United States: Justin Trudeau and Barack Obama Caught In A Mutual Bromance

“Fear is easy…friendship takes work.”

No one could have said it better than Canadian prime Minister Justin Trudeau after wrapping up a historic state visit to the United States on March 11. A major highlight of Trudeau’s virgin tour to the U.S. as prime minister of Canada was a lavish, over-photographed state dinner at the White House, an event almost 20 years in the making.

As flashbulbs nearly took the wits out of both the American and Canadian leader’s families, the photographs made available to news agencies all over the world, echo of the United States’ previous enchantment with Lady Diana and the world press’ fascination with President Kennedy and his first lady, Jacklyn. Maybe all too suddenly, being Canadian has become fashionable, even though the Canadian and the American first couples and children donned simple, relaxed clothing.

The fashion statement was one of the big news items, one that puts an end, once and for all, to the tyrannical and choking clothes that characterized past state visits. Meanwhile, in their respective addresses after the White House dinner, which Trudeau described as insanely fun, both heads of state would alternate in praising and throwing hockey barbs at each other. The United States president even joked about how some citizens are considering moving to Canada depending on the outcome of the presidential elections.

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The BBC quoted President Barack Obama as telling Trudeau over dinner “Here in America, you may well be the most popular Canadian named Justin” in a reference to Canadian pop star Justin Bieber. The day following the White House state dinner, the United States president also noted the following, according to CBC.

“I’ve never seen so many Americans excited about the visit of a Canadian prime minister,” Obama said, calling this a special day for Canadians who work in America and “enrich our lives every day.”

The presidential statements were characteristically Obamish, and that is relaxed, crisp and at times, funny. On the other hand, the Canadian prime minister’s remarks would only fall short of calling the U.S. president a brother. He says that both countries grew up together, has a relationship that has always been vital, and that “we bring out the best in one another, ” CBC writes.

Apparently, the youthful and exuberant Canadian prime minister has remained faithful to his pronouncements back home, particularly the battle cries which made him win the election. That is, his messages were consistently positive in tone, and always focused on agreements rather than the opposite. This certainly makes for clear, as well as transparent, foreign policy, particularly in such issues as welcoming more Syrian refugees, focusing on training soldiers rather than bombing prowess, and upping the ante with regards to lowering carbon emissions.

It almost sounds innocent, hearing a consistently positive message in a world marred by controversies, conspiracies, and terrorist activities. However, these statements are coming from a man who eight years ago, had absolutely no political experience. There is no lack of enough advocacy in Justin Trudeau. He is known to speak his mind, even when journalists quote him as smug or naive. Surely, the world needs a man who can speak with conviction, no matter how unpopular the idea.

“From my perspective, what’s not to like?” Obama was quoted by the Canadian news agency as saying with regards to Trudeau’s leadership since taking office, saying their shared positive outlook makes him a good partner. Such brotherhood is seen by many as a beacon that will finally usher in a deeper friendship between Canada and the United States. Trudeau’s advocacy that countries must always look outward instead of inward, is a diplomatic way of saying let’s end ideological intolerance and protectionism.

This makes the message loud as it is subtle, which is a rare balancing act for a state leader who is rather new to the political scene. As the United States honored the Canadian leader who fought like David against a Goliath in the last elections, there is a lingering question if he just might be able to further Obama’s amiably center-left policy when the top honcho of the United States exits the political arena. Only the future can tell, but Doubting Thomases or not, America, and now the world, are aware that the youngish Canadian leader does know how to pack a punch.

[Photo by Pool/Getty Images]