Staff Reports
In a recent episode of “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Fox News host Jesse Watters made waves during a conversation with Ontario Premier Doug Ford about the notion of the United States absorbing Canada. Rather than kicking off a world war, this exchange brought humor, head-scratching, and eyebrow-raising commentary by asking a provocative question: what’s the deal with Canadians not wanting to be taken over by their southern neighbors? It’s a sentiment that makes one wonder if it’s merely a self-esteem issue on Canada’s part.
Premier Ford was quick to express his affection for the United States, calling it a country that has a significant role in his life. After all, he has lived 20 years in the U.S. However, it turns out Ford was less than thrilled about the idea of being an annex of America. Instead, he pivoted to a proposal for a “fortress Am-Can,” pitching a grand vision where both countries could harness each other’s strengths to create something spectacular: the richest and most prosperous jurisdiction in two countries. It sounds vaguely reminiscent of a corporate merger—that is, if Ford’s Canadian sensibility didn’t kick in first.
Watters wasn’t having it, though. He stressed that Canadians should consider their relationship with Americans not in terms of losing their sovereignty but rather as a union or alliance that would dominate the world stage. This begs the question: have Canadians ever thought about how delightful it might be to become America’s hat? Watters made it clear that a trade deal was just scratching the surface—imagine united forces taking on global challenges together. Forget about dealing with troublemakers like China or Mexico; the future can be all about labeling maple syrup as a “special sauce” for American triumph.
While Ford articulated a vision of cooperation, he couldn’t overlook the fact that Canada is seemingly living rent-free in America’s mind while disagreeably benefiting from trade. He stated that Americans apparently harbor no resentment towards their northern brethren, which raises the eyebrow: how much goodwill stems from relentless pizza and pancake parties in border towns while Canadian policies might be sticking Americans with the bill? It is a discussion that warrants more than just polite diplomatic nods and little “thank you” cards.
Jesse Watters Tells Canadian Official It Would Be a 'Privilege' to Join the US
https://t.co/oWsPxTvwqu— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 8, 2025
Of course, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau weighed in, proclaiming that the idea of Canada becoming America’s 51st state is nothing short of a snowball’s chance in hell. This is definitely a viewpoint shared by many, but thankfully nobody asked Elon Musk, who readily shrugged off Trudeau’s opinion to bestow some much-needed comical commentary on social media. Musk’s quip underscores the overarching attitude among many Americans: if the annexation of Canada isn’t on the table, how about a buddy deal that could at least make some common sense?
As they unpack the complexities of their relationship, one thing stands clear: call it merger, union, or whatever suits the occasion, but Canada’s reluctance to join the U.S. as a state should prompt a bit more self-reflection. Perhaps Canadians, at some point, will embrace the notion that standing shoulder to shoulder with their American neighbors may not be so bad after all. But until then, they can keep touting their “great trade partnership,” while Americans continue to pitch they should just join them—as friends under the same flag.
