[URBAN NOTE] "Tory expects Trump to soften in office"

[rfmcdonald]

The Globe and Mail's Jeff Grey reports on Toronto mayor John Tory's hope that Donald Trump will soften in office. Speaking as a Torontonian myself, I am skeptical of this: The only thing that ended Rob Ford's reign was not a change of conscience on his part, but death.

Toronto Mayor John Tory says he believes Donald Trump will moderate the controversial stands he took during the campaign after he is sworn in as president of the United States.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, Mr. Tory said the United States was an “incredibly resilient” country.

“I would never bet against the United States. And I think they will adjust to this different kind of leadership,” Mr. Tory said. “And so too, I think, will Mr. Trump adjust. I saw him this morning saying, I’m the president of all the people. And I think that’s a welcome thing for him to say. And one trusts that he will act that way because that is what you discover in these jobs in public office, that you are there to represent all the people.”

But Mr. Tory made a point of saying he would remain focused on making sure his city is “one Toronto” that provides opportunity for the “marginalized” and welcomes people of “every description, every faith, every colour of skin.”

He also said he would try to find “positive ways” to work with the United States and convince Mr. Trump to view Canada as a good partner and a good place to do business and invest.