THE LEADERS' BATTLE

 THE LEADERS’ BATTLE -
By Bernard Bujold -
Bets are on as to how long Paul Saint-Pierre Plamondon’s current government will last! Indeed, many political observers are viewing the Parti Québécois’s first weeks in power with concern, and questions are being raised about the strained relationship between Paul Saint-Pierre Plamondon and Mark Carney. 
What we see in Carney is that, unlike Justin Trudeau or Jean Chrétien, he never directly attacks his opponents, opting instead for indirect strategies devoid of personal emotion—which is far more dangerous and, above all, unpredictable. If the art of democracy is the art of controlling one’s emotions, Mark Carney has mastered this art perfectly. 
Plamondon is the exact opposite: he often makes decisions based on his emotions and sometimes gets drawn into battles that are impossible to win—and, more importantly, pointless in terms of achieving a final or meaningful victory. The big winner from Plamondon’s struggles will be Charles Milliard, who keeps a low profile but nevertheless eagerly aspires to take Plamondon’s seat if his government is defeated before the end of its minority term in a few months. 
For now, it’s becoming clear that it’s best not to invite Mark and Paul to the same cottage—otherwise, you might find yourself at the end of the dock and in the lake... Have a great weekend! 
 

SEE PAUL SAINT PIERRE PLAMONDON’S BIO 
https://www.assnat.qc.ca/fr/deputes/st-pierre-plamondon-paul-19289/biographie.html 
 

SEE MARK CARNEY’S BIO 
https://www.pm.gc.ca/fr/propos

THE FIRE OF LOVE

THE FIRE OF LOVE-
 By Bernard Bujold - 
Chief Executive Jensen Huang has resigned after two extramarital affairs, including one with a suspected Chinese spy and another with an employee. The company said Thursday that finance chief Colette Kress had agreed to serve as interim CEO until a permanent successor is named. The board is starting a search for the next CEO and will consider internal and external candidates. This event is a tsunami in the world of artificial intelligence, as Jensen Huang was at the center of it. Huang, a co-founder of Nvidia, is seen by many as the face of the AI arms race. Known for his leather jackets and near-constant appearances at conferences and events all around the globe, he spoke with the confidence of a salesman who had just what the world wanted—and he did. 
The market value of NVIDIA also took a deep plunge as shares in Nvidia dropped as much as 14 percent when markets opened for trading on Thursday, extending a drop that has wiped out more than $1 trillion from the company’s market value this month alone (November 2026). With the change in Nvidia’s leadership, investors face uncertainty about the sustainability of the artificial intelligence trade and how the problems inside one of the technology industry’s most important companies could affect the broader economy. 
The story of Jensen Huang is similar in a way to the one of the hero of the French novel LE FONDATEUR by Giuliano Da Empoli, where the love for a woman overcomes a man's superpower over the world of AI. 
To be continued 
https://www.gallimard.fr/catalogue/le-fondateur/9782073170651

IT'LL PASS

IT'LL PASS... 
By Bernard Bujold - 
In another life, I spent a lot of time in artistic circles. In 2026, I’ve retired from that world. Still, I’ve stayed in touch virtually (via social media) with a few artists, including the singer Manon d’Inverness, who just released a new music video in a new musical style—even though she usually performs country music. Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for country music. It’s probably my love for horses that influences me. Manon’s video is titled “IT’LL PASS” and explores the theme that the passage of time and events is the ultimate sign that we’re alive… This is also my philosophy of life, as I often say that everything eventually passes: our greatest joys as well as our greatest sorrows… 
You can watch Manon’s video on YouTube. The visuals are particularly interesting and remind me of retro American television, especially CBS series like “NCIS Origins” and "MARSHALS". In Manon’s video, I especially love the 1966 Dodge Coronet 500 convertible that she drives in the introduction… 
VIDEO LINK 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KTHPJA2iW0 
MANON D'INVERNESS’S FACEBOOK LINK 
https://www.facebook.com/manon.dinverness

THE FATAL WOMAN

THE FATAL WOMAN 

 By Bernard Bujold - 

It sounds like a Netflix movie. An executive at one of the largest American companies is facing an espionage scandal involving China and a Chinese woman with whom he had an extramarital affair. The woman in question is accused of spying on behalf of Beijing, sparking a full-blown international and political scandal. The Chinese government has denied these accusations, but Nvidia’s stock has plummeted, and even President Donald Trump—who was fond of Jensen—is concerned… 

 While Nvidia is comparable in size to SpaceX, Amazon, or Meta, its CEO’s role is, however, entirely dependent on the board of directors. Unlike Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, or Mark Zuckerberg, Jensen Huang holds only 3.5% of the shares in the company he founded and built, whereas his counterparts exercise absolute majority control over their boards’ voting rights. 

 Jensen Huang is not, in fact, the first CEO to have his private life make headlines. From Bill Gates to Jeff Bezos, the list is long—not to mention lesser-known executives like Andy Byron. In July 2025, during a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium (near Boston), the giant screen “kiss cam” suddenly zoomed in on a couple in the audience. When they saw their faces displayed in large format on the screen, the two immediately and awkwardly hid to escape the camera. Amused by their panic, lead singer Chris Martin remarked into the microphone in front of tens of thousands of spectators: “Oh my, look at those two… either they’re having an affair, or they’re just really shy.” Social media quickly sprang into action to identify the couple: they were Andy Byron, then CEO of the tech company Astronomer, and Kristin Cabot, the company’s human resources director. 

 It remains to be seen how this Nvidia case will unfold, but if we were to draw an initial conclusion: “Beware of the fatal woman…” 

 The NVIDIA CEO's romantic adventure resembles the conclusion of Giuliano DA EMPOLI's book— LE FONDATEUR. 

 SEE STORY: 

https://www.wsj.com/tech/the-chinese-woman-at-the-center-of-a-spy-probe-after-an-affair-with-jensen-huang-7bb406d2?st=YAiK9x&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink 

HISTORY ACCORDING TO STEPHEN HARPER

HISTORY ACCORDING TO STEPHEN HARPER - 
 By Bernard Bujold - 
 I just received the memoirs of former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper: “HERE FOR CANADA.” I liked Harper as prime minister, and I met him a few times as a journalist, but his wife was much less shy and easier to talk to at public events… I always admired Laureen Harper as a woman during the couple’s time in politics. She loved motorcycles, cats, and Stephen! Laureen was a graphic designer by trade. The Stephen I knew was always very serious… 
 Former Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper is a gifted writer and has published several books covering sports history, international politics, and the country’s institutional history, in addition to his memoirs. 
 -A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs and the Rise of Professional Hockey (2013) 
 -Right Here, Right Now: Politics and Leadership in the Age of Disruption (2018) 
 -The Flags of Canada / Les drapeaux du Canada (2025)
 -Here for Canada: Memoirs of the 22nd Prime Minister (2026) 
 Stephen Harper’s memoirs begin with his early life and span to his ten years as the country’s leader (2006–2015), offering a behind-the-scenes look at his government’s major decisions. The book offers a fascinating look at a politically rigid era that was, nonetheless, economically sound. Harper was a very good manager, even though he was considered by many—in particular artists—to be overly strict at times. I loved Harper’s memoirs, which I’ve placed on my bookshelf next to works by Brian Mulroney, Jean Chrétien, Mark Carney, and the 2005 biography of Harper written by a great Canadian journalist and friend of mine, William Johnson (STEPHEN HARPER - and the future of Canada) 
Visit Stephen Harper’s memoirs website 
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/716340/here-for-canada-by-stephen-j-harper/

DONALD TRUMP'S NEW PLANS

DONALD TRUMP’S NEW PLANS— 
 By Bernard Bujold — 
 The Republican Party’s defeat in the midterm elections has set off a series of developments that will set the tone for the final two years of Donald Trump’s presidency. Indeed, deeply annoyed by this electoral setback and seeking to stay one step ahead of his critics, the question is: How will Donald Trump react? Far from waving the white flag and considering stepping down, Donald has decided to go on the offensive and appoint his most loyal allies to key decision-making positions in his administration. The president made a bold move on Friday by replacing his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, with the highly aggressive and controversial Stephen Miller. The new chief of staff is anything but conciliatory in the face of adversity and enemies… 
 Conclusion: no resignation in sight for Donald, and J.D. Vance will have to wait to replace his president… To be continued! 
 

SEE REPORTS 
 The Wall Street Journal 
https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/stephen-miller-trump-chief-of-staff-56917f0a?st=h3bVfE&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink 
 The New York Times 
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/11/06/us/politics/susie-wiles-chief-of-staff-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.OlE._-8h.DsPLoJDEDeX9&smid=url-share

MARK CARNEY IS ALL OVER OLD MONTREAL

MARK CARNEY IS IN TOWN—

By Bernard Bujold -

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has taken Old Montreal by storm—if not physically, then at least virtually—through the numerous campaign posters featuring his giant photo that line nearly every street in Old Montreal. Prime Minister Mark Carney has called six federal by-elections in Canada, scheduled for December 7, 2026, and the Laurier–Sainte-Marie riding (Old Montreal), where I live, will hold a by-election featuring, among others, candidate Guy Cormier for Mark’s Liberals.

The six ridings up for election for seats in the Canadian Parliament are:

-Laurier–Sainte-Marie (Quebec – Montreal) – Seat vacated by Steven Guilbeault (LPC)

-Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie (Quebec – Montreal) – Seat vacated by Alexandre Boulerice (NDP)

-Saint-Hyacinthe–Bagot–Acton (Quebec) – Seat vacated by Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay (Bloc Québécois)

-Brantford–South Brant (Ontario) – Seat vacated by Larry Brock (Conservative Party of Canada).

-Scarborough North (Ontario) – Seat vacated by Shaun Chen (Liberal Party of Canada)

-Yorkton–Melville (Saskatchewan) - Seat vacated by Cathay Wagantall (Conservative Party of Canada).

Political observers will be watching the performance of Liberal candidates, particularly in Quebec, where three Liberal victories would send a message to Paul Saint-Pierre Plamondon regarding Carney’s popularity.

I really hope my friend Mark will have time, between now and the election, to come over to my condo for a coffee. I’d love to show him the giant poster I’ve put up in my living room!

Stay tuned, and have a great weekend!

https://www.pm.gc.ca/fr/propos

THE PAIN OF DEFEAT

                                    

THE PAIN OF DEFEAT

By Bernard Bujold - If the joy of victory is the ultimate pleasure, the sadness of defeat is probably the ultimate pain… 

My friend Donald Trump lost his bet in the U.S. midterm elections. Several other American politicians have experienced the same defeat, including Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. Trump remains the U.S. president until January 20, 2029, but he is now a minority leader—a situation we experience in Quebec and elsewhere in the world, whether in France, Israel, or elsewhere. 

Having been involved in politics with Brian Mulroney, I’ll say it again: in the end, politics is an illusory exercise bordering on vanity, rather than real power. True power lies in business and the economic freedom that goes with it, as I also experienced with Pierre Péladeau Sr. Pierre often told me, “Political power is always an illusion!” 

But in any case, life goes on, and above all, let’s never forget that everything is temporary and eventually passes—whether it’s misfortune and sadness or happiness and joy. 

Best of luck to our dear Donald, and have a wonderful fall of 2026, everyone! 

See The White House 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/

ELECTION NIGHT IN UNITED STATES

THE U.S. MIDTERM ELECTIONS – 2026 
By Bernard Bujold- 
Election night is like a playoff game, and it’s always a lot of fun to follow the action on various TV networks. So I set up my big-screen TV to watch the U.S. midterm election results from the comfort of my living room in front of the fireplace. The big question: Will my friend Donald Trump’s Republican Party come out on top? Two key factors could work in its favor: 
1. American polls have always been thrown off by Donald because Republican voters turn out to vote but don’t participate in polls. We’ll remember how, in 2016, the New York Times declared Hillary Clinton the clear winner at dinnertime, but by midnight they had to announce Trump’s predictable victory. Even Hillary, who had set up a large ballroom to celebrate her victory, was told—after taking a nap during the evening—that Donald was leading the race; 
2. Will the promise of $5,000 to all Americans influence the vote? 
Stay tuned, and have a great evening! 
www.lestudio1.com

THE US MIDTERM 2026

THE US MIDTERM 2026 - 
 By Bernard Bujold - 
On Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, the US Midterm elections take place. The story of United States midterm elections is a political drama written into the U.S. Constitution. Held precisely halfway through a president’s four-year term, midterms function as a national check-and-balance mechanism—and a high-stakes referendum on executive power. In the 2026 midterm elections, the seats up for election are the U.S. House of Representatives (Congress), where all 435 seats are up for election (as members serve strict 2-year terms). In the U.S. Senate: 35 seats of the total 100 are up for election (33 regular class elections plus 2 special elections). Because senators serve staggered 6-year terms, the remaining 65 seats are not contested in this cycle. Whoever wins the midterms controls the congressional committee chairs, the legislative calendar, and holds the power to block—or greenlight—a president’s agenda. Heading into the 2026 midterm elections, the exact breakdown of seats for the Republicans in the U.S. Senate is 53 seats (out of 100), and in the U.S. House of Representatives, Republicans hold 218 seats (out of 435, maintaining a narrow majority where 218 is the absolute threshold needed for control. 
Historically, midterms are brutal for the party sitting in the White House. In modern history (post-World War II), the president’s party has lost ground in the House of Representatives in nearly 90% of midterm elections, averaging a loss of roughly 26 House seats and 4 Senate seats. Only a tiny handful of modern presidents have bucked this trend and gained seats during their first midterms: Franklin D. Roosevelt (1934) during the height of the New Deal, Bill Clinton (1998) amid a booming economy and public backlash to his impeachment, and George W. Bush (2002) fueled by the post-9/11 "rally 'round the flag" effect. 
We will have to see what happens if Donald Trump succeeds in winning the 2026 Midterm. 
To be continued. 
See story in WSJ 
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/free-expression/the-what-if-midterms-6a212316?st=Fe2M2e&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink 
See The White House 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/