did you apologize?

No, it IS a big deal. The mayor of one of the biggest cities in their country smoked crack cocaine, and you don't think it's a big deal? Of course everyone makes mistakes, but when you are an elected official, the most powerful person in a very large city, you are the face of that city. Full stop.

That person doesn't define the city in itself. The elected official is there through his term and then leaves, the city does not go through an identity crisis every few years. San Diego has had some pretty shitty mayors, but no one remembers reminisces over them.

I mean Bill Clinton almost got "blown" out of office by Monica lewinski and silvio berlesconi had sex with an underage prostitute. This is Canada's first scandal since no one knows how long ago

I guess it makes sense that if they let their mayor define their hometown, they would let an American (or Americans) define their view of America.

It depends on what part they're in. I had some friends visit from Victoria, and they sounded pretty American.

It's also down to the individual, I'm from the UK and I've unfortunately offended a few Canadians by asking the same question. I'm useless with accents, absolutely hopeless.

Just because you live in the country doesn't mean you approve of the politics. You can hate the politicians yet still love the country. Even still, the policies and politicians don't define the pride.

Lol I get asked if I'm Canadian about 60% of the time. But I did grow up close to the border.