Top Conservative strategist says Poilievre needs to urgently pivot or he will lose

One of the top Conservative strategists in the country, Kory Teneycke, recently expressed concerns about the direction of Pierre Poilievre’s campaign, warning that the Conservative Party is at risk of losing the upcoming federal election if they do not pivot their messaging. Teneycke, who played a key role in helping Ontario Premier Doug Ford secure a majority government, highlighted the urgent need for Poilievre to focus more on the issue that voters care about most – the U.S. threat.

In a candid interview with CBC News, Teneycke pointed out that just weeks ago, Poilievre seemed poised to win a significant majority government. However, recent polls now indicate a shift in favor of the Liberals, with the Conservatives facing potential defeat if an election were held today. According to Teneycke, the primary reason for this shift is the party’s failure to effectively address the U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and annexationist threats.

Beyond the substantive issue of the U.S. threat, Teneycke also highlighted a stylistic concern within the Conservative Party. He suggested that Poilievre’s approach, which mirrors President Trump’s combative and divisive rhetoric, may be alienating potential voters. From catchy slogans to personalized attacks on political opponents, Teneycke believes that Poilievre’s messaging comes across as too “Trump-y” for many Canadians.

Moreover, Teneycke criticized Poilievre for maintaining a consistently negative tone throughout his campaign, which could hinder his likability among the public. He emphasized the importance of conveying a more positive message and called for a more direct and consistent focus on addressing the U.S. threat.

In response to declining poll numbers, Poilievre remained steadfast, expressing confidence in Canadians’ decision-making on election day. However, Teneycke stressed the need for a strategic shift in the campaign’s approach. He urged Poilievre to pivot towards emphasizing the pressing issue of the U.S. threat and to soften the overall tone of the campaign.

Internal polling data from Ontario painted a challenging picture for Team Poilievre, with the Liberals leading by a significant margin. Despite the bleak outlook, Teneycke remained hopeful that the Conservative Party could course-correct and refocus their efforts on the key issues driving voter sentiment.

As the campaign progresses, it remains to be seen whether Poilievre will heed Teneycke’s advice and adjust his strategy accordingly. With the federal election looming, the stakes are high for the Conservative Party, and a strategic pivot may be crucial in securing electoral success.