TORONTO — An outspoken Stephen Harper supporter became a social media star of sorts after his expletive-laden outburst at reporters Tuesday.
The man blasted media for their coverage of disgraced Senator Mike Duffy’s fraud trial, saying the media is creating “fantasy scandals,” and accused reporters of cheating on their taxes.
Then he got personal, calling one reporter a “lying piece of s***,” before storming off.
WATCH ABOVE: Pro-Harper supporter calls reporter ‘a lying piece of s***’
The confrontation became an online sensation, and some online jokers took to Twitter and Reddit to post memes inspired by the “Angry Old Guy.”
Harper has now stated that he won’t answer further media questions about the ongoing Duffy trial. So one Photoshop artist suggested he hire a new spokesman.
- Freeland set to table 2024 federal budget in the House of Commons
- All a-boot tradition: A look at finance ministers’ budget shoes through the years
- Inflation ticked higher in March. Are Bank of Canada rate cuts still in the cards?
- Food service strike: Air Canada, WestJet refine menus at Toronto Pearson
And if not, perhaps it’s the start of a budding political career?
Any fan of The Simpsons knew this one was coming:
And some noticed a resemblance to another animated curmudgeon.
Not surprisingly, a parody Twitter account sprang up soon after the confrontation. Tweets from @AngryHarperite continued blasting the media and defending the prime minister. Well, we presume it’s a parody account.
Others hope to use the on-air blowup as a warning, or at least a teachable moment.
His anachronistic accessories were also the butt of jokes. Perhaps he’s using the calculator function to keep track of journalist tax returns.
Some weren’t surprised to see he’s also a supporter of a notoriously outspoken local politician.
Another meme-maker had fun with the memorable sign-off, “Go stuff yourself!”
Comments