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The contenders

A different kind of Liberal

ROY MacGREGOR

From Thursday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 9:07 AM EDT 29/11/06

Former PC says it's time for leader with 'a new generation of ideas' ...Read the full article

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  1. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes: So Scottie says he blew it with the e-mail notification and he had nothing to hide so therefore all is well and good by the G&M standards! Gimmee a break!
  2. Rick O'Regan from Kentville, Canada writes: Scott, did you say integrity? I didn't send that e-mail. You got proof? OK then, I sent it but it didn't mean anything because I didn't now nothing. Give ma a break!
  3. aere aerhtgbed from toronto, Canada writes: a gay liberal? wow, talk about 2 out of a possible strikes. whats next?. gays should not worry though, they will probably be whining for equal representation just like women and if a liberal government gets in they will probably get it.
  4. douglas ledwidge from Enfield, Canada writes: As the President of a Wood processing facility in central NS and a private land owner it will be of great interest to see how Mr. Brison and for that matter the rest of Atlantic opposition MPs vote in Parliment in regard to the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement. The Forest Industry, private woodlot owners and rural constituents in Atlantic Canada should well know that this agreement going forward is in their best interest and that all Atlantic MPs should put political differences aside and vote to get it in place.
  5. Matthew K from Halifax, Canada writes: If Scott becomes the Prime Minister (haha no way) there will be some awful big fights with his partner when it comes time to entertain the leaders wives when on diplomatic tours...
  6. Sara Landriault from Kemptville, Canada writes: I'd like to know why Mr. Brisson will do nothing for stay at home parents. I like some of his ideas but his discrimination against stay at home moms and dads is too hard to accept. Mr. Brisson should remember that gay people are moms and dads too and some of them even want to childcare their own children. Even if you won't stand up for me will you stand up for them?
  7. iggy for president from Canada writes: So Scotty gives a heads-up to his buds on Bay Street about an imminent tax change and he thinks it's no big deal. Well maybe in this duckburg, but in another country with which iggy is familiar people go to jail for that sort of thing, here they get to run for Liberal leader. Hmmm
  8. Jack MacLeod from Canada writes: Brison must convince Liberal Party Delegates, most veterans of the political wars, who campaigned against Tory Brison. Liberal delegates are a contrary bunch. In Nova Scotia the same Liberal Delegates dumped a sitting Liberal Premier who was forced to resign, without batting an eyeball. Brison will not be the 'new leader' he is already part of the Liberal Party's History. Ignatieff will win, but Rae remains in second place. There are no other contenders. NB Acadian Liberals will back Dion who will soon announce his support for Ignatieff, not being exactly stupid. Exciting is it not? Cheers
  9. Jon Roberts from Canada writes: #3--Darn it, you're right. Isn't it awful when someone 'whines' to be treated decently? Oh for those days when you could trample all over peoples' dignity and humanity and get away with it!
  10. Martin Andersen from Bergen, Norway writes: So far none of the featured candidates have garnered sufficient interest for me as the next leader of the Liberal party. However, I am eagerly looking forward to reading about Gerard Kennedy; whom I feel would provide the necessary breath of fresh air the Liberals (and Canada) desperately need -- as he's charismatic and intelligent, young, and also comes without much previous political baggage at all. The only valid criticism seem to be his lack of formal education, but I would honestly count that as a plus. To lead a country one doesn't need a fancy degree, but vision, courage and determination.
  11. Tom Fry from Calgary, Canada writes: Like Scott Brison. I was a Progressive Conservative, a legit semi-Red Tory (not an NDP-in-disguise like David Orchard). I'm conservative fiscally, liberal socially, and the old PC's were a good fit. When that choice was taken away, I was in a quandary - would I finally have to vote Liberal, even though they view Albertans as less than human? Or, did I want to vote for any party that would nominate Rob Anders for anything? You have to understand, the Liberals had an opportunity there to go after the votes of PC supporters who detested Stevie Wonder as much as they did. Unfortunately, they blew it. Mr. Brison is incorrect in suggesting that the Liberals have wanted to be all things to all people. In fact, their biggest problem is that they continue to pander to their established base, and only to that base, and refiuse to seek out new support. They don't want to expand their appeal so that they can be a truly national party. The Grits now have no seats in Alberta again,or in fact most of the west outside of downtown Vancouver, just as they did through all of the Trudeau and Mulroney years, because they don't even want our votes. They prefer to believe, in the words of Buzz Hargrove, that 'Alberta values are not Canadian values'. They also have no rural seats west of New Brunswick, mainly because they have steadfastly held to the urban view on gun control (hassle legitimate gun owners, go easy on criminals) rather than listening to the rural folks who actually use the guns (eliminate red tape, come down hard on those who use guns for crime). In a way, I can sympathize with Scott Brison - the party he belonged to disappeared, and its so-called replacement is dominated by people who consider him to be less than human. The same thing happened to me, except that the party Mr. Brison chose considers me to be trash, so I had to choose differently.
  12. Brian Andrew from Canada writes: Liberal party has some pretty slim pickings for leader of there party! You know they are in trouble when an american is the front runner of the Liberal party. Just wonder how is he going to explain that he has not been in the country for the last 30 years? Scotty does not have a hope in hell of winning don't know why he is wasting his time with running for the leadership of the part. I hope ole Bob Rae wins would scare Canada back to reality if he won!
  13. John L. Murlowe from Isla de Vancouver y Quadra, Canada writes: New generation of ideas? I think we have that. It's called the Conservative Party.
  14. Miles Lunn from Vancouver, Canada writes: I supported Brison when he ran for the PC leadership race and think he has a great future in the Liberal Party. I may not agree with all his ideas, but on the whole I see him as a forward looking politician and a pragmatist. He is someone who doesn't follow any ideology, but believes in adopting the best policies to make Canada strong economically while socially progressive and he ignores whether his ideas are left wing or right wing. I also fully support his decision to cross the floor. While his economic ideas may be a bit right wing for the Liberals, the Alliance party who make up the majority of the Conservative caucus were largely homophobic and I don't blame Brison for not wanting to be in the same caucus as neanthandrals such as Stockwell Day, Vic Toews, Jason Kenney, Randy White, Maurice Vellacott and all the other Reform/Alliance dinosaurs.
  15. Green Jerry from Canada writes: A rat who swum towards a sinking ship? Real bright. And a perfect Liberal.
  16. Brian C from Canada writes: Boy (oops, I mean non gender specific exclamatory remark), I hope Brison wins. There will be endless amounts of material for the 'Royal Canadian Air Farce' show.
  17. dave srigley from Toronto, Canada writes: he's still better than that other candidate..the John Kerry look-alike
  18. Mr Fijne from Calgary, Canada writes: Caught dishonest and admitting nothing makes Brison stronger but for what? Why would CIBC 'like it'? That is the key word that has so far proven either he is a liar or he says things that he has no clues about. If the email read a decision is coming soon, period. He could defend himself but the 'and you will like it' is incriminating. Thus Flush Mr Brison!
  19. John McEnroe from Toronto, Canada writes: I love reading these G&M Posts. I knew even though this is article is about the Liberal leadership campaign, that there would be all kinds of conservative vitriol in the posts. That proves 2 points: 1) conservatives believe so little in their own leader and party, that they have to spend time attacking others instead of building their party and leader and 2) conservatives are lazier bums than most, online surfing the web during the day, instead of working and contributing to our economy. Get back to work!
  20. Broad Vacant from Canada writes: So, Scott Brison is 'single', but 'in a relationship' with a 'partner'. Is this some kind bizarre legal distinction that the G&M feels it must uphold, or is that simply stupid and prejudicial?
  21. Lib / Con from Nelson, Canada writes: I'll believe his constituents who recently voted him in as a Liberal (AFTER the email issue) as they did previously as a Conservative in this Conservative riding - much more credible than the name calling that's coming from the far right on here.
  22. Andrew E from Calgary, Canada writes: #6 asks why Brison won't do anything for stay-at-home parents. D'uh.... it's because he'll never be one, silly.
  23. Liz Jackson from Canada writes: Who really knows who will win the Liberal prize, there isn't a whole lot of difference. None of them have a clue what it's all about, they're just goofing around. Anyone can see they're confused and directionless to this point. We certainly would not be in good hands with Scott Brison, an oportunist who left the party he aspired to lead over one personal issue. We know where his head is.
  24. Lisa Jones from Canada writes: The very fact that the Liberals are allowing Brison to run speaks volumes as to the depth of corruption and arrogance that still runs through that party. I don't think that he would be allowed to run for any party in any other industrialized country in the world.
  25. Craig Scott from Ottawa, writes: I don't like Scott Brison because I think he is an opportunist. I do however take offence by posts here that refer to his sexuality. I am a conservative but I am not anti gay. I think that his sexual orientation should not be part of the arguement.
  26. The Philosopher King from Hail to the King Baby!, Canada writes: I find it funny to read conservative posts on this Liberal leadership race. Gee, you don't like the guy? Tell us something we don't know! While I realize you must be dying to know which of these men you're going to mindless slam for the next few years, this stereotypical 'Liberals are the sons of Satan' crap is just too much. It seems that the only thing Conservatives are really sure of it who they hate and what they're angry about. All of these candidates are human beings, though you wouldn't know it to read these comments. The best we can ever hope for is an honest individual who respects the position they are given. I don't want a politician who takes one side over another, I want someone who speaks with various experts and makes fair and reasonable judgments based on fact, not someone who attempts to push their own interpretation of morality on other people. It's supposed to be government for the people by the people, not government for some in the name of the few. Seeking to vote for people who cater solely to one point of view is asking for this prejudice to be visited on others, and the results are predictably unsatisfactory because people who do this usually have their own agendas. Those who call consensus builders wishy washy are those who wish to see their concerns trump all else. Such self-righteous and egocentric attitudes have no place in a democracy. This is why most governments have been Liberal governments, and as long as they continue to be the reasonable centre, this will remain unchanged.
  27. Ranald Walton from Hamilton, Canada writes: 'Fancy Pants from Kings Hants' is trying to raise his profile to avoid being drowned in the upcoming Blue wave. At least we know this leadership hopeful won't quit politics (willingly) if (when) he fails to capture the crown. I remember one of the most classless political speeches being delivered by Mr 'Fancy Pants' on the night of the Liberal minority victory in June 2004. Normally one praises the vanquished in their hour of defeat as a sign of civility and good sportsmanship, but old Fancy Pants on that fateful night, continued to tear in to his opponents on a live coast to coast TV broadcast, long after he had won. Certainly a unique way of 'healing' a divided nation. We got a reprise of this a few days ago when we got the opportunity to listen to him berate Ignatieff on CTV Newsnet. Unbelievable. If one individual personifies what is wrong with current cut throat, demagogue, partisan politics it is old Fancy Pants. At least Mr Brison won't be able to tip off his investor friends with inappropriate emails anymore now that he is no longer in government.
  28. David Gehring from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes: Brison's recent history of floor-crossing to the Liberals and tipping off his friends on the income trust tax change is politics from a politician (what more do you expect?), but I think people are forgetting that he did a terrible job as Minister of Public Works. All he did was make that department even slower and more bureaucractic than it already was, and I think he should be judged more on his administrative competence (or lack thereof) than his opportunistic political values.
  29. Canadian Girl from Toronto, Canada writes: Hey Liz ... #23 ... he left a party over a human rights issue ... over equal treatment, and not being subjected to inequality .. because of choice .. This forum is about posting intelligent thought .. it's not for random comments that take more energy to type out, than they do to cognitively synthesize .. In the end .. comments like No. 23 and the rest .. mostly liberal bashing .. involve no thought .. and some sort of SNL slapstick humour .. Save that for the comic strips .. we've got some ....cowboy hat, hockey playing son' tax breaks, never been out of this country save for a resort in mexico, gaining 15 lbs over the last year, rule by the bible, not by the wants of the country .. butt to kick! The best part of this race is that we get to HEAR ideas ... no tape over the mouth, i write your scripts .. dictatorship ... i LOVE IT!
  30. Michele K from Ottawa, Canada writes: I'm with poster #25 on this one - can't believe what ideological conservatives will stoop to in order to smear Brison. And why bother to stoop anyway - that little e-mail indiscretion is all I need to tell me this is not someone suitable to lead the Liberal party or this country. Like #25, I'm a red Tory, but I could vote Liberal, and I could vote for a guy that crossed the floor as Brison did. What I cannot do is vote for a liar and a cheat, and this is a party that absolutely cannot afford to let itself be led by such a person. I cannot get over the ego it must take to be caught in such a lie and still think you've got what it takes to lead the country - a Liberal party of the same old, same old, maybe - but not the new squeaky-clean one that the Liberal party will have to be in order to gain power again.
  31. Steve D from St. John's, Canada writes: $2,200 for all that land. I wonder, did anyone have inside information? Just kidding. Brison doesn't stand a chance. Not kidding.
  32. Steve D from St. John's, Canada writes: His sexual orientation is relevant in only one regard. The decorating bill for Sussex Drive would make the gun registry cost look like pocket change. Watch the Home Improvement channel for a few days and then tell me I'm stereotyping. But seriously folks, the e-mail and his response finished him off, rendering his candidacy a complete joke.
  33. Ian in Ottawa from Ottawa, Canada writes: To #29, Brison (like Stronach) left the Conservatives in a snit because he lost the leadership, and not for 'human rights' issues. Gimme a break. In any other country, Brison would be facing criminal charges for his little email to his buddy. The fact that sleaze like Brison and Volpe are still able to run for leadership, shows just how arrogant and out-of-touch the gLiberals still are with the average voter.
  34. J. Visser from Canada writes: At one time Scott Brison had the respect of a good many Canadians,but I'm afraid no longer.As a PC he villified the liberals and Paul Martin in language no other MP even thought of,as a new liberal he used the same gutter language in question period against the opposition party. No wonder respect cannot be afforded to such a person.Canadians may ever hope this man will never attain any high lever position in a future Govt, whenever that may be.For the time being the present conservative Govt. with PM Harper will fit the bill just nicely. In due time a liberal Govt will no doubt be leading the Country, but only after it has cleansed itself and has a leader who can be trusted,and that does seem to be a long way off given the present mix of candidates.
  35. Have Pun Will Travel from Canada writes: Re: poster #32, Steve D: Stevie, my man, you be treading on thin ice there. Some folks in Tarana' would scratch your eyes out for your implications! Thanks for a very funny post just the same.
  36. Devin Harris from Aurora, Canada writes: I just can't believe how many of these comments are directed at Scott Brison's sexual orientation. If we could all get past the fact that he is openly homosexual, and a harmless email that was blown WAY out of proportion, we might come to realise that Mr. Brison actually has some very inciteful ideas for this country. I would argue that a fiscally conservative, socially liberal Prime Minister would do this country a great deal of good. But then again who cares about fostering political interest and intelligent debates, when we can talk about how gay he is ...
  37. robert marshall from Scarborough, Canada writes: The liberal don't need new ideas. They need a new party. Someone get the demonlition ball and break this party down.

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