Poilievre’s particular ability to connect with this audience is itself a strategic asset for Canada, and this is the part that’s easy to miss. He spent the first twenty minutes talking about kettlebells, martial arts history, and the origins of Muay Thai in Canada. He and Rogan swapped stories about Canadian MMA legend Georges St-Pierre. He talked about growing up adopted in Calgary, his wrestling injury, getting his first internship at sixteen wearing a suit from a thrift store. By the time he got to trade and sovereignty, Poilievre had already established himself as the kind of person Rogan’s listeners will be receptive to: genuine, unpretentious, and interesting to talk to. If you were an American who didn’t know much about Canada and listened to the whole thing, you’d come away thinking Canadians are patriotic, smart, and friendly, but firm in their convictions.