And they're off! Soft campaign launches for Trudeau and Biden
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Today on NOW and NEXT:US President Joe Biden put on a master class in political rhetoric during his State of the Union Address. He managed to goad Republicans to heckled him), calling him a liar when he pointed out some GOP members support a proposal to "sunset" medicare and social security) David Schultz, professor of politcal science and US constitutional law at Hamline University weighs in on the winners and losers and how SOTU 2023 sets the tone for the 2024 Presidential campaign.But first:

• While the SOTU speech is seen as Joe Biden's soft launch for his re-election bid, the same can be said of Justin Trudeau's healthcare offering to the provinces. The premier comitted more than $46 billion in new healthcare spending. The premiers were calling for 7 times that amount! Still, Trudeau can claim a major victory. The premiers took the cash without complaint. And CPC leader Pierre Poilevre even agreed he'd honour the deal with the provinces. So, does this mean healthcare's no longer a third rail for Trudeau?
• Toronto City Council, as expected, asks staff to report on new revenue options like a parking tax. No matter what comes back, no matter what council ultimately decides, this is just the "soft launch" of Mayor John Tory's campaign to restructure the financial relationship between municipalities and Queen's Park.
• AND, Council moves forward with the CafeTO but agrees to phase in fees for restaurants and bars over three years.