/nmzCYBMkL9
— Tony Clement (@TonyclementCPC) September 27, 2016
Throughout the U.S. election campaign, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet ministers have mostly stayed away from explicit criticisms of presidential candidates.
Although Trudeau has made some not-so-subtle references to Trump’s political views in his speeches and comments to reporters, he has not been mentioning the Republican Party nominee by name. Trudeau has also stuck to his usual answer that he looks forward to working with whoever wins the U.S. presidency.