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A swinger for prime minister

Broadcast Date: June 19, 1968

Fans as young as nine years old take the day off school to watch a campaign speech by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. They've come out to cheer on the young, hip prime minister for the election taking place on June 25, 1968. The children favour Trudeau over his opposition — the New Democratic Party's Tommy Douglas and Progressive Conservative leader Robert Stanfield. The kids know Trudeau hasn't been PM long.

He dissolved Parliament and called the upcoming election three days after he was voted Liberal leader.
So why do the kids want Trudeau to win? One youngster explains: "Because he's handsome, and a swinger, too."

A swinger for prime minister

• In 1971, Opposition members of Parliament John Lundrigan and Lincoln Alexander accused Trudeau of mouthing a four-letter obscenity in the House of Commons. Trudeau told the press he had really said "fuddle-duddle."
• Trudeau denies the accusation in this news report.
• Admirers often referred to Trudeau as a "swinger," which at the time meant someone who was lively, modern and enjoyed a good time.

A swinger for prime minister

Medium: Radio

Program: The World At Six

Broadcast Date: June 19, 1968

Reporter: Norm Allen

Duration: 1:31

Last updated:
June 12, 2008