There's sentiment and then there's pocket book.
I agree, that's the only chance Poilievre has, to firmly tie Carney's policies to Trudeau's as per Oracle's post.
If Carney can distance himself enough, Poilievre's done.
IMO, Poilievre is not a bad guy but I don't think he's that likeable and his main appeal was the total disdain for Trudeau.
With Trudeau gone it's back to square one and with Trump and Ford securely in place, it may not even be that.
I think Poilievre has to swing for the fences and try to sell a bolder economic/industrial vision for the country, as well as
showing a willingness to ween off U.S. dependency.
Trudeau bashing and character assassination of whoever won't cut it anymore I don't think.
People have seen enough of that and understand that won't guarantee anything better.