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Who had the best zingers: Trudeau or Obama?

By Steve Kupferman
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Who had the best zingers: Trudeau or Obama?

Canada is a bit of a punchline in the United States (and, to a certain extent, vice-versa), so it wasn’t surprising that some cross-border dad humour worked its way into the carefully choreographed diplomatic agenda during Justin Trudeau’s official visit to the White House on Thursday. Who zinged it best? Let’s see.

Obama’s sick hockey burn

After invoking the Canada/U.S. hockey rivalry, Obama wondered, rhetorically: “Where’s the Stanley Cup right now? I’m sorry, is it in my hometown? With the Chicago Blackhawks?" After he finished talking, foreign trade minister Chrystia Freeland, who happened to be standing in the front row, shouted “Raptors!"—which makes no sense.

Advantage: America

Trudeau’s hockey retort
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Afterward, Trudeau pointed out that the Chicago Blackhawks probably wouldn’t have won the cup without a few Canadians on their roster.

Advantage: Canada

Trudeau mourns the Expos

The PM’s joke about Montreal’s erstwhile baseball team didn’t get any laughs from the Rose Garden crowd.

Advantage: America

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Obama comments on Trudeau’s comely locks

“If in fact you plan to keep your dark hair, then you have to start dying it early. You hit a certain point, it’s too late. You’ll be caught.”

Advantage: America

Obama tries to pronounce “Mississauga”

Obama gleefully butchered the name of Canada’s sixth largest city.

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Advantage: Canada

Obama mocks Canada’s biggest contribution to U.S. presidential politics

There was no way we were going to get through an entire Canadian state dinner without someone making a Ted Cruz joke.

Advantage: America

Obama rips on bagged milk
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HOW DARE YOU, SIR? Ready the nukes.

Advantage: Canada

Obama makes a Bieber joke

“You may just be the most popular Canadian named Justin,” the president told the PM.

Advantage: America

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Trudeau burns the U.S. Olympic hockey team

Yeesh. Enough with the hockey humour.

Advantage: America

Trudeau comes to the other Justin’s defense

“Leave it to a Canadian to reach international fame with a song called ‘Sorry.’" Blech.

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Advantage: America

Trudeau’s hair retort

The PM pointed out that his hair, unlike Obama’s, seems to be maintaining its lustre. Canadian exceptionalism!

Advantage: Canada

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