Bad week in Washington, better week in Ottawa

Welcome to Donald Trump’s terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad week. And by the way, it shouldn’t have been a very good week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau either. But, as usual, a little compare-and-contrast brings a fresh dose of perspective:

Monday

A U.S. federal appeals court in Virginia hears arguments on the Trump travel ban against six predominantly Muslim countries. The Los Angeles Times reports the judges appear “mostly skeptical” of the administration’s legal arguments.

Meanwhile, in Ottawa: The House of Commons vigorously debates the use of the word “architect” in reference to Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan’s record in Afghanistan, where he did some good things.

Tuesday

Trump abruptly axes FBI Director James Comey, who has been leading a probe into ties between Trump’s election team and the Russian government. Comey learns the news on TV as he is addressing bureau workers.

Meanwhile, in Ottawa: Trudeau is called on to justify spending $30,000 to take some highpowered Americans, including Ivanka Trump, to a performance of the Canadian hit Come From Away on Broadway.

Wednesday

Fresh off the firing of Comey, Trump meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Sergey Kislyak, the Russian ambassador to the United States. Kislyak’s private confabs with some Trump aides are part of the FBI probe. American journalists aren’t permitted to witness the Oval Office meeting.

Meanwhile, in Ottawa: Trudeau responds to queries about his Christmas vacation and about 14 cardboard cut-outs of the prime minister bought for missions abroad.

Thursday

Trump tells NBC that Comey was a “showboat” and a “grandstander” and says he intended to fire him for some time. The acting FBI director, however, says Comey has “broad support” in the department.

Meanwhile in Ottawa: Trudeau tours the flood zone in Gatineau, dispensing sympathy and hugs.

Friday

Trump warns Comey not to say anything negative about him. The White House suggests it might cancel news media briefings.

Meanwhile in Ottawa: The prime minister endorses the Ottawa Senators in the NHL playoffs. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau participates in a learn-to-camp day on Parliament Hill.

And that, politics fans, was the week that was. Perspective, eh?