The story of how the Political Pulse came to be

Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and publication archives.

Politics has been my life since I was 16 years old, and I put in my first lawn sign during the 2001 BC Provincial Election.

I was on the far left during my late high school and university years, and it wasn't until I was elected that I realized how wrong it was to view things through a narrow ideological lens.

I also saw how pervasive cancel culture had become and how it was used to silence dissent.

As someone born with a cleft lip and palate and a prominent list, I knew how valuable speaking was, and I couldn’t contend with how lost the profession had become.

I did what I could to make things better, being cast out from a group excluded from my connections and networks.

I didn’t want to be alone.

It was the rise of antisemitism on the left and the inability of my “superiors” to take it seriously that finally convinced me that I needed to leave the left.

On January 27, 2023, I cancelled my membership to the NDP provincially and federally and resigned from all my positions.

That day, I embarked on a journey to converse with people, discovering what drives their interests, influences their political engagement, and guides their passions.

Hence, the Political Pulse was born.

You’ll find my unvarnished opinions here and on the podcast, but you’ll also find me exploring concepts and learning in real-time.

I hope you’ll subscribe and come on this journey with me.

Political Pulse with Ryan Painter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

User's avatar

Subscribe to Political Pulse with Ryan Painter

Cutting through the crap to bring you a classical liberal perspective on Canadian politics, issues, and political actors.

People

Leaning on his 20+ years of history in Canadian progressive politics, Ryan Painter combines his interest in Canadian history with his real-world experience running campaigns and advising candidates to assess today's political stories.