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PMO: Officials only got briefing from Obama campaign

The Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 4:24 PM EDT 07/03/08

Harper's office says no NAFTA plans were given by Clinton campaign ...Read the full article

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  1. Georges Clermont from Canada writes: The PM can only blame himself for this mess: he chooses his aides and lately, they've been on ego-trips themselves.
    One never heard from Mr Mulroney's chiefs of staff or aides nor for that matter from Chretien's.
    They were better judges of people.
  2. William Ross from Victoria BC, Canada writes: I love this story a whole lot of noise about something that will never happen. This story also gives Harper a chance to hold up Dion for a few rounds until the next confidence vote. Which is my idea why Harper will play out the clock on the cadman and nafta issues as they are they are safe from any serious political consequences. Stay tuned for the next confidence vote folks.
  3. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: Not enough for the CP reporter to 'report' the news but also had to put in that little sarcastic dig ' it took Stephen Harper's office two days to make that simple statement' and then they (the media) why people in general are mistrustful of them or don't like them! I imagine everything in their own lives are perfect and beyond any kind of reproach.
  4. B Fulsom from Menlo Park, United States writes: He said / she said versus hard copy evidence. Forget it. The damage to Obama has already been done, Clinton wins this round. Next?
  5. Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: Remember there are some very big negatives in the NAFTA agreement for Canada and one -in my humble opinion - is that we cannot charge Canadians for oil at a price lower than we charge the Americans. Then there is the superlative feature for Corporations which could override the Government (Ch.11, I think). And there are more. So, I don't think that we should be afraid to open NAFTA, especially if there is a severe downturn in the great U.S.A.
  6. Jamie Wilson from Englishtown, Canada writes: It doesn't surprise me that Brodie can't remember specifics. Most politicians try so hard to say nothing that they can't exclude the possibility that might actually have said something.
  7. Kevin Desmoulin from Toronto, Canada writes: R. M. from Regina, Canada
    Not enough for the CP reporter to 'report' the news but also had to put in that little sarcastic dig ' it took Stephen Harper's office two days to make that simple statement'

    No I can see it as part of this story as an important part.
    This government does react very slowly. must be bc they fly by the seat of their pants and no real thought just an ideology and reaction the trouble they create, worst of course we got to pick the pieces like we still doing here in Ontario.
  8. Rachel M. from Movie-lover from Hollywood North, Canada writes: The off-handed remark is just that. No vast right wing conspiracy against Obama. Actually Brodie may have mistakenly mention Clinton. In any case, he should be reprimand as the words of a chief of staff is not to be frivolous, has to be careful to what he said.

    In regards to the memo leaked by a possible diplomat. That should be investigated as it may be intentional.

    Ultimately, the key thing is does Obama (or Clinton) really believe their public rhetoric and is just playing political games. He cannot provide a satisfactory answer. For a presidential aspirant, this is telling.

    Someone need to add Obama and Clinton to the 90's TV movie called 'Vote for me: Politics in America'. They will be starring right next to the likes of GWB.
  9. jamie yavis from Canada writes: Politicians squirming .... you gotta like it!

    Twist, bend, manipulate, and massage the truth so it spins not logically, but so that it sounds good.

    And we pay them to do this, so who is the most illogical?
  10. Brian C from Canada writes: Once upon a time, credible news providers checked their sources info. Now, they just report any old garbage and then blame it on their sources.
  11. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: This leak goes on and on. Keep sticking it to the Obama campaign, and this time do it openly!
  12. prospector from blackfly country from Canada writes: If the media has been perturbed by the gov't's secrecy and isolation before, then they are in for a real treat. After the way they've been treated lately by reporters, they'll be lucky to get the time of day.

    I used to think politicians were a bunch of low-lifes but lately I think the media has them beat.

    What a bunch of jerks.
  13. Les Caine from Canada writes: Mr. Harper said that his government “regretted the fact that information has come out that would imply that Senator Obama has been saying different things in public than in private. The government of Canada does not condone this and certainly regrets any implication.”

    Harpers' statement appears to be more evidence of culpability than an apology.
  14. Jamie Wilson from Englishtown, Canada writes: Let me tell You How It Is from Seattle, Washington, United States.

    Canadians don't think they are perfect, just better than Americans. Americans don't think they are perfect either, just better than everyone.
    By the By. We know where Seattle is
  15. Hound Dog from Canada, Canada writes: This is all a grand scheme of Harper.

    The longer this issue stays in the media, the more it damages Obama’s chances of winning the Democratic leadership race and hence the Presidency.

    Harper is not interested in getting to the bottom of this issue anytime soon because keeping it in the media means more damage to the Obama campaign.

    Harper believes quite correctly that Obama would beat McCain while Clinton would probably lose to McCain. So he is out to destroy Obama and hence ensure that McCain and Republicans win the Presidency.
  16. Clark The Mighty from Canada writes: HARPER IS THE JIMMY KIMMEL OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS!

    Overweight, not to bright and soon to be forgotten.
  17. Wall Flower from Canada writes: This is getting ridiculous!!! Fire Brodie and be done with this already!
  18. Joe Loria, card carrying Conservative from Calgary, Canada writes: Once again, this is worth pointing out ...

    Any comments Ian Brodie made to reporters in the budget lockup were
    not for attribution*

    This means that his comments may be quoted directly,
    *but the source may only be identified in general terms

    Inside the lockup, there was an understanding between Brodie and the reporters. Brodie would be more open in his comments, and in return the reporters agreed NOT to identify him as the source.

    One (or more reporters) broke that very important agreement.

    Another excellent example of why Harper treads carefully when dealing with reporters.
  19. Wall Flower from Canada writes: 'Let me tell You How It Is from Seattle, Washington, United States writes: I almost fell off my freakin chair and split my sides open laughing so hard at how Canadians take themselves seriously at these made up 'scandals' and 'crisis' '

    Shut up Affleck
  20. L M87 from Calgary, Canada writes: So... not only is Brodie a dufus, he's also got his facts wrong. And he's Harpie's right hand man?
  21. jamie yavis from Canada writes: Why can't we fire them both?
  22. Michael Lawrence Gallagher from Nashville, TN, United States writes: Please ask the following question of Harper's government:

    Was there any unsolicited contact by the Clinton campaign to Brodie or anyone else in Harper's government? The denial above is cute, but i think it misses the point. Even if there was no official meeting, was any contact made?

    'They were asked whether Canadian officials asked for — or received — a briefing from a Clinton campaign representative outlining her plans for NAFTA should she be elected president.'

    So there was no a briefing, but that does not mean there was no contact.
  23. M P from Canada writes: The Canadian media is the only one making any noise over this so-called 'NAFTA-gate'. The American media has barely mentioned it at all.

    I guess we can chalk this up to Canada's constant need to ourselves seem important and relevant to anyone but ourselves.
  24. Bill Harrison from Canada writes: More editorialized comment from Canadian Press. Must have been written by Jennifer Ditchburn. Ever since Harper was elected prime minister, the media has been asking for more openness from the government. So, Harper's chief of staff chats with some media types and the content of the conversation becomes a cause celebre. I don't blame the Conservatives for not wanting too much interaction with the media and I certainly don't blame them for not wanting to be on Politics with Don Newman. Too many media types in the past two years have voiced their determination to do all they can to defeat the Harper government. Miss Erickson come to mind?
  25. J S from Toronto, Canada writes: Where's the RCMP investigation? Right now officers should be storming the PMO's office on this and the Cadman affair. The Conservatives didn't hesitate to call in the RCMP to investigate the Liberal finance minister during the last federal election, why are they hesitating now? I thought the federal Conservatives were open and accountable for their actions? Their actions are telling me they have double standards - one for Liberals and the other for themselves.
  26. Gary Dare from Portland, Oregon, Canada, writes: M P writes, 'The American media has barely mentioned it at all.' A good point, I have only seen it mentioned on CNN's Lou Dobbs (twice), Fox News' 'Your World with Neil Cavuto', MSBNC's 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann', 'The Daily Show' plus a couple of NBC Night News online news clips, The Oregonian, the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times.
  27. Jamie Wilson from Englishtown, Canada writes: Michael Lawrence Gallagher from Nashville, TN, United States

    I don't mean to be flippant but you may get more results if someone down your way asked those questions. Many of us are rather embarassed by this, even if we can't agree on what actually happened or who was responsible.
    Congrats on the primaries and caucuses, I won't make any prediction or express a preference but you guys are having an election year we can only dream about these days.
    Good Luck!
  28. Ice Rider from Canada writes: I hope Obama wins the presidential election and then comes back to interfere in Harper's and the Tories' re-election plans. I'll bet he'll do a much better job than that bunch of arrogant hillbillies.
  29. Erica the Red from Canada writes: So then it appears that Mr. Brodie lied when he told the CTV reporters it was Clinton?
    I think we see a pattern here.... b.s. everywhere.

    And the reporter is right to point out it took this gang two days to get their stories straight -- what would happen if they had to respond to something REALLY important (i.e. terrorist attack) that wasn't in their carefully planned playbook?

    Really, they should stop attacking Ontario and start getting their act together. Blaming Dion because they don't like which scandal he's asking them about is all too funny, too....
  30. Kilgore Trout from So it goes, Canada writes: To Let me tell You How It Is from Seattle: I guess you don't watch CNN, it was on that for a day or so.
  31. Erica the Red from Canada writes: J S from Toronto, Canada writes: Where's the RCMP investigation? Right now officers should be storming the PMO's office on this and the Cadman affair. The Conservatives didn't hesitate to call in the RCMP to investigate the Liberal finance minister during the last federal election, why are they hesitating now? I thought the federal Conservatives were open and accountable for their actions? Their actions are telling me they have double standards - one for Liberals and the other for themselves.

    Right on, J S, right on. Funny how their perspective changes...
  32. S L from Canada writes: It seems to me that Obama is either naive and inexperienced, or he has a 'secret agenda', a term so fondly used in Canadian politics during Chretien's era. In any case, since he and Clinton and McCain all are potentially the President of the US, any musing from them to change NAFTA will affect Canada, and that IS news, and the Canadian media have an obligation to report it, leaks or no leaks.
  33. Vern McPherson from writes: When will the harperites release the rumor that Obama throws rocks at airplanes ?

    Don't laugh it's common practive in Republicanland and now, thanks to the COns it is so in Canada............
  34. Brad Fgroupthinkn from Canada writes: Hey this is great, our PM conspires with another US politician to further their respective political interests- how qauint!
    What about a little jam for your consitiuents Steveoreno?
    signed, Black and Brown
  35. Ice Rider from Canada writes: Let me tell You How It Is from Seattle, Washington, United States -- this is what happens when you rely on Faux News for your information. Keep it up. After they destroyed your economy, creating a trillion-dollar deficit and sending thousands of jobs to India and China, after they destroyed your standing on the world stage with their needless wars and torture gulags in Guantanamo and elsewhere, after they lied to and wiretapped your fellow Americans, Bush and the Republican party will be a faded memory come November and Obama can spend his first term blaming them -- and voters like you -- for the terrible mess that the U.S. is in. Get used to it. You made your bed and now you will ahve to lie in it. I hope Bill o'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh will be enough to keep you happy then.
  36. Kilgore Trout from So it goes, Canada writes: To Let me tell You How It Is from Seattle: Your equation for position of parties is a good indicator of your views and is rather misinformed. I see you eat your daily spew of Republican diatribe and actually believe it. Your choice.
  37. Erica the Red from Canada writes: 'Mr. Brodie does not deny downplaying the Democrats' anti-NAFTA rhetoric in a conversation with CTV, but he says he cannot recall mentioning any specific presidential candidate.'

    Wait a sec -- I thought they said he didn't recall the conversation at all.

    Now he recalls downplaying the anti-NAFTA rhetoric... but not mentioning specific candidates. Again, here we see the 'evolution' in the Tory 'story':
    1) Deny
    2) Blame the Liberals
    3) Deny some more, and then, when confronted with evidence to the contrary
    4) Leak a few details to CTV
    5) Lather, rinse and repeat.
  38. edward prior from Canada writes: jamie yavis: you come closest to hitting on it. It took this long for the PMO to make such a statement because they have been spending the time working backroom chats and conversations with people south of the border to try to arrange damage control.
    Still Ms. Buckle is as believable as swampland for sale. Her position is, first and foremost, to allow the PM plausible deniability (ie: HE didn't say anything) and/or to provide a scapegoat should things blow up through a misspeek. Gawd, one almost wants to say: Mr. Harper, I knew Margaret Tutwiler and Sandra is no Margaret Tutwiler.
  39. A Celt from Pt Darlington, Canada writes: I just love the comment from Seattle - as it is so true...
    Canadian Conservative Party= US Democratic Party - a little to the left
    Canadian Liberal Party= US Communist Party
    Canadian NDP Party= Kim's North Korean totalitarian Communist regime

    Love to see Comrade Layton in Kim's attire - where's a cartoonist when you need one?
  40. Justin Campbell from Ottawa, Canada writes: Let me tell You How It Is from Seattle, Washington, United States writes: 'Are you kidding me? No one down here has heard of this or cares about this 'crisis' created by the Perfect People who have delusions of their own self-importance.'

    LMTYHII: Of your numerous posts, I don't think I've seen you issue a single one that doesn't cut up or criticize Canadians en masse. It must be so reassuring to live in such a simplistic world.
  41. Gary Dare from Portland, Oregon, Canada, writes: Rachel M. writes, 'In regards to the memo leaked by a possible diplomat. That should be investigated as it may be intentional.' Intentional or not, wouldn't sitting on the comments of Austan Goulsby also be deemed 'interference' in some quarters?

    This is like learning that your sibling's spouse is having an affair. Suddenly, you're on the hot seat ...
  42. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: Gary Dare: You say the story isn't getting much media coverage, but you are talking about national media.

    How is the story playing out in the local media in Pennsylvania, on Youtube and in the door-to-door campaigning?
  43. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: Gary Dare: I didn't mean to suggest that you, living in Portland, should know all about the campaigning in Pennsylvania! My question was more general in nature: How is this story playing out locally?
  44. martha davidson from Vancouver, Canada writes: This story has been all over the US networks yesterday and today. Seems like Harpers office is desperate for some Bill Clinton type of 'attention pie'. Meanwhile back at the Canadian ranch, it sure would be nice to reopen those NAFTA agreements. To regain control of our natural resources, what a concept!! Of course with our water ways bound into the NAFTA agreements, maybe the politicians won't have a river left to sell us down.
  45. Frank Godfrey from Canada writes: Yes, lets open up NAFTA. Maybe even Mulroney will change his mind about it, again.
  46. Catherine S. from Canada writes: The media is missing the point - again. Obama basically lied about his NAFTA opposition when he was campaigning in OHIO. Our media was trying really hard to promote Obama as some sort of saviour for the Americans - until their bubble burst and exposed Obama as nothing more than the run of the mill politician, who talks out of both sides of his mouth.
  47. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Joe Loria:-- And, once again, Joe, the 'not for attribution' proviso applied to Finance Department staff, not the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff. As I mentioned the last time you tried this specious angle, Finance employees might well not appreciate the political implications of any 'deep background' comments that they might make about the budget, hence the restrictions. Mr. Brodie, however, as Mr. Harper's Chief of Staff, could be expected to understand the political implications of his extemporaneous utterances. Furthermore, the suggestion that reporters had to be advised by Mr. Brodie that anything politicians say has to 'be taken with a grain of salt' is laughable. The least savvy of voters understands that fact.

    D. B. from Greater Sask.:-- Did you read Norman Spector's column in today's print edition? Yikes. All the 'left-wing media conspiracy' whiners on here would be shocked that Mr. Spector is so critical of Mr. Harper, but they likely didn't notice because they are busy slagging other reporters.
  48. Prantha Trivedi from Culver City, United States writes: (The individual from Seattle is ignorant. He is not in a state with an upcoming election, so he is not seeing the ads by the Clinton machine and the local press accounts.)

    That being said, I cannot believe that Canada is meddling so much in the Obama campaign in the United States! What's wrong with them? HOW CAN YOU CANADIANS GET YOUR PM'S OFFICE TO STOP MALIGNING OBAMA? Can you get Harper to SHUT UP? This is simply outrageous.

    IF OBAMA GETS ELECTED, DESPITE THE PM'S ATTEMPTS TO DESTROY HIS REPUTATION AND DERAIL THE CAMPAIGN; DON'T EXPECT ANY FAVORS FROM THE US.

    YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW. (Galatians 6:7)
  49. Preston Jacob from Canada writes: For the posters including MP who feel this is having no impact in the US, please read this excerpt from todays NYTimes.

    Did Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s top political assistant set in motion the events that ultimately led to criticism that Mr. Obama was only posturing when he promised to reopen the Nafta trade pact? Who leaked a memorandum from the Canadian Consulate in Chicago that summarized the conversation with an adviser to Mr. Obama? And did the Canadian government commit the ultimate sin of interfering in an election of a foreign ally?

    The debate flared Thursday, when a report suggested that it was idle chatter by Ian Brodie, Mr. Harper&8217;s chief of staff, that led to a news report last week by CTV, a Canadian television network. That report put Mr. Obama, of Illinois, under scrutiny about whether he was sincere in his criticism of Nafta while campaigning in Ohio, a state where many voters blame the trade deal for a loss of jobs.
  50. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Prantha Trivedi:-- No thinking Canadian is pleased with these events, but you ought to keep in mind that the U.S. has interfered in other nations' democratic processes on more than one occasion. Not being sufficiently familiar with the Book to offer chapter and verse, I'll simply say, 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'
  51. Brad Fgroupthinkn from Canada writes: Prantah, Bildberg Group approved Hillary so Bama has no chance.
    Signed Black and Brown.
  52. G H from Woodstock, Canada writes: Hey Seattle ... you silly yahoo ... let us just see how important Canada will become when the mideast shuts off your oil supply ... or Canada turns the tap off the fresh water. Typical for anyone from the US ... so caught up in their own self importance. Such as PM Harper ... who thinks he is above reproach to his own electorate ... whoops ... that is unless you live in Alberta
  53. IAM Perplexed from NYC, United States writes: This is absurd! This is not an issue in the US. It was isolated to the Ohio primaries and never hit other jurisdictions. It is forgotten - why is the Canadian press making such a big deal over empty campaign rhetoric? Is there nothing better to report these days than manufactured stories?
  54. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: d-m: I confess, I just read the Spector article after you told me about it! Our media are not doing their job regarding the Manley report and are giving a free pass to Mr. Harper, and the Manley commission members aren't doing their job! All that and more from Mr. Spector!
  55. John Onuaillain from Canada writes: Why in hell should we believe anything that the Prime Minister's press flack tells us about this or any other issue? There is a pattern here of her (and other member's of his staff) to be, let's say, less than candid. Can you imagine the wailing and whining the conservatives (and the national media for that matter) would be doing if the situation were reversed, and it was discovered that a Liberal administration had interfered in a US election in support of Democratic candidate? The US Republican party and Conservative party use the same political consultants. It is a known fact the Republican party would rather run in November against Senator Clinton than against Senator Obama. Our Prime Minister and his flacks intentionally and directly interfered in the US campaign in a flagrant and probably illegal attempt to manipulate the electorate. And they did that while being paid on the Canadian taxpayer's dime. The media, including the G&M needs to do their job and get to the bottom of this and quickly.
  56. looking on from Canada writes: Layton says American are upset---Mr.Layton the average American on the street do not know where Canada is. Also some Britsh people were interveiwed last night and said'so what'. It is interesting that the boss of CTV has told his reporters 'to put a lid on it'. Well-well
    This is just more dribble from the Libs and NDP who have nothing to do with their time.
  57. Percy from NL from Canada writes: There they go, playing their warped political games again.
    Violating diplomatic confidentiality at the politcal level is a very serious matter. It sets Canada up as a country not to be trusted through its diplomatic channels. That can be a very dangerous game indeed. But for this PMO full of political game junkies just can't help themselves. This further release of information on the Obama campaign proves that. You can bet that the channels are wide open between Harper and the White House right now.
    The major problem is, as in the case of all junkies, it's the people around them who really pay the price for their behavior. Before too much damage is done to the Conservative party and this country, this PMO needs to be forced into rehab.
  58. Hank M from Hamilton, ON, Canada writes: Obama's foreign advisor calls Clinton an monster (off the record?) and gets fired immediately. Will we ever see such accountability here in Canada?
  59. Paul H from Canada writes: Love the moronic comments that imply Mr. Harper is trying to influence the American Presidential race. I guess anything that denigrates Mr. Harper is a positive in some circles, no matter how imbecilic it is.
  60. No Name from Vancouver, Canada writes: This kind of slime makes me feel sick to be Canadian. So, which idiot was so eager to label themselves as being legally brain-dead solely for the meagre privilege of spreading some juicy pollitical gossip? Do we still have a death penalty for treason kicking around somewhere? There was no conceivable advantage to the nation in using such petty, dirty tricks -- Canada's real power in the world resides in as being as transparent as possible, while still exercising the discretion critical in ensuring that all foreign governments come to trust us in their dealings with us. Part of this trust has been seriously undermined. This leak is nothing more than sabotage.

    Fry these public servants.
  61. Gary Dare from Portland, Oregon, Canada, writes: D.B. writes, "My question was more general in nature: How is this story playing out locally?" Oregon is yet to have its primaries, the general theme out here is a) "Our votes count for a change!" and b) the substance of the leak, not that it came from Canada, will be raised in the upcoming rounds of Clinton vs Obama. But maybe not as an Ultimate Fighting match as posed by Rob Riggle on a recent "Daily Show".

    By the way, my early reply was sarcasm ... it has played out on my weekday menu of political news comedy shows the past 7 days.
  62. D.A. M from Canada writes: The PMO can't be honest about anything. They flip-flop weekly. Then they hide the truth by using U.S. Republican attack strategies. Big losers, our government.
  63. Stan L from Canada writes: Hank M from Hamilton, ON, Canada writes: Obama's foreign advisor calls Clinton an monster (off the record?) and gets fired immediately. Will we ever see such accountability here in Canada?

    I would say, don't hold your breath....Harper can't even extend the courtesy of suspending Brodie while the investigation is on, such a show of disrespect to the Americans baffles me...one would think that the logical thing to do is apoligize, promise to get to the bottom of it by launching and impartial investigation and suspending Brodie while it is going on as there is clear eveidence of his invovlement at this point.....that would be logical, shut his critics down, impart the idea to the americans that we take the matter seriously and are treating it as such........the fact that he is bungling this comes as no surprise however.....I hope Brodie appreciates the bullet that Harper has caught for him.
  64. Alyssa Watson from Canada writes: Shame something like this has to put Canada on the Map in the US.
  65. Duane Freemantle from writes: Someone in Harper's office was trying to influence the American presidential race. It is harder to understand, why someone would try and defend the PMO on this issue. So one needs to be fired over the leak, and Ian Brodie needs to be fired. Either he did not properly supervise his staff, or he is directly responsible. This is something a true leader who have done already.
  66. Peter Kells from Bytown, Canada writes: Given Mr. Harper's style of micro-management, is this not a test of his abilities? Mr. Brodie serves at the pleasure of Mr. Harper and is very closely instructed in the wishes of the PM. Also, to pretend that information of this importance was shielded from the PMO is pure fantasy.

    So at the end of the day, Mr. Harper blew it however I am sure that he will find some lowly embassy employee to "blame" for the breach of confidence. Such is the way of idealogues who take no personal responsibility for their actions.
  67. View from the Middle from Canada writes: Looks like Harpo's chess game has collapsed. Not so good a player after all.
  68. Don Jenkins from Canada writes: Who can tell anything from the pack of lies that is the Canadian government under Stephen Harper? Confuse, confuse. If Canadians have a whit of self-esteem, they will oust this lying childish gossipy partisan megalomaniac and stop being enthralled with the thrill of trying to figure out his don't-catch-me-I-peed-the-bed strategies, which you compliment him by calling brilliant instead of what they are: bratty.
  69. Saul Rosenbluth from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Georges Clermont from Canada writes: The PM can only blame himself for this mess: he chooses his aides and lately, they've been on ego-trips themselves.
    One never heard from Mr Mulroney's chiefs of staff or aides nor for that matter from Chretien's.
    They were better judges of people.

    ===============================

    When average Canadians get to know the name of a political staffer, that political staffer has blown it. The successful Principal Secretary, Chief of Staff etc should be completely unknown to the public.
  70. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    Everybody is screaming and yelling.

    Didn't the NDP introduce a 'CPC sucks at everything' non-confidence motion today?

    The vote is Tuesday the 11th.

    Call your LPC MP and demand that they support this motion.

    If not, Dion should resign,.....now....
  71. Geoffrey May from Canada writes: The Green Party of Canada stands alone calling for re-negotiation of NAFTA
  72. Johnny Canuck from Canada writes: Old Tali ban Jac k loves the USA. I've often wodered why he hasn't moved down their to pursue his gay marriage agenda?
  73. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    What is also lost in all of this is that Obama said one thing on the campaign trail and then told the principles involved he was only making campaign noises.

    Obama to Hillary, "You're racist."
    Hillary to Obama, "You're sexist."

    McCain will eat these guys for breakfast.

    Democrats are flakes.
    So are Liberals.
  74. Saul Rosenbluth from Winnipeg, Canada writes: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/07/mann.obama/
  75. Saul Rosenbluth from Winnipeg, Canada writes: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/us/politics/07nafta.html?ref=world
  76. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    "Geoffrey May from Canada writes: The Green Party of Canada stands alone calling for re-negotiation of NAFTA"

    Elizabeth May was told by God Himself that she needed to save Canada.

    It turns out God sent her a memo on trade as well.
  77. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: spicydoc:-- Enveloping each sentence in its very own paragraph is a form of screaming and yelling, spicy. I suppose that by now that someone ought to serve you a Keg-sized meal of crow ("this story doesn't have legs").
  78. Saul Rosenbluth from Winnipeg, Canada writes: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/04/AR2008030403413.html
  79. Thaddius Stevens from Pittsburgh, United States writes: I am an American that has visited a good swath of Canada from Vancouver to Quebec. I have found Canadians to be a friendly and educated people. That is why I am surprised at the stereotyping of Americans as ignorant bumf***s. Sure, we have some, but please do not assume that all of us are.
  80. James Tod from Vancouver, Canada writes: Honestly, I'm not sure what is more disturbing: one: that what Obama's staff breifed our officials was leaked, or that Clinton did not breif us at all.
  81. garlick toast from Canada writes: Johnny Canuck from Canada writes: Old Tali ban Jac k loves the USA. I've often wodered why he hasn't moved down their to pursue his gay marriage agenda?

    ----------------------------------------------------

    thinking of joining him?
  82. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    diane--

    Read Saul's links, especially the NYT one.

    It immediately comments about how this issue has died down in the US (as I suggested it would), but remains front and centre in Canada. I believe my point remains valid--no crow yet.

    BTW, the NYT gives lots of ink to Layton. Not about his Lou Dobbs appearance, but about his QP questions.

    I hope you won't suggest that Jack somehow tricked the NYT into giving him more than the Warholian 15 minutes you alluded to yesterday. Go Jack.

    BTWBTW--an Obamaphile Pulitzer Prize winner called Hillary a monster. Hmmm.

    BTWBTWBTW--The extra spacing improves readability. They teach that early on at blog school for non-partisan truth seekers--you should join....
  83. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes: "spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:
    BTWBTWBTW--The extra spacing improves readability. They teach that early on at blog school for non-partisan truth seekers--you should join..."

    I went to that school.
    Extra spacing is EASIER to read.
    I'm with spicydoc on this one.

    You bet I am.

    All the way.

    Forever, like.

    Uh huh.
  84. Don Jenkins from Canada writes: Thaddius Stevens from Pittsburgh, United States: don't worry, those jerks represent about 0.0001% of us, and howl on these boards because we haven't figured out the right to institutionalize them yet. The rest of us are here as third floor wardens, so to speak.
  85. garlick toast from Canada writes: i though the''spacing'' referred to his state of mind.
  86. david ding from Kelowna, Canada writes: Ian Brodie is a good scholar who got into this political mess. Maybe it's time for him to return to the academia.
  87. looking on from Canada writes: Attention Hank M. Get your facts right. Obama's man was not fired he quit...Got it?
  88. T. Andersen from Calgary, Canada writes: Funny how the Harper government is so eager to make almost every issue a confidence vote yet on this or Cadman, Harper doesn't seem so keen.
  89. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    garlick toast from Canada writes:

    "i though the''spacing'' referred to his state of mind."

    You're still just warming up, I hope. Maybe we need to get a few drinks into you---that'll help sharpen your usually acerbic jibes :)
  90. Northern Princess from Canada writes: M P from Canada writes: The Canadian media is the only one making any noise over this so-called 'NAFTA-gate'. The American media has barely mentioned it at all.

    I would like to point out that your post was not verified.

    The Americans are mentioning it:
    1) Mrs. Clinton's site:
    http://www.justhillary.com/index.php
    under the caption
    http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080306/wlcanadaafp/canadausdemocratsvotediplomacy080306200531

    2)USA News
    http://www.newser.com/thread/117-1.html?refid=sem    gaconthrd&gclid=COeqkr2w_JECFQyhQwod62Hawg
    http://www.newser.com/story/20998.html

    I would love to do more research, however, you can do it yourselves ... might be educational.
  91. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: spicydoc:-- I think it's fair to say that very large campaigns, with their huge staffs, are bound to have some sort of inconvenient eruption. Staff members, many of whom are volunteers, get a little too emotionally involved and begin to demonize the other side - for examples of this, look no further than these fora. The higher up in an organization one is, the more circumspection and self-monitoring would naturally be expected. Mr. Brodie erred and he did so from near the top of the food-chain. Furthermore, Mr. Harper took an inadvisably long time to respond to the developing crisis and, when he did, took refuge in denial.

    The American Jewish community, a powerful lobby despite its relatively small size (about 2% of the population), is doing its best to derail/discredit Mr. Obama because it does not trust him. Ann Coulter is feeding into that by referring to him as B. Hussein Obama in the hope that Mr. McCain will face Ms. Clinton. Unconscionable. But, watch where the attempts come from.

    spicydoc/Michael Sharp:-- You have both just admitted that you attended Troll Academy. That, or you believe that length (of post) bespeaks quality ;-). I have to admit to scrolling past both lengthy blocks of unbroken type and attention-getting (but rarely delivering) spaced-out posts. As usual, moderation is the best policy.
  92. Alan Botvinick from New York, United States writes: This is absolutely shameful. Canada is a disgrace. Many folks in the U.S. are very angry with Canada. Tampering with the electoral process is an attack on the sovereignty of our country.

    Do you folks realize that if a U.S. Citizen tried to tamper with our electoral process from a high level of government that it would be considered treason.

    I don't know what the laws are in Canada but it appears that the folks behind this deliberate attempt to undermine the U.S. are getting away with nothing but a slap in the wrist. I expect that there will be an appropriate punishment for this crime. People either should be fired or sent to jail. What kind of government are you guys running here.

    It seems that the conservative party up north is helping the conservative party in the U.S. to tamper with our Democratic Party.

    We have always called Canada our friends to the North. With friends like this who needs enemies.
  93. garlick toast from Canada writes: spacey doc,truth be told,my heart's not really in it. the ottawa gong show is pretty entertaining in a freakish way.but then i think about the body bags and the ''collateral damage'' and i get pissed off.
  94. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    diane marie--

    You begin a post with 'spicydoc' and it ends with 'As usual, moderation is the best policy.'

    I didn't read the middle stuff because it just looks like a big black blob of fancy words.

    Sorry, but I skip over big black blobs.

    Come join us the great non-partisan truth seeker acadamy--we will teach you how to space nicely AND create posts that don't annoy most of its readers....
  95. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Alan Botvinick:-- The whole thing is very unfortunate, however you should realize that only about one-third of Canadians (at the moment) support our version of the conservative party. Recent polls put Canadian support for the Democrats at 4-to-1 over the Republicans - which means that many so-called Canadian conservatives prefer the Democrats, no matter which candidate they eventually choose. I think you should recall that you've (unfortunately) experienced your own political tampering with elections - need I mention Katherine Harris?
  96. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: garlick toast:-- Did you read Norman Spector today? He made the same point, and in a very harsh way.
  97. Expert Eel from Give Steve the Heave, Canada writes: Amazing how a slip of the tongue from a muzzled staff can cause problems.

    Maybe the muzzle isn't on tight enough?
  98. J Birch from Hamilton, Canada writes:

    Spin Spin Spin Spin Spin Spin Spin Spin Spin Spin Spin Spin Spin Spin Spin

    Hope Tubby Harper enjoys IT while he can because he is burnt toast after the next election. Burnt toast and a has been. The Party of the Avro Arrow will return to a footnote of history, no vision, no integrity, no delivery. ZIP - RIP

    CON times are wasted times

    .
  99. Expert Eel from Give Steve the Heave, Canada writes: spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    diane marie--

    You begin a post with 'spicydoc' and it ends with 'As usual, moderation is the best policy.'

    I didn't read the middle stuff because it just looks like a big black blob of fancy words.

    Sorry, but I skip over big black blobs.

    TRANSLATION:

    dumb down your posts a little for me, I am not very smart.
  100. spicydoc the great non-partisan truth seeker, (a name stolen from diane marie), Canada writes:

    Expert Eel--

    Your last post is nicely spaced.

    I didn't read it because experience has shown that you usually just make junior-high level 'jokes'.

    You know, if Obama hadn't sent his guy to Canada to tell us he was just funnin' about NAFTA, none of this would be happening.

    It's as if I'm having an affair, tell my friend, and he tells my spouse.

    Come to think of it, I WOULD kick the sh!t out of my friend. However, I would also accept that it was my betrayal that killed the honeymoon...
  101. Don Jenkins from Canada writes: spicydoc is the experiential gatekeeper of a healthy relationship.
  102. Expert Eel from Give Steve the Heave, Canada writes: spicydoc what country are you from?

    The only country that has "junior-high" is the U.S. in which case I would like to ask you to stop interfering in Canadian politics and to stop lying about your location.

    anyway, I'm sorry, I did try to dumb things down a little for you but I see that you didn't really make it past "junior-high". I can't stoop low enough to make elementary school level jokes so you will have to bear with me.
  103. jamie yavis from Canada writes: What if it is found Harpo himself leaked the memo through his aide, does the aide get fired, or Harpo?