Rob Ford, Populism, and the Normalization of Scandal

It's surprising how distant 2013 feels, especially in the context of politics. That year, Toronto's mayor, Rob Ford, faced allegations of being filmed smoking crack cocaine. He denied the claims, attributing them to a smear campaign by the media. Later, the city's police chief confirmed the existence of a video showing Ford using a glass pipe. Despite the evidence, Ford remained defiant and refused to resign.

Mayor of Mayhem," attempts to condense the chaos of Ford's scandals into a concise timeframe. It highlights the sheer volume of controversies surrounding him. The film also touches upon his entry into politics and suggests that his desire to impress his father, a businessman and former politician, may have been a driving force.

Ford's landslide victory in Toronto's mayoral race in 2010 was fueled by his straight-talking, right-wing approach. He positioned himself as an outsider fighting against a wasteful system, appealing to a broad range of voters. Early controversies surfaced, including prior arrests related to drugs and alcohol, but they were quickly dismissed. Ford's supporters embraced his "human" flaws.

By 2013, more stories emerged. Ford's chief of staff recounted an incident where Ford arrived intoxicated at a gala. This led to reports about the crack-pipe video. The ensuing controversy transformed Ford into an international figure. Despite the scandal, a significant portion of Toronto's residents believed the video was fabricated. When confronted, Ford denied the existence of the video rather than denying the act itself.

The documentary presents varying perspectives from reporters and staff members who experienced the Ford era. This mix of reactions makes the story compelling as a precursor to the rise of populism. Ford's tactics, such as sowing doubt in institutions and repeatedly crossing boundaries, are compared to those of Donald Trump. This created a climate where it was difficult for the public to discern the truth. This style of politics, characterized by spectacle, has become commonplace in many Western nations.

The documentary highlights how shocking events from 2013 have become normalized. Ford is shown clashing with reporters, making outrageous statements, and admitting to drug use while refusing to resign. The film briefly touches upon the public's desensitization to boundary-breaking behavior, but it doesn't delve deeply into the issues of addiction. The film briefly mentions Ford's positive and negative actions for the city, but it feels superficial.

The documentary serves as a reminder of how certain parts of the Western world have arrived at their current political state. While the first "Trainwreck" documentary focused on the Woodstock 99 music festival, "Mayor of Mayhem" offers a fast-paced, superficial account of a more complex and intriguing story.