'American style politics': Sask. Party's mass video text a risky way to grab support, experts say
Many Saskatchewan residents have been receiving unsolicited political text messages of the Sask. Party taking aim at the Saskatchewan NDP and their leader Carla Beck.
Media experts say texting can be an effective campaign tool, but parties run the risk of annoying some voters.
The video accuses NDP leader Carla Beck of travelling to Ottawa to plot and election strategy with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh to get Liberals re-elected.
“I grew up on a farm. I know B-S when I see it,” Beck said of the video.
Last week, the three leaders attended a labour convention in Ottawa but did not share the podium together. One attendee has posted a photo on X to make the point.
“This isn’t something to be taken lightly. You know, they can do what they are going to do. This is on them, the reality in this province whether that’s in education, in health care,” Beck said.
The texts were authorized by Saskatchewan Party which stand by the messaging.
“Well, texting in Saskatchewan is nothing new. The political parties in Saskatchewan have been using texting since the 2020 election,” Sask. Party executive director Patrick Bundrock said.
Some media experts consider the video American style politics.
“This particular message itself, really it lacks any issue based matter and really just looks at defaming the other party,” educational technology professor at the University of Regina, Alec Couros said.
It’s another way of reaching voters at the risk of being annoying to some, Couros added.
“Ultimately I think it will irritate people but most of the people who are irritated probably are people that aren’t going to vote for you anyway.”
Political parties do have authority to send text messaging to voters.
The Saskatchewan Party says it maintains a do not call list for those who do not wish to receive its messages.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING NEWS Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race, endorses Kamala Harris to be Democratic nominee
U.S. President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for re-election after a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about the incumbent's fitness for office with the election just four months away. It was a late-season campaign thunderstrike unlike any in American history.
What happens next: Joe Biden wants to pass the baton to Kamala Harris. Here's how that might work
With U.S. President Joe Biden ending his re-election bid and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrats now must navigate a shift that is unprecedented this late in an election year.
Justin Trudeau reacts to Joe Biden announcing he won't run for re-election
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the news that U.S. President Joe Biden won’t run for re-election Sunday, calling Biden a 'true friend.'
Harris, endorsed by Biden, could become first woman, second Black person to be U.S. president
Kamala Harris could become the first Black woman to head a major U.S. party presidential ticket after U.S. President Joe Biden abruptly ended his re-election bid and endorsed her.
Read Biden's full text announcing the end to his re-election campaign
U.S. President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign on Sunday after fellow Democrats lost faith in his mental acuity and ability to beat Donald Trump. He announced his decision in a letter posted on social media. Read the full text.
LCBO workers ratify tentative agreement, strike ends Monday
The union representing 10,000 workers at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has ratified a tentative agreement, which will officially end its two-week strike at 12:01 a.m. Monday.
Joy in Newfoundland after 'Lucky 7' fishers survive harrowing days lost at sea
There was a powerful word being repeated in the joyful Newfoundland community of New-Wes-Valley on Sunday: 'Miracle.'
A 12-year-old girl is accused of smothering her younger cousin over an iPhone
A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee has been charged with murder, accused of smothering her eight-year-old cousin as the younger girl slept. A relative said they had been arguing over an iPhone.
Trudeau and family head to British Columbia for vacation in unnamed location
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will head to British Columbia on Sunday, where he will be on vacation with his family until Aug. 1.