'He's a once-in-a-generation political leader': Andrew Lawton on Pierre Poilievre, and what he's learned about Canada's PM-in-wait
The second-time author returns to chat 'Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life.' Available today.
It’s launch day for Andrew Lawton’s latest: the first biography of a man presently polling north of 42%.
So, suffice it to say, I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to join a press cavalcade that has taken Andrew from Paul Wells’ Substack, to the Globe and Mail, and even *gasp* the Toronto Star.
I’ve interviewed Andrew before, on the occasion of his terrific first novel, and I’m pleased to be bringing his talents, insights, absurd work ethic, and witticisms back to our audience here. (On a personal level, I owe a not-insignificant portion of the success and growth of this here newsletter to Andrew showing the way as an early Substack adopter, and for being kind enough to recommend Acceptable Views to his audience.)
I do hope you enjoy our chat, as well as the launch of Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life. Grab your copy on Amazon today, or at your local Indigo bookstore.
-Alex
Acceptable Views: Your debut novel, The Freedom Convoy: The Inside Story of Three Weeks that Shook the World, hit shelves not two years ago. What inspired jumping right back into the world of authorship?
Andrew Lawton: Becoming an author had been a long-time goal of mine before I wrote The Freedom Convoy. I had tried writing a couple of books before then but for various reasons never saw those projects through to completion. Writing my book about the convoy proved I was capable of doing it, so in that sense it was easier writing another book. That said, I needed a topic I was confident I could do justice – and also one where I felt there was something to say. Pierre Poilievre is a fascinating political figure, and in many respects still an unknown to Canadians, so I was keen to jump into writing a biography of him.
Writing — particularly in long form — isn't easy, and it takes an unbelievable amount of time. How do you balance being a two-time best-seller (and a Substack best-seller!) with The Andrew Lawton Show, other media performances, the conference circuit, and your journalistic travels?
Having a supportive spouse is crucial as writing a book is both time-consuming and soul-crushing. Having someone willing to put up with me being absent and/or temperamental when I'm immersed in writing is a blessing. Fortunately, there was substantial overlap between things I cover through my day job and things I was tackling in the book – certainly some of the people I interviewed for the book are semi-regular interviewees on my show. It was difficult for me to find the energy to write after a day of work, so I started getting up extra early and embracing the solitude of mornings. Also, I tend to be really productive on planes and in hotel rooms without distractions, so travelling ended up being a benefit.
How much access did you receive from the man himself?
Technically none. Pierre Poilievre didn't agree to an interview for the book. It was unfortunate, but I don't think it harmed the project. That said, many in his inner circle, including his chief adviser Jenni Byrne, did speak to me. While it wasn't an authorized biography at all, his office provided a level of cooperation, which I was grateful for. Many of the people from his past are still very much a part of his present. They have a great deal of loyalty to him, which means many of those I reached out to for interviews ran my request up the flag pole to get a green light before speaking.
Without spoiling too much of your efforts, what's something that might surprise people about Pierre Poilievre the man, and Pierre Poilievre the political leader?
On a lighter note, his sense of humour stood out from stories others shared about him. Practical jokes played on staff and colleagues might seem uncharacteristic, but were fun to hear about. On a serious note, I was surprised by how insular he is. Politics is an inherently outgoing game – you have to win votes, address crowds, etc. But he's a very private and contemplative person.