LOUD AND CLEAR — Only the truly offline missed JORDAN PETERSON's extended interview with PIERRE POILIEVRE when it dropped on Jan. 2. The takes flooded the internet. There were takeaways roundups from CP, National Post, Financial Post, Toronto Sun, Toronto Star, Paul Wells and National Observer. Then there was Immigration Minister MARC MILLER, who relishes any chance at a colorful outburst on the topic of Poilievre. "Not the biggest surprise in the world to see these two greasy walruses promote each other’s ego," he posted on X. "Is this where we’re headed?" Poilievre's detractors observed in the interview a politician who confirmed their worst beliefs. Elsewhere on X, ELON MUSK liked what he saw. Conservative digital media rabble-rouser JEFF BALLINGALL contrasted Poilievre's strategy with Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU's mostly non-existent media plan over the holidays. (The Liberals did launch a national ad campaign. YouTube views so far: 5,400.) — Long reach: Poilievre's boosters boasted about the millions of views the interview racked up on Peterson's X account: 42.3 million as of this morning. That metric carries a major caveat. A view counts when at least 50 percent of the actual video is visible for two seconds. A slow scroll with no actual consumption adds to the tally. But there's no doubt people are consuming the pod. On YouTube, land of binge-watchers, the interview has amassed 2.2 million views. Peterson's show is Apple Podcasts' chart-topper in Canada, where it’s second on Spotify's list. — Post-slogan Poilievre: Trudeau often talks up the memorable “West Wing” episode in which President JED BARTLET calls out his Republican opponent's simple slogans. "What are the next 10 words?" Bartlet demands during a dramatic presidential debate. In an interview with Village Media last October, Trudeau reiterated his skepticism that Poilievre offered more than catchphrases. The Conservative leader moved beyond his typical talking points during a wide-ranging interview that ran more than 90 minutes. → Day One plans: Asked for his immediate priorities following a campaign, Poilievre mentioned cutting the federal carbon levy, building more homes and reforming criminal justice. He described his "ax the tax" promise as “iconic” and an "epic commitment." Our opening bet for the first bill after a Conservative victory: An Act to Axe the Carbon Tax. Poilievre also said he'll cutt the sales tax on new homes under C$1 million and "incentivize" municipalities to unlock aggressive homebuilding. "That has to happen immediately for people to notice any difference in the cost of housing by the time I get through my fourth year," he told Peterson. Poilievre also promised "rapid introduction of the biggest crackdown on crime in Canadian history," which he said would mean keeping more criminals behind bars. → The team: Peterson asked who would "be key in your administration." Poilievre named familiar faces rather than backroomers: ANDREW SCHEER, a former party leader and longtime friend; LESLYN LEWIS, a former leadership contender; JAMIL JIVANI, a rookie MP who is good buddies with U.S. Vice President-elect JD VANCE; and MELISSA LANTSMAN, a deputy party leader who cut her teeth as a Hill staffer. → Fave economist: Poilievre seems to enjoy sparring with economists he doesn't like, but he name-checked National Bank chief economist and strategist STÉFANE MARION — the co-author of a paper last February that claimed LNG exports to India could dramatically reduce global emissions. | 
