Susan Delacourt

Susan Delacourt is a Canadian political journalist and author who has covered federal politics since the late 1980s. She serves as a political columnist for the Toronto Star and has previously written for publications including The Globe and Mail and National Post. Her most notable work is the award-winning book "Shopping for Votes" (2013), which examines how consumer-style marketing techniques have transformed Canadian political campaigns. The book won the Dafoe Prize and was shortlisted for the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Literary Nonfiction. Delacourt has authored several other books on Canadian politics, including "United We Fall" (2003) about the failed merger talks between the Progressive Conservatives and Canadian Alliance, and "Juggernaut" (2003) which explores Paul Martin's rise to power. She is frequently featured as a political commentator on Canadian television and radio programs. Beyond her journalism work, Delacourt has served as a senior fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto and teaches political journalism at Carleton University's School of Journalism. She received the Charles Lynch Award in 2011 for her outstanding coverage of federal politics.

Readers value Delacourt's insider knowledge of Canadian politics and her clear writing style. Canadian Amazon reviewers note her ability to explain complex political strategies in accessible terms, particularly in "Shopping for Votes" and "Feel the Buzz." Specific praise focuses on her detailed research and interviews with political figures. One Goodreads reviewer highlighted her "unvarnished look at how marketing tactics shape Canadian politics." Common criticisms include perceived Liberal bias and too much focus on Ontario/Ottawa perspectives. Several readers noted her books could benefit from broader regional coverage. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Shopping for Votes: 3.8/5 (127 ratings) - Feel the Buzz: 3.6/5 (89 ratings) Amazon.ca: - Shopping for Votes: 4.1/5 (16 reviews) - Feel the Buzz: 3.9/5 (12 reviews) The Globe and Mail reader comments generally praise her political analysis columns but debate her interpretations of Conservative party strategies.

Shopping for Votes: How Politicians Choose Us and We Choose Them (2013) Examines how consumer marketing techniques have transformed Canadian political campaigns and voter outreach since the 1950s.

United We Fall: The Crisis of Democracy in Canada (2001) Analyzes the fragmentation of Canadian politics and its impact on national unity following the 1995 Quebec referendum.

Juggernaut: Paul Martin's Campaign for Chrétien's Crown (2003) Chronicles Paul Martin's path to becoming Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister, from his years as Finance Minister through his leadership campaign.

Shaughnessy: The Passionate Politics of Joyce Fairbairn (1995) Documents the career and contributions of Canadian Senator Joyce Fairbairn, focusing on her role as the first female Leader of the Government in the Senate.