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But one could be forgiven if the p-word came to one’s mind. Much of Kenney’s speech was devoted to enumerating and threatening those exterior enemies, and the crowd ate it up. The Kenney Axis of Evil included anti-oilsands charities, banks targeting Alberta for decarbonization, the government of B.C., and Justin Trudeau. Kenney’s list of vague plans for counterattack involves courts, a propaganda “war room,” a legislature committee empowered to investigate “anti-Alberta special interests” (including the Russians), and “turning off the taps” on B.C.’s gasoline supply. The leader’s pet idea for “forcing” negotiations with the federal government over interprovincial equalization payments was re-aired.

Photo by Ed Kaiser/Postmedia News

And what did the UCP leader have to say about Premier Rachel Notley? That she is … an honourable public servant, and that people who send her death threats are loathsome and misogynistic. This is the line Kenney has held to very consistently all along, but the speech, with its frenzied promises of unholy vengeance against the global anti-Alberta conspiracy, highlighted the contrast. Notley and the NDP are to be treated almost as if they were already out of the way: they are to be respected up until the moment they wither and vanish.

You cannot call it “patronizing.” Kenney’s talk of decent behaviour to political opponents is strong and consistent, and, after all, it is only what any civilized, sane individual already believes. But the effect is to suggest implicitly of Notley and her braintrust: “The poor dears. They meant well, didn’t they?”