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Rae returns to Commons as Liberal star

JOAN BRYDEN

THE CANADIAN PRESS

Latest comment posted at 4:30 PM EDT 18/03/08

Former Ontario premier wins Toronto riding, one of three Liberals to capture federal by-elections ...Read the full article

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  1. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: Here's a gem: "Canada's Conservative government pressed former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour to leave a top U.N. human rights post because she criticized the U.S. treatment of detainees in the war on terror and openly targeted abuses by Canadian and U.S. allies, diplomatic sources said." source: http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20080317/FOREIGN/330985359/1003.
    Just one more reason not so support the CPC in these byelections.
  2. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: There's a Strategic Counsel poll just released showing that only about one-third of Canadians' opinion of Harper changed as a result of the Cadman and NAFTA issues. Apparently, the other two-thirds of Canadians had opinions of Harper that were so low that these "scandals" fit right in with their negative opinions of the man so that they could not get any lower.
  3. rick from river city from Canada writes: Liberals only hope is that new blood will reverse their fortunes - no one amongs their current elected members can.
  4. Ripple in still water from Canada writes: Well, Bobby Dy, people are reading but not posting. I read your posts. I guess democracy will prevail tonight. But about CPC pressure on Ms. Arbour; that is taking interference in at-length groups' activities to a new height. For your reading pleasure, an article from the Halifax Chronicle-Herald. Just one highlight from me- two ex-Reform MPs say that when Chuck Cadman insists he was offered something, he was offered something, and perhaps by someone high up in Reform-Alliance at the time. The take in this article on the insurance offer is interesting too, quite plausible. The article is at http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1044086.html
  5. who's your daddy from Canada writes: If Mr Ray was the liberal leader they would be in power by now.
  6. Andrew E from Canada writes: Liberals have high hopes for Rae....

    I can't decide if I want to post "so did Ontario in 1990" or "somebody has to"
  7. Vern McPherson from writes: Libs win in TO Central and Wwillowdale by a close to 60 % margin.
  8. Vern McPherson from writes:
    "It demonstrates the “heft and quality” of the Liberal team, compared with “the robots on the other side with the gaffer tape on their mouths and the wind-up (keys) at the back.”

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

    That about says it all ................
  9. Vern McPherson from writes:
    In Toronto Central the Greena are out polling the cons lol !!!!

    And the margin is growing .............
  10. mike sty - from Canada writes: .
    .
    .
  11. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: You mean that Toronto Liberals have high hopes for Bob Rae...

    One week ago, they had high hopes for the Maple Leafs too...

    Ugh! Is that really the best the Liberals can do now?

    I must start looking into this Green Party...
  12. mike sty - from Canada writes: It demonstrates the heft and quality of the Liberal team, compared with the robots on the other side with the gaffer tape on their mouths and the wind-up (keys) at the back
    ----------
    Sweet
  13. Uncle Fester from Narnia, Ont., Canada writes: I hope that Rae and Ignatieff`s popularity contest takes some of the attention away from Dion. The less the country hears from Dion the better.
    Big deal, Rae is a floor crosser and failed Ont. premier. He`s not the first MP to sell his political stripes for status and fame....... Look at Harper.
  14. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Rae was a disaster as Premier of Ontario... Is this really the model MP for challenging economic times? Harper's team must be just licking their chops dragging the Rae files out... using a forklift, no doubt...

    Tell me that this is not happening!
    Torontonians have completely lost their minds!
  15. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Vern McPherson from writes: Libs win in TO Central and Wwillowdale by a close to 60 % margin

    VERNIE: Your post is a complete joke and qestions your credibility! Earlier today, you were vehement about how pecentages meant nothing...blah..blah... so now you quote percentages? Must be martini madness checking in........so you are forgiven for the evil spirits taking over your mind...

    Anyhow, this result shows how the people of this riding is all what's wrong about Toronto.-electing a former loser NDP premier....then again, as a poster mentioned on another thread, Bin Laden would have won that riding!

    Congratulations Martha Hall Findlay!

    The night has been a loser for the Libs. Close in Van.Q and losng in Saskatchewan is a message to Dion-a clear message........the LPC is on the downs.

    .
  16. Vern McPherson from writes: Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Rae was a disaster as Premier of Ontario... Is this really the model MP for challenging economic times? Harper's team must be just licking their chops dragging the Rae files out... using a forklift, no doubt...
    Tell me that this is not happening!
    Torontonians have completely lost their minds!

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

    Ship your oars Robert. Sounds like you can lie about Rae and Ontario like a little cheerleader and as instructed by your party's lieline but offer no truth as to the man's integrity, ability and dedication, patriotism and strengths.

    Your stund COns are trailing the NDP and the greens in this place. Now there is disaster ........................ total and complete irrelevance to 3 million key voters ........................
  17. Paul Meyer from Montrose, Canada writes: Bobby Dy: noticed you're busy posting the "Arbour news" in every forum on the internet.

    I'm sure she's happy to have you on her side, but her criticism of the US and Canada and total silence about Russia, China and Iran should tell the rest of us all we need to knwo about her, and you.

    Politically Incorrect: go to jail!
    Genocide: buy me dinner!

    The woman is a disgrace.
  18. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: Robert Miller, I would say that the last thing that we need is a former RCMP officer in Parliament pushing this phoney tough on crime agenda. On the other side of the coin, Harper has shown that he can't competently manage the federal budget in good economic times so I don't know how Rae could do much worse even if he were to go back to his activist youth and implement the same kinds of policies that he implemented in Ontario in tough economic times. By all accounts, based on slower than forecast growth, we are already in deficit territory at the federal level. Meanwhile, there is a 2% off sale every day. I know that I drive half way across the city every time a 2% off sale shows up as a flyer in my mailbox so I don't know how anybody could complain about throwing away $12 billion in flexibility to respond to hard economic times in favor of a 2% off sale.
  19. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Saskacewan riding: CPC ROMPS to VICTORY with 50% of the vote-a former Liberal seat where Dion's chosen candidate was soundly beaten again!

    Dion has NO judgement!

    .
  20. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: Paul Meyer, if you are going to focus on human rights abuses in countries such as these, you might want to compare Harper's position on Columbia versus China. No consistencies there other than if you are a right wing government, there is no limit to what Harper will tolerate in human rights abuses.
  21. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: R. Carriere, the history of the riding is such that to call it a Liberal seat is a bit of an overstatement. The Orchard thing obviously had an impact. The real story of the pathetic state of our democracy, however, is the abhorrently low voter turnout in all of the byelections.
  22. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Bobby Dy From Canada:

    Have a look at what is happening in other countries around the world?

    Canada's economy is not actually doing too badly for itself comparatively right now...

    Dion has no judgement, but Rae has a past!

    Where the heck is Frank McKenna ?
  23. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Partisan hacks to the left of me --- Partisan hacks to the right of me...

    lol
  24. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    When CTV Liberal cheerleaders says this is a loser night for Dion...well, then we know the LPC is in real trouble. Listening to Bob Rae......another dilussional NDP.........hiding in Liberal camouflage attire!
  25. Paul Meyer from Montrose, Canada writes: Bobby Dy: Man, if you think British Columbia is right wing, that explains how far left you are.

    Oh, you mean "Colombia" (hey, I can forgive typos, but at least the keys should be near each other...)

    Hey, if the "trade union members" (aka commies) want to raise money by selling cocaine, they take their chances with elected governments. Last time I checked, Colombia still had elections. Anyone in China get a chance to vote for one of 7 different parties in a secret ballot?
  26. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Bobby Dy from Canada writes: R. Carriere, the history of the riding is such that to call it a Liberal seat is a bit of an overstatement. The Orchard thing obviously had an impact. The real story of the pathetic state of our democracy, however, is the abhorrently low voter turnout in all of the byelections.

    Historically, by-elections are a protest and punishment for a Party in power. Almost never a punishment for an opposition.

    The Saskatchewan results are a clear message.This AM, I listed the reasons that will be used as excuses for Quadra and a loss in Sas. You have just used one of them!

    Quadra even being close is another message to Dion that he is NO leader. History has shown this riding should be liberal win at a 50% mode!

    Listening to Scott (beer and popcorn ) Reid. He is dissing the......NDP! Hilarious! A lost LPC............

    .
  27. Vern McPherson from writes:
    The COns lies are getting too thick even for me.

    buenos noche..................
  28. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: LPC -- Here's a clue !!!

    Go Right, Young Man.... Go Right !!!!
  29. Ripple in still water from Canada writes: R. Carriere: A Liberal lead of 1,000 votes or more in Quadra- that's leadership!
  30. Paul Meyer from Montrose, Canada writes: And good night Vern.
    Looks like you need some sleep if you think that the Toronto Centre ED represents 3 million people. I'm pretty sure it ain't that crowded.

    So:
    Predictable wins in TO, a lopsided loss in Sask and a huge drop in support in Vancouver. Yep, a big night for the Libs...

    Dion will be gone by Easter. And that will be why the Libs won't bring down the Government; they'll be too busy electing a new leader.
    In the meantime, someone has to actually run the country.

    And on that happy thought, sweet dreams all.
  31. Randy Hyland from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Rae was a disaster as Premier of Ontario... Is this really the model MP for challenging economic times? Harper's team must be just licking their chops dragging the Rae files out... using a forklift, no doubt...

    * Posted 17/03/08 at 11:11 PM
    -------------------------

    Aw yes that really helped the Conservatives in the two ridings of Ontario didn't it Robert. What my take on it is, and this is for R. Carriere too, is that people are getting pretty sick of the continued dirty gutter politics of the Conservatives and NDP. Brad keeps on and on about the Liberals propping up the Conservatives well his party is doing a hell of lot more propping up of Steven Harper that the Liberal party of Canada.

    Last year after supporting Bill Blaikie in my riding all my life I emailed him and said I could no longer support the NDP and Jack Layton if they are going to stoop to the gutter negative ad type politics of the Conservative party.
  32. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: R. Carriere, the speech that I watched at Rae's celebration was very clear so I don't know what you are speaking of there. Paul Meyer, Colombia, my mistake. Nonetheless, the point stands.

    R. Carriere, one would actually have to hear the breakdown of the analysis of the Saskatchewan riding to interpret it. At 25% voter turnout (in all ridings), it's difficult to interpret any of it. The simple explanation for Saskatchewan is that the LPC voters were pissed off about Orchard. That said, Orchard is a bit of a flake and I'm glad he's not coming to Parliament at this point in time. The only thing that I would say about the Saskatchewan riding is to reiterate what I said above--the last thing that we need is a former RCMP officer coming to advocate for a law and order agenda that plays to media-driven fears of Canadians rather than legitimate concerns.

    Also, I'm not sure what CTV you are watching (local channel perhaps?) because the CTV is anything but pro-Liberal. On the national channel it's basically a Harper cheerleading squad. In that way, it distinguishes itself from the Globe and Mail. Interesting, given that it is now the same company.
  33. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: Randy Hyland, I wrote to Jack Layton to similarly ask him how he could betray his constituency to advance his own personal ambitions. The last people that want to see a CPC government are those that vote NDP. NDP voters can tolerate an LPC government but the CPC is pretty much the antithesis of the NDP constituency. I wrote this letter after learning about a plot hatched by Layton and Harper a couple of years ago to try to redefine Canadian politics along the lines of Manitoba (where things flip between PC and NDP governments). Layton never got back to me on that. For that reason, I will have to give some thought in my ABC voting when the NDP candidate looks like the best horse to back in my riding. Bill Blaikie, however, is a good man.
  34. D Epp from Vancouver, Canada writes: Paul Meyer, I don't see where Bobby Dyer was talking about British Columbia and its right wing government. But if he was - he's right!

    The so-called 'BC Liberals' are nowhere near being liberal. During the 1990s the conservative government was trashed here in BC - reduced to 2 seats. So, Gordon Campbell and his cronies occupied the empty shell that was the liberal party of BC. What we have is a bunch of reform/alliance/conservatives using the name 'BC Liberals.' NOT to be confused or associated with the federal liberal party. They've done their damndest to break union contracts, hand out contracts to their developer friends, sell off every public resource and tie projects to P3s.

    This BC Liberal party is very closely aligned with the federal conservatives (and were very thick with Ralph Klein's conservatives) and probably have nothing in common with the federal libs at all.
  35. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Contrary to Paul Meyer's statement (and an earlier post by rick from river city), the Conservative share of the vote dropped in all three ridings other than Desnethe. The Liberals share of the vote increased in both Toronto ridings, while decreasing in both Quadra and, obviously, Desnethe. The real story, in my opinion, is the relatively poor NDP showing. I think that the NDP has adopted a very poor electoral strategy and perhaps this is an indication that voters think so, too -- but, by-elections being what they are...
  36. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: The Libs could have run monkey's in Toronto and won. Both Sask. and Vancouver are indicative of the trouble the Libs are in. Dion's toast..... it just remains to be seen who will take over as leader of the Libs. We're in for another 5 years of Conservative Gov't, probably minority, but still Cons.
  37. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: The Conservative Centrist, that may be. However, the CPC HAVE run monkeys and elected them in Alberta and many rural ridings in the West. In contrast, the LPC ran two highly intelligent individuals.
  38. Bobby Dy from Canada writes: Diane Marie, I agree with your assessment of the NDP's poor showing. The Green Party also did very well and reinforce the notion that the Greens are eating into the NDP vote.
  39. Michael Powers from Canada writes: Having lived thru the Bob Rae term as Premier of Ontario, I would never ever vote for a party that would have him as leader. He almost destroyed the Province at that time and would do the same to Canada if given the chance. Yes, there was a recession during the time that he was in office - he did nothing to help the Province, he just made things worse.

    To be completely fair to him, he was the second most incompetent Premier that Ontario ever had - the first was Liberal David Peterson.

    That leads to the question - can't the Liberals attract younger stars to help the party grow - seems that they keep ressurecting old has-beens from other parties and calling them stars.
  40. Anuradha Bose from ottawa, writes: Liberal sar or NDP has been?
  41. William Doyle from Prince George, Canada writes: Bob Rae will make a great PM for Canada. It is time for Dion to go for a walk in the snow.
  42. Catherine L from Canada writes: Bobby Dy from Canada writes: There's a Strategic Counsel poll just released showing that only about one-third of Canadians' opinion of Harper changed as a result of the Cadman and NAFTA issues. Apparently, the other two-thirds of Canadians had opinions of Harper that were so low that these "scandals" fit right in with their negative opinions of the man so that they could not get any lower.
    -----

    Harper's lawyers wil argue that the one third of Canadians who were influenced by the bribery attempt scandal read the Liberal website and would have had a good opinion of him otherwise.
  43. M Nolz from Toronto, Canada writes: Bobby Dy from Canada writes: The Conservative Centrist, that may be. However, the CPC HAVE run monkeys and elected them in Alberta and many rural ridings in the West. In contrast, the LPC ran two highly intelligent individuals.

    --------------------------
    So how would classify the other two candidates? Bobby, I assume you don't live in Ontario and have first hand knowledge of Rae's tenure (1) as Premier?

    I heard that the next confidence vote will feature the Liberals invoking Rae Days as a way of avoiding standing up and being counted. So now there are 3 more Libs who'll sit on their hands in the HOC.
  44. rick from river city from Canada writes: Liberals continue to be only an urban party restricted to three cities and they lost ground in one those three cities for the second time in recent byelections (Montreal and Vancouver). Not a national party no matter how often they pretend to speak on behalf of all Canadians. Liberals - the Toronto Party.
  45. Randy Hyland from Winnipeg, Canada writes: W. Mayne from Canada writes: The NDP made a big mistake when Judy Wasylycia-Leis launched her attack on income trusts and supported the Conservatives, without a shred of evidence to prove tax leakage. Many long time NDP supporters have fled the party and will not return.

    * Posted 18/03/08 at 6:39 AM EDT
    -------------------
    I agree with Wayne 100% in the above statement. I notified my member of Parliament Bill Blakie immediately and told his office that I will no longer be supporting the NDP Federally. I have voted for Bill Blakie every election that he was in the house. When she pulled off that crap during the last election I was completely and totally p'd off with the NDP. They continue to wallow in gutter politics propping up the Harper Government, yet have the nerve to cry to the media how it is the Liberals that are propping up and supporting the Conservatives. They are going to continue sliding away into deep if they keep it up.
  46. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    And the for the rest of Canada, their contempt for the GTA grows even stronger.

    Bob Rae?
    A star?

    Some socialist has-been is going to lead the LPC out of the wilderness?

    Oh GTA, what are you thinking?
  47. Joe Canadian from Canada writes: I agree with some Liberals on this one.

    "Some Liberals, however, are privately uneasy that Mr. Rae's arrival might herald an unhealthy round of leadership jockeying among Mr. Rae, Leader Stephane Dion and his deputy, Michael Ignatieff, all of whom were rivals during the party's 2006 leadership contest."

    I think Layton is correct on his call. Bob's your man?

    Dion better have eyes in the back of his head.
  48. Andrew E from Canada writes: The print edition calls Bawbray the "prodigal son". How apt. The allusion is to a parable about a son who demands his inheritance from his wealthy father, goes off and squanders it, and when reduced to living in the pig sty, returns home to his father's welcoming arms.
    I'm sure many voters can see the parallels in Rae's premiership of Ontario in the 90's.
    In the parable of the prodigal son, 90's version, Bob takes the economy of a wealthy province, and by enacting anti-business laws like Bill 40 reduces it to tatters. Taxpayers, finally tired of eating out of the pig slop, booted him out, but here he comes again.
  49. puddin and pie from Calgary, Canada writes: The NDP infiltrate the Libs by stealth, with B.Rae in the house.

    Will Jack L. praise Bob R. and make Stephane D. cry?
  50. Terry F from Edmonton, Canada writes: Dion, Iggy and Sideshow Bob. Ever see what happens when you put three roosters in the same henhouse? This ain't gonna be pretty, but it will be funny to watch.

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