Ford digs in, Crombie shores up

And Trump backs off (sort of)

ABOVE THE FOLD

DOUG FORD had loads to say about the tariff tango with DONALD TRUMP after talking with his Cabinet, the Prime Minister, his political rivals, U.S. media and lawmakers — pretty much everybody besides BONNIE CROMBIE, who found herself playing defence in her first post-election presser.

Sure, the Liberals have plenty to be happy about after last Thursday’s $189-million snap election. They gained a bigger share of the popular vote (especially compared to the Official Oppo NDP) as well as recognized party status (plus all the legislative resources that comes with it, like House speaking time and cold hard cash).

But, and it’s a biggie: Crombie came up short in Mississauga East-Cooksville, where she was a popular mayor for three terms. The spot went to PC MPP-elect SILVIA GUALTIERI, who benefitted from both Ford and (her son-in-law) PATRICK BROWN’s organizational prowess.

The seat-less Liberal leader wouldn’t bite when pressed on what went wrong in her neck of the woods. Inste…