Today, Noam sits down with Yves Engler—author, activist, and now candidate in the 2026 NDP leadership race—for one of the most important conversations the show has hosted.

Yves is our first return guest, and for good reason: In recent months, he has publicly accused the NDP of using opaque vetting, backroom committees, and bureaucratic delays to keep insurgent, left-wing candidates off the ballot—even when they have met every formal requirement.

This episode dives into:

• how Yves submitted his full nomination package
• why the party still hasn’t given him any decision
• why he waited to submit his vetting materials
• the internal pressure campaigns urging the party to block him
• the broader crisis of democracy inside a party that calls itself New Democratic
• how EDAs (local riding associations) have lost autonomy
• what a truly member-driven NDP would look like under his leadership

Yves also breaks down the influence of central office, the financial barriers placed in front of candidates, and how his platform—developed by 45 activists and researchers—has already pushed the race leftward.

If you believe that leadership elections should be decided by members, not gatekeepers, this is a must-watch.

We unpack Zohran Mamdani’s NYC mayoral win and its strategic implications, dissect Canada’s 2025 budget (programs intact, public-sector cuts, and a measurable center-right fiscal turn), review the U.S. shutdown endgame (why caving erases your case), and challenge the legitimacy of floor crossing in a system where party labels appear on the ballot. Plus: Miss Rachel’s Gaza tribute as a model for holding hope without anesthetizing action.

Support independent analysis: https://patreon.com/NoPowerPanel

Chapters 00:00 Intro — the “hope” discourse 02:02 Mamdani’s victory & movement leverage 04:20 Virginia: anti-fascist majority? 05:55 New Jersey: the margins and the message 08:37 NYC mandate: >50% matters 12:13 Cheney’s death & accountability 13:12 Canada’s budget: social vs. cuts; the Carney frame 18:26 Floor crossing: voters, labels, legitimacy 28:36 U.S. shutdown: why outcomes > vibes 34:10 Read the results soberly 37:55 Miss Rachel’s Gaza dress: hope + grief 41:01 Personal update & community support 42:59 Wrap

In this episode of No Power Panel, we feature an in-depth conversation with Tony McQuail, a federal NDP leadership candidate. Tony outlines his comprehensive framework for transforming Canadian politics and society, focusing on representation, environmental regeneration, economic redistribution, and societal redesign. He shares his experiences as a long-time activist and farmer, advocating for a system that prioritizes people and the planet over corporate interests.We explore his thoughts on the "first past the post" electoral system, the need for a fair tax system, and the importance of local community-led initiatives. Tony also discusses the urgency of addressing climate change through regenerative practices and moving towards a more cooperative and less consumption-driven society.Tune in to hear Tony's compelling arguments for a green progressive future and how his campaign aims to unite diverse voices for meaningful change.

• Tony McQuail's Campaign: tonymgreenprogressive.ca
• Meeting Place Organic Farm: meetingplaceorganicfarm.ca
• Instagram: Check the launch video on Tony's campaign website for the Instagram link.

Is Jon Stewart the presidential candidate America needs in 2028? This video from No Power Panel makes a passionate case for why the iconic comedian should run, arguing that his moral clarity, humor, and track record of fighting for working people make him the ideal leader for a politically and morally exhausted nation. Discover how Stewart's unique ability to connect with both liberals and progressives, his advocacy for 9/11 first responders, and his commitment to progressive policies could transform American politics.

In this video, we explore:

0:00 - The current political landscape and the need for truth-tellers.

0:43 - Jon Stewart's two decades as the conscience of American politics.

1:29 - Why Jon Stewart should run for president in 2028.

1:51 - Highlights from Jon Stewart's career speaking truth to power.

6:37 - Why this moment demands Jon Stewart's candidacy.

8:30 - How Stewart's human decency combats political cruelty.

9:39 - The difference Jon Stewart brings compared to other Democrats.

11:30 - Jon Stewart's empathy and ability to connect with diverse voters.

15:17 - Addressing the "not a politician" criticism: Stewart's legislative impact.

21:01 - Why the establishment fears a Jon Stewart candidacy.

23:16 - Exposing the "electability lie" of the Democratic Party.

25:07 - How Stewart can reframe government as a force for good.

26:05 - The powerful grassroots coalition a Stewart campaign could build.

29:07 - Decades of Jon Stewart's "correctness" as a campaign asset.

31:55 - Why attacks against Jon Stewart won't work this time.

33:53 - Stewart's unique appeal to both liberals and progressives.

35:14 - Connecting with working-class America in red states.

35:52 - The two paths for a rising populace, and why Stewart represents the preferable one.

37:46 - The compassionate messaging of a Jon Stewart presidency.

39:09 - The promise of a more affordable, fair, and cohesive society under Stewart.

41:11 - Fusing progressive energy, Democratic loyalty, and outsider ferocity into one candidate.

42:33 - Why America needs a leader who never forgot what the job is.

43:16 - Call to action: Support Jon Stewart 2028!

#JonStewart #President2028 #NoPowerPanel #ProgressivePolitics #DemocraticPrimary #UniversalHealthcare #PoliticalCommentary #DailyShow #PoliticalChange #USPolitics #Election2028 #Activism #Democracy #PoliticalHumor #Justice #Truth

Join us on No Power Panel for a compelling interview with Senator Yuen Pau Woo, the independent senator for British Columbia who has courageously introduced a motion in the Senate demanding an investigation into Canada's complicity in the Gaza genocide. Senator Yuen Pau Woo delves into the political climate in Ottawa, the challenges of confronting official narratives, and the profound moral questions facing Canada regarding international law and human rights. This episode explores the critical need for accountability and truth in a system often defined by silence.

This week on No Power Panel, Noam returns with updates, reflections, and a deep dive into the NDP leadership race that’s beginning to take real shape in Canada. After addressing his recent health challenges and the future of the show, Noam explores the state of the Canadian left, the candidates shaping the New Democratic Party’s next chapter, and the media’s role in determining who gets taken seriously. From Heather McPherson and Avi Lewis to Yves Engler—who joined No Power Panel last month—this episode looks at who’s connecting with the grassroots, how the establishment is reacting, and what it will take to rebuild the NDP as a true party of the working class. Noam also discusses how this leadership contest could shape Canada’s response to inequality, climate justice, and foreign policy—and why independent media like No Power Panel must continue providing a platform for honest, unfiltered political dialogue. 📌 Highlights Health update & new direction for No Power Panel Why Patreon support is more vital than ever The NDP leadership race heats up The rise of grassroots voices like Yves Engler Invitations for Heather McPherson, Avi Lewis, and Rob Ashton to join the conversation What’s next for the Canadian left#NoPowerPanel #NDPLeadership #CanadianPolitics #ProgressivePolitics #YvesEngler #AviLewis #HeatherMcPherson #CanadianLeft #IndependentMedia #PoliticalPodcast

Noam opens with the fallout from the Charlie Kirk assassination and Andrew Scheer’s attack on journalist Rachel Gilmore, calling for Scheer’s resignation. Then, award-winning author Terry Fallis joins to talk satire, Angus McLintock, and his new novel The Marionette. We wrap up with Winners & Losers: Mark Carney, Tunis, Macron, and Trump’s Epstein ties.

In this week’s No Power Panel, Noam tackles a packed slate of current politics and principled conversations with precision and insight:

Headlines & Commentary

Canada’s NDP leadership race officially kicks off, marking a new chapter after the party’s historic collapse—members have until January 28, 2026, to register and vote in the leadership contest.

Corus Media controversy: Noam swears off contracts with Corus, calling them a corrupting influence after disputes over content control and media consolidation.

RFK Jr.'s Senate hearing meltdown: Under intense bipartisan fire for dismantling the CDC’s advisory structure, firing its director, and spreading misinformation, RFK Jr. faces mounting calls for resignation, even from family.

Deep Dive with Dr. Laura Morlock

Exploring the colonial origins of Israel, Noam and Dr. Morlock examine how Christian Zionism—driven by Rapture theology—has roots in antisemitic narratives, and why current Christian Zionist rhetoric continues to betray the values of Tikkun Olam (working toward repair of the world).

Spotlight on Solidarity

The Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest-ever flotilla mission to Gaza with over 50 ships and activists from 44 countries, sets sail from Barcelona and Menorca, intending to break Israel’s illegal siege and deliver humanitarian aid.

Winners & Losers Segment

Join us for our signature wrap-up with Winners and Losers of the Week—featuring Mennonite Action, the flotilla, Christian silence on Gaza, and RFK Jr.

#NDPLeadership #CorusMedia #RFKJr #SumudFlotilla #ChristianZionismCritique #NoPowerPanel #ProgressivePodcast #GazaSolidarity #JewishLeft #MennoniteAction