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Mixed results provide little clarity for Liberals

BRIAN LAGHI AND JANE TABER

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 11:34 PM EDT 18/03/08

Despite wins in three of four ridings, Dion will remain hard-pressed to pull the plug on the current Parliament, observers say ...Read the full article

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  1. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    'Mr. Dion told reporters that the party's main concern continues to be that the House of Commons operate efficiently'

    Carry on as your are, Mr. Dion--

    Budget votes passed, RESP stunt killed, Afstan extension, Crime Bill--all are running smooth as silk, thanks to your leadership.

    The 'Kill Kyoto once and for all' bill should be on the menu soon--sharpen your knife for that one, too.

    PS--Keep up the astounding work with the 'hand-picked' candidates--you sure know how to pick'em.
  2. dave mackay from nova scotia, Canada writes:
    Poor Dion .

    Now he has 3 more voices in his head confusing his decision making process.

    How far the once mighty Liberals have fallen when they wonder what Jack - be - nimble and the NDP are going to do against the Greens.

    Aren't they supposed to focus on the Conservatives?

    Guess they are happy being on the sidelines , looking in.

    Shame , really.
  3. D K from Canada writes: 'Mr. Dion told reporters that the party's main concern continues to be that the House of Commons operate efficiently'

    I guess skipping out on votes is considered efficient.
  4. Nassar Ben Houdja from Canada writes: Has anyone checked the Conservative staff list. Considering the influince the alleged opposition have, one can only wonder.
  5. Jack Ryan from VictoriaSaskatoon, Canada writes: Spicydoc - You're right, the House of Commons has been running very efficiently lately. Dion just sits and watches the Liberals govern and abstains on every vote. Leadership?? or too mesmerized watching leadership from across the aisle. Poor Dion, poor Liberals.
  6. Darcy Meyer from Canada writes: Is it the oppositions responsibility to be efficient or to oppose and provide alternatives?
  7. Darcy Meyer from Canada writes: Maybe I'm just not ready for an election, I haven't heard.
  8. mike sty - from Canada writes:
    Looks like Jack lost all those 'lend me' votes.
  9. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Given the Harris-Decima poll (the believable one) giving the LPC and CPC each 34% support, the advantage for either side of having an election would be what? Other than, of course, spending some $300 million of taxpayers' money in support of the media, Elections Canada's rents and hires, ad agencies, etc. I believe that the Louis Riel interpretive centre in Winnipeg needs $5 million in the next two weeks. Chump change compared with the cost of an election and it would do much more for national unity/pride than a divisive election, stalemate extant.
  10. Prairie Boy from Canada writes: I heard Mr, Rae tonight. He made me think they are going to go to Mr. Dion's strong point, the environment. It is the perfect issue for them. Nothing will be ever enough and industry isn't going to run around talking up what they do for the environment even though there have been good strides made. He never did it before but you just believe.
  11. siren call from Canada writes: University of Waterloo political scientist Peter Woolstencroft said....

    good think he's not in the mathematics department of Waterloo.
  12. mike sty - from Canada writes: spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:
    Keep up the astounding work with the 'hand-picked' candidates--you sure know how to pick'em.
    ------------------------

    Gotta agree with you, Harper sure knows how to pick-em.

    Conservative Donald Meredith 12.3%
  13. J Law from Canada writes: It seems to me that the only function an opposition party in this country has is to defeat the governing party. How is that constructive for the country?

    When a party in oppostion works with a governing party they are looked upon as being weak? Why is that? I thought the reason we elect people is to manage the affairs of the country.
  14. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: Dion won't go for an election. He like being the 'leader' and knows darn well an election would just result in another Cons minority, and there he goes, off into the sunset... the Libs would turf him and go for another leadership convention.

    He'll just continue to prop up the Cons, and we'll continue to have good government. Can't ask for more than that. :-)
  15. Gail Thomas from Canada writes: Poor Dion. His party has no money, no platform issues, just his luck that two more leadership hopefuls have joined his 'dream team' of backstabbers. They're all entitled to their entitlements. The people have spoken. The power is with us, not the politicians. The people don't want a soviet/socialist style government Mr. Dion. Just ask the President of Georgia or the Czech Republic who are building strong democracies. Their people know better and so do most Canadians. We like our middle class and LESS government in our lives. Mr. Harper is doing just fine. Now if only McGinty would realize our Ontario economy is in need of less taxes and more business opportunities. Maybe Toronto and Ontario should stop blaming everyone else for what they don't have and start thinking like entreprenuers. I know that may be a stretch for provincial and city leadership, but give it a try...you might like it! I know the overtaxed public would.
  16. One Eye Open from calgary, Canada writes: Mr. Dion's undoing was his promise to force an election, shortly after being elected leader of the LPC. Now he loses credibility every time he sits on his hands and doesn't vote based on his party's beliefs. Oh well, at least it is for a better Canada.

    Hopefully, he will continue to sit on his hands and do what is good for Canadians with the next Conservative agenda. That being helping Western barley farmers start being treated equal to eastern barley farmers.... He sure is helping parliament run efficiently...... This is the most efficient government we've had in a long, long time. Hopefully we dont' have an election until 2009, as the PM stated long ago.

    And what ever happened to the suggestion that the Conservatives were engineering their own defeat??
  17. garlick toast from Canada writes: the HoC is running so smoothly that the house speaker felt compelled to warn the members about their lack of civility.that's on top of gomery chiding them for undermining the parliamentary committees.too bad we're exporting our democracy to af'stan and going without at home.
  18. Darcy Meyer from Canada writes: J Law..diane marie....Oh course you are both right, although providing an alternate platform is something an opposition should be doing more effectively.

    It is the continueous posturing, bluster and endless campaigning of a minority parliament that just gets tiresome after a while. And the media fueled election speculation just adds fuel to the fire.
  19. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault., Canada writes: Yeah, things are great. Harper's governing with a dare you to bring me down attitude - adding just enough stench that the liberals look weak for allowing the sh!t to pass. Even Harper's supporters are disgusted that Dion hasn't put an end to what they must view as mediocre at best governing. And Dion doesn't hasn't moved on any of it. Yeah, Parliament is just one big game of double dare now. Funny, isn't it?

    Unfortunately, the joke's on us....
  20. Iain's Opinion from Canada writes: I will never vote for a party that has a leader from Quebec.
    You guys lost your war for independance more than 100 years ago, so suck it up princess.
  21. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: This is what we get under the so-called Westminster form of Parliamentary Government. The weaknesses of the form would be less apparent if we had a more emotionally mature Prime Minister.
  22. Joe Bloggins from Canada writes: The Libs got their asses kicked. Spin as hard as you want, but the truth is that the two Ontario ridings are completely meaningless. Quadra shows how badly the Libs are doing as well as the riding in Saskatchewan. By-elections are supposed to be a wake-up call for the governing party. This is a wake-up call for the Libs.
  23. charlie brown from Canada writes: To Iain's Opinion from Canada sho wrote: I will never vote for a party that has a leader from Quebec. You guys lost your war for independance more than 100 years ago'. Yes, Iains, 1759 was just a little more than 100 years ago.
  24. Robert Marshall from Scarborough, Canada writes: Iain's Opinion from Canada writes: ''' I will never vote for a party that has a leader from Quebec.
    You guys lost your war for independance more than 100 years ago, so suck it up princess.'''

    Not necessarily about the war for independence. Remember that Quebec is a (mainly) French speaking province with a French culture. They are surrounded by mainly English speaking provinces/states that have a English cultural background. For a long time now they have become very concerned about having their French culture getting assimilated by the English speaking culture as well as fears of their culture slowly becoming less and less important due to the rise of various other cultural groups in Canada.
  25. by jove from Canada writes:
    Until the Liberals repair the huge mistake of choosing Dion as their leader, they are destined to remain the opposition party.

    They need a competent charismatic leader or at least one who doesn't whine.

    Someone who can present a well reasoned logical position instead of one who resorts to shouting and name calling.

    Message to Dion, loud doesn't make you right. Whining doesn't make it wrong. This guy acts like a spoilt child.
  26. garlick toast from Canada writes: Iain's Opinion from Canada writes: I will never vote for a party that has a leader from Quebec.
    You guys lost your war for independance more than 100 years ago, so suck it up princess.

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

    who's princess?
  27. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Not the--

    Now, now--you must be reasonable.

    After the prorogue, Harper gave forewarning during the throne speech that the bills brought forward would either pass, or he would dissolve parliament ie confidence votes.

    He kept his word.

    Go back and read the throne speech again--it's quite remarkable how many of his stated objectives have come to pass. eg ie never dreamed he and Dion would compromise on a 2011 extension, but they pulled it off.

    Nest on the menu is Kill Kyoto, starring Uma Thermon as Dion the assassin, and David Carradine as Kyoto-san. Great ending. Harper directs, but Tarantino objects (Harper is too goofy looking)
  28. Guillaume Affleck from Canada writes: Lotsa clairity for the liberals here I think.

    Lost votes, lost seats, gained a failed Premier who is like Kryptonite to 90% of Ontarians center, left, and right.

    And Now, Mr. Dion's government in France won't allow him to go to the Olympics.

    Lotsa Clarity.

    Please stay just like you are libtard losers. It works for Canada. Or call an election and it will get even better for all Canadians right away...
  29. Terry Whitney from Maple Ridge, Canada writes: If the Liberals think Joyce Murray is some wunderkind , GOOD LUCK.
    She was my MLA in my previous residence and after one election term AND A MAJORITY GOVERNMENT SHE WAS A PARTY MEMBER OF, we tossed her out. Her government was re-electiced with a majority on par to prevoious election, but she was easily fired out on the street .Subsequently she tried municipal politics, again we said ' no way Joyce!'. So she then moved around looking for someplace she could get elected federally. Good Luck to her riding, she is ineffectual and useless as we found out in her New Westminster riding. If this is the 'new liberals' better to bring some 'old liberals' out of mothballs to right this Titanic !
  30. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: by jove:-- To paraphrase, the CPC could use a competent, charismatic leader who doesn't try to sue the pants off his opponents while simultaneously insulting them from behind the skirts of HOC immunity, not to mention in the notaleader media campaign. I am having some difficulty visualizing your conception of Mr. Dion as shouting, name-calling, but also whining. It must have been in your (confused) dreams or nightmares, by jove. Neither Mr. Harper nor Mr. Dion shout - they leave that to others and there's no shortage of megaphones on either side of the floor.
  31. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: I got some Liberal e-mail this morning entitled, 'Oh, what a night?'

    I could just picture all the Liberals in Toronto at the wine and cheese gala, and a partially clad Bob Rae singing...

    'Oh, what a night.
    Late December back in 93.
    What a very 'special' time for me
    'Cause I remember what a night.'

    Bob Rae -- I remember too!

    It felt like I was hung over and had to vomit!

    LPC -- GET A CLUE !!!!!
  32. garlick toast from Canada writes: robert miller,what happened to our habs?:-(
  33. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: I actually think that that Liberal e-mail would have better to have been titled after Bruce Cockburn's song, 'Wondering Where the Lions are?'
  34. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Garlick Toast:

    Our Habs are #1 in the Eastern Conference

    The Leafs are Make Beleafs...
  35. mike sty - from Canada writes:

    Have to agree that our not a PM has a very sand-box mentality.
  36. by jove from Canada writes:
    diane marie from calgary, Canada you obviously haven't been watching question period lately.
  37. Darcy Meyer from Canada writes: '2 outta 3 ain't bad'..or is it 3 outta 4.
    or 'highway to the danger zone'.
    or 'those eyes'....

    I'm begining to see the strategy.
  38. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Here's the CBC recap of the throne speech written fairly soon afterwards.

    http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/10/16/speech-throne.html

    It's remarkable how much of this agenda was accomplished--utterly remarkable.

    The last BIG thing is to officially Kill Bill! (Kyoto).

    This will be Dion's last stand, one way or another.
  39. siren call from Canada writes: SouthernFried Bernie from United States writes:
    Sounds like you could use a lot of growing up for making such an immature coment about your country's leader.
    ........................

    Here in Canada we don't tend to worship our PM as most of you seem to worship your Pretzeldent.

    Also, very few of us think gawd appoints our top political dude.
  40. dave mackay from nova scotia, Canada writes:
    Funny how Liberal supporters blame Harper for the Liberal Party having a befuddled , spineless , flipflop , sit - on - his - hands twit for a leader.

    Next they will blame him for the weather.

    How low the mighty have fallen.

    Pathetic , really.
  41. garlick toast from Canada writes: boss harper's adopting a ''wait and sue'' attitude.
  42. Bill Woodcock from Ontario, Canada writes: SPIN,SPIN,SPING!!! Go now, go in April or go in May It makes no difference, it will still be a minority one way or another. Yes, the Liberals could have done better, but so could the CPC. A win is a win and a loss is a loss. The CPC'ers are the only party that I have heard get excited by a loss. The Liberals won nothing in Sept. in Quebec and the other parties crowed about the humiliation they had suffered. Now, the CPC loses in 3 and wins one and crow about how good they did. As I have said earlier in my posts on other days, Harper and Dion are albatrosses on their respective parties. I see minority government until they are both replaced. Layton is not a concern and the Greens could hold the balance of power in 1 or 2 elections.
  43. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: dave mackay:-- I'm not sure where you have obtained the idea that Liberals blame the CPC for the LPC's leader. On the contrary, I would say that the CPC is attempting to blame the Liberals for having selected the leader they did - isn't that really the basis of the notaleader campaign? In other words, the notaleader campaign was launched for the very purpose of raising rather than dissipating post-vote dissonance, or interfering with post-vote rationalization.
  44. Mr. Perfect from Canada writes: Diane Marie
    Over the past six months I can't believe that you still promote Mr. Dion and his Liberal Party. You remind me of the Leafs fans. They still believe in the Leaf Nation and that they are going to make the playoffs.
    The Liberals are broke both in terms of policies that make any sense and in leadership skills.
    I worked in many organizations over the last 30 years, many that had brilliant leaders. The factor all these leaders had in common was their ability to articulate a vision, and then lead the people towards that goal/vision. I don't see that ability in Mr. Dion.
  45. garlick toast from Canada writes: spicy d., which do you prefer,a big chief with no backup or a team approach with a leader who is less than gifted?
  46. martha stewart from Canada writes: Poor Dion. Now he's got Shifty Bob behind him too. And that relative squeaker in Vancouver pretty much sealed his fate.

    Question is, will there be an election soon to put him out of his misery or will 'his' party get out the knives themselves?

    Joe Clark. John Turner. Kim Campbell. Stephane Dion.

    Three out of four were good sincere people. Just political losers.

    The fourth was Kim Campbell. She just went down for the team.

  47. Mervin Hollingsworth from Saskatoon, Sk., Canada writes: Dion has a real problem on his hands. Vancouver with the almost loss of Quadra could see the Liberals wiped out in B.C. Fortess GTA still seems to be strong but the rest of Ontario is another problem for the Libs.
    If Dion develops the guts to force an election the campaign will matter big time.
    Harper has lots of experience with campaigns, Dion has none and therefore will be prone to gaffes, missteps. He has done well on that front sinc becoming leader. With the pressure of the campaign watch for many more such events. Raise the GST and invade Pakistan are two examples. Bring on the election Dion!
  48. Robert in and around Alberta from Calgary, Canada writes: There seems to be a new direction looming on the horizon as Rae speaks of the team dynamics changing with Findlay and Himself being added into the mix. This is an apparant shot at Dion who has had over a year to get it together on this front. Looks like there will be a new direction very soon and Dion will have to step it up several notchs to keep up. Is he up to it?
  49. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Let Stephen Harper govern until it hurts. Give Stephen Harper what he asked for in his fixed election date legislation. Why make it easy?

    Harper's desperation for an election looks good on him. Give the big fat baby what he wanted when he passed his law with visions of his ascendancy in his head. He'll suck it up, or not. Either way, Harper's call. No blaming others this time.

    Dion is leading a pretty good non-offensive, letting PM Harper twist in the wind from his own blow-hole.
  50. Bill R. from Canada writes: Yes, the Liberals will keep abstaining and then one morning soon, thanks to the far-reaching and dynamic CPC agenda as set out in the throne speech, we'll all wake up in heaven on earth.
  51. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    diane--

    The CPC had several cannons loaded and aimed, depending on the winner.

    The Dion smear was probably the easiest, since there were tons of clips of him being attacked on the environment by Iggy and Dryden. His 'priorities' exasperation didn't help.

    Basically, an easy target.

    However, as a corollary, an easy fix. The CPC attacks were flimsy, and if the LPC had any imagination or resources, they could have easily 'countered' with clever rebuttal ads that would have stung the CPC.

    Unfortunately, non-campaign fund-raising has been a problem for the LPC. The best they can do is complain to reporters non-stop, and hope some gets published as 'news'.

    Instead of moaning about 'unfair' tactics, remember--grass roots people donate their own cash, and are happy to see it used this way. Maybe the LPC 'grass roots' are above that kind of fundraising and politicking. If so, fine. Enjoy watching the others.
  52. Bill Woodcock from Ontario, Canada writes:
    I worked in many organizations over the last 30 years, many that had brilliant leaders. The factor all these leaders had in common was their ability to articulate a vision, and then lead the people towards that goal/vision. I don't see that ability in Mr. Dion.

    I haven't worked in many organizations, so I guess being less than Perfect was a good thing. My boss knew I was a dependable employee. I have belonged to other volunteer groups, had 12 years of municipal experience, and served on many boards that had leaders with vision, and I don't see that in Harper, Layton or Dion...
  53. Tony . from Waterloo, Canada writes:
    I really can't decide which is worse:

    Bob Rae as a 'Liberal star' or

    Jim Flaherty as a 'Conservative star'

    Two abysmal failures in Ontario Provincial government are now big players on the Federal scene?! How did that happen?

    SURELY this country can do better!
  54. bob london from Canada writes: Rae, Dosanji Liberal? And Pinocet was democratic.
  55. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    garlick--

    You underestimate the value of the machinary behind Harper (his team), and over-estimate that of the LPC 'Dream Team'.

    This is exactly the way some people want it.

    Harper the monomaniac!!--BOO! He ignores Gomery--aieee!

    Reminds me, tell us Bob Rae's opinion about Gomery, will ya garlick? Thanks, bud..
  56. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: David Emerson and Stephen Harper shut up the Vancouver Quadra candidate and did the politicking for her. She still lost. The Harper Conservatives care little or nothing about individual CPC members: just workers in a hive is all they are. Do you think the Harper Party really gives one bean about individual Canadians?

    All Dion has to do to win is let Stephen Harper have enough rope to hang himself. As well, be able to count on an independent and trustworthy RCMP...

    A sticky-wicket, wot?
  57. Ed Long from white Rock, Canada writes: I've had enough of charismatic leaders, thank you. Trudeau, Mulroney, Levesque ... give me the Paul Martins, the Alan Blakeneys, the Peter Lougheeds.

    The complexity of government demands a pragmatic and methodical administrator who is not worried about his/her image.

    I can also recall a PM Trudeau and PM Chretien inviting HOC accusations outside to be decided in the legal realm.

    Diane Marie ... On March 10, at 10:51PM, you predicted four Liberal wins. You were wrong and you continue to grasp at straws.

    The Shakesperean tragedy of the Liberal Party must play out before it can move on. Harper will serve his term.
  58. garlick toast from Canada writes: Tony . from Waterloo, Canada writes:
    I really can't decide which is worse:

    Bob Rae as a 'Liberal star' or

    Jim Flaherty as a 'Conservative star'

    Two abysmal failures in Ontario Provincial government are now big players on the Federal scene?! How did that happen?

    SURELY this country can do better!

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

    the fault dear brutus lies not within the stars but with ourselves :-)
  59. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Indeed, Ed Long, Harper will serve his term. October 2009 Canada will wave bye-bye to the big fat baby Harper, and elect a grown-up government. That will be a good month for Canada. Thanksgiving!
  60. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Garlick Toast:

    Perhaps, you can answer this question, why is it that the Liberals seem so keen on accepting into their ranks ANYONE ???

    'Former' socialist, Bob Rae --- Why? Why? Why?

    Rae's cuts to medical school enrollments in Ontario in the early 90s made medicine in Canada what it is currently...

    Rae was a total disaster as Premier of Ontario...

    In fact, the Liberals have now accepted some of the most unprincipled floor crossers and disastrous politicos that this country has ever seen.

    Surely, governing Canada is not simply meant to be a beauty contest...

    I am 'Wondering Where the Lions are?'

    Frank McKenna --- absolutely!
    John Manley --- maybe!
    Ignatieff --- possibly!
    Put Dryden in net --- maybe, I'll care!

    But this Junior B Team of leadership candidates (Kennedy, Dion, Rae, etc.) are just plain pathetic in my opinion !!!
  61. Ed Long from white Rock, Canada writes: I would vote for Manley, possibly McKenna, if you must have charisma, Brian Tobin but Rae, Dosanjh, Dion .... two opportunists and a good cabinet minister.

    The message this party is sending?????
  62. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Van-King-Shy-

    After the Oct'09 stalemate, the LPC and CPC will fragment.

    Iggy and a chunk of sensible LPC will join a chunk of sensible CPC eg Prentice. CPC now means Canadian PROGRESSIVE Conservatives--a Phoenix, if you will. Ignatieff will be its first leader and PM.

    The leftish LPC will merge with the NDP and be led by Mulcair as opposition leader. They will be called Canadian Demacrats (CD Party)

    The weirdo right (MacVety et al) form a western rump, much like the BQ shrivels into a small clump. The Green fill the void left by the old NDP as the noisy but small conscience of the nation.

    Harper and Dion drift into the hero-worshipping realm peopled with the likes of Clark, Campbell, Turner, et al...

    Sigh... would be nice....ya think??
  63. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Former Liberal cum Con Wahid (where's the taxpayer funded report?) Khan, Chuck Cadman throwing Con operatives out of his office, Belinda Stronach once darling of Harper leaving in a huff and a still stinging red mark on the fat face of Harper, Michael Wong telling Harper to stuff his Quebecois as a nation idea right where he keeps his apology to the First Nations, Mulroney and his dealings that Harper denounced...

    Face it, Stephen Harper would jettison his mother if he figured it would help him achieve his goal as uber-father of Canada.

    Not going to happen. Simply because of the poor performance of the troops that Stephen Harper depends upon in his push for supremacy. GIGO.
  64. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Geez spicy, can you keep your gayness errr gladness for Ignatieff down to a dull roar?

    The CPC will fragment since it is made up of a bunch of loosely knitted wingnuts to begin with. The LPC will remain solid, like a rock.

    Thanksgiving 2009 looks like a good time for Canada to come on back home.
  65. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Van-King-Antics-Shy--

    Put away your Harper voodoo doll for a sec and peek into my crystal ball. Posted above your hate-orgy thingy.

    Love to hear your comments...
  66. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Mr. Perfect:-- Actually, I rarely mention Mr. Dion and, as I have said many times, I don't believe that he requires my promotion (on here), adulation, or blind loyalty. He's unlikely to receive it because I don't own a set of pom-poms. Mr. Dion, like Mr. Harper, wanted the job. He got it and it is up to him to succeed or fail. Nevertheless, whatever admiration I had for Mr. Harper - which I admit was little - was reduced to zero with the launching of the notaleader campaign. Perhaps my marketing background gave me an insight into what Mr. Harper hoped to achieve but I can't respect his tactics, which rely not on the intelligence of his audience but on the lack of it. Therefore, I can't respect those who have had their minds swayed by such crude advertising - but, of course, it has been employed with some success by other demagogues.
  67. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    'The LPC will remain solid, like a rock.'

    I guess this will be the question of the decade. I sense the LPC is dying a slow death. Someone may carry the banner, but it won't be the same grand thing it once was.
  68. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: spicydoc:-- The fact that the CPC believed that its success could only be achieved by pointing cannons is telling.
  69. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    diane--

    A politician wants every voter to vote for him.

    Some voters respond to reasoned discussions about policy.

    Some voters respond to seeing a pie thrown into someone's face.

    Both votes carry the same weight.

    PS ALL parties pander to the entire spectrum. Some get it done for free by the popular media newsoutlets; some take their own initiative.

    Pretending that only the CPC is 'playing' for votes from that demographic is brutally dishonest diane (because I don't believe you are that naive).
  70. Bill Woodcock from Ontario, Canada writes: Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Former Liberal cum Con Wahid (where's the taxpayer funded report?) Khan, Chuck Cadman throwing Con operatives out of his office, Belinda Stronach once darling of Harper leaving in a huff and a still stinging red mark on the fat face of Harper, Michael Wong telling Harper to stuff his Quebecois as a nation idea right where he keeps his apology to the First Nations, Mulroney and his dealings that Harper denounced...

    Gee, you forgot the rewarded David Emerson . But you better not speak this aloud. Gurmant Grewal may be behind a plant making tapes for Haper again. You know, keeping everything transparent. LOL.
  71. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: I don't need to look into your crystal ball, spicy. Harper has a taxpayer-paid astrologer/makeup artist who is advising him. I take peeks into her crystal ball... It doesn't look good. Harper keeps overruling her advice. This employment contract will end in tears. Guaranteed.
  72. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    diane--

    my metaphors are my own. I don't think the CPC ever refered to cannons specifically.

    Besides, a pea-shooter would have been more than adequate, as it turns out.
  73. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Hey, where is David Emerson going to run in the fabled election in 2009?
  74. Bill Woodcock from Ontario, Canada writes: spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Besides, a pea-shooter would have been more than adequate, as it turns out.

    But spicy, that depends on who's blowing, you, or Harper. LOL
  75. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Van-King--

    You are being extra crabby today and not as much fun as usual.

    diane--

    keep on working on bolstering up the quazi-urbane, pseudo-booky, arrogant snob vote for the LPC. This is a demographic where the LPC needs REAL work attracting supporters ;)

    Nite all congrats to the LPC for their wins.

    Funny, I went to the casino with 400 bucks, came home with 300, and tried to tell my spouse I 'won' the 300. It didn't work as well for me as it did the LPC....I need better spin doctors.
  76. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Silly me! Harper will appoint Emerson as a Senator. Who knew?
  77. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: Awww spicy, too bad I am not here for your delight. Get a Harper Death Star operative who's paid to give you some luvins. You just can't get enough?
  78. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Antics--now you wake up and me leavin'...

    Maybe next time ;) Nite...

    PS Emerson Ambassador to US after Wilson falls on a NAFTA sword later on.....
  79. garlick toast from Canada writes: Robert Miller from Halifax,well,for starters, rae is just the flavour of the month.i still think rae got a bum rap,to a degree,about ont..when they got unexpectedly elected the economy was already in the crapper with a billion dollar deficit hidden in the books. unions put him in and then put him out. some ontarians are oblivious to the fact that the recession didn't just hit them.
    as to the rest of the crew, liberals, i'm guessing,are anti the war.therefore mongers need not apply.that could mean iggy, manley for sure,mckenna's making too much money in the private sector and dryden needs his pulse taken periodically to see if he's still got one.
    in the ''left/right'' spectrum i see all the parties stacked up like airplanes at o'hare,but it's no wonder that gilles duceppe would get votes in other provinces.he, at least has consistent positions and articulates them.harper acts like a republican.layton took himself out of the game.so maybe the libs. are like the habs, a team of ''fourth-liners''[thank-you guy lafleur].

    cheers and sorry 'bout the long-windedness.
  80. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: spicydoc:-- In my opinion, the notaleader campaign and the mentality behind it explains the gender gap in CPC support.
  81. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: garlick toast:-- Interesting assessment. I think that Manley, McKenna, and Ignatieff are too continentalist/integrationist/interventionist, but that's undoubtedly why the Red Tories express such admiration for them. When the Liberals fail to crown such men, they are perceived as moving to the left.
  82. James C from Shenzhen, China writes: ' siren call from Canada writes: University of Waterloo political scientist Peter Woolstencroft said....

    good think he's not in the mathematics department of Waterloo.'

    ----------

    good thing youre not in the reading department :-)
  83. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: guy lafleur: when you care to send the very best
  84. Robin Hannah from Canada writes: What's with the headlines on these by-elections?

    'Mixed results'? 'Little clarity'? Um, hello - ? Liberals took 3 ridings out of 4. That's not clarity?

    Stephen Harper in two years of leading this country has barely budged his numbers above a bare minority. Is that clarity?
  85. siren call from Canada writes: James C from Shenzhen, China writes:
    good thing youre not in the reading department :-)
    ..................................

    Heh!

    Can I be in the philosophy department?

    Lottsa good think there.
  86. The Centrist from Canada writes:
    For Harper to go, Dion has to go.
  87. siren call from Canada writes: James C from Shenzhen, China writes:
    good thing youre not in the reading department :-)
    ..............................

    Achtooally, Mr. C.

    That's, 'you're'.

    A tad pedantic, of course.
  88. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: You know when the Cons have lost an argument: they start picking on seppling using homeschoolers versus Grads. And lose.
  89. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    And now the real spin begins.

    The LPC lost 25% of their seats yesterday.

    There really is no other way to interpret it.
  90. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: The Harper Cons failed to pick up 75% of their ridings.
  91. garlick toast from Canada writes: i think the last ''leftist'' was mulroney''.it certainly wasn't chretien or martin.speaking of'' interventionist'', march 16th was the 40th anniversary of ''my lai''. jack layton missed a chance to lay out an achievable peace plan and attract voters who are opposed to the war and have no party which represents that point of view.
    the fixed election date must look to harper like a date with the executioner.there is no good news coming down the turnpike,starting with the real numbers on the [financial]cost of the war.
  92. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: garlick toast:-- I agree with you that the news is not going to be very good. I believe that we might have to reluctantly grant the Oracle of Westport (Gerry Pankhurst) the forum prescience award ;-). You are absolutely right about Mr. Layton - he has, I think, taken the wrong path - or, would it be that he has hitched his wagon to the wrong horse. Furthermore, Mr. Harper has tried the notaleader gambit, then the endless non-confidence one, only to see no movement in his poll numbers. What next? one wonders. A charm offensive?
  93. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Garlick Toast from Canada:

    No Way Rae is still on probation in my book, but I'm willing to adopt a wait and see attitude.... Dion should hit the road, jack and don't you, come back !!

    McKenna is actually making money in the private sector ??? He must be the only one doing so these days... Another reason why he should be the next leader of the Liberals...

    However, are the Liberals really the Habs or the Leafs ??

    That's the REAL political question du jour...

    What's a Red Tory to do these days ???

    Harper to the right of me -- Rae to the left of me... and both Leafs' fans...

    Sheesh!

    PS. You are forgiven for your lengthy answer -- Must be a record for you. I thought you were Ken Dryden there for a second...
  94. James C from Shenzhen, China writes: 'siren call from Canada writes: James C from Shenzhen, China writes:
    good thing youre not in the reading department :-)
    ..................................

    Heh!

    Can I be in the philosophy department?'

    ----------

    once youre out of high school son.... now go to bed.
  95. martha stewart from Canada writes: diane marie writes of 'the notaleader campaign and the mentality behind it'

    One deals with the cards one gets. The Liberals chose a leader who is not a leader. What would you expect the Tories to do? Be nice?

    That's 'the mentality behind it.' No point being mad at the Tories for making the most of this colossal that Liberal blunder.

    Now, if there's not an election soon to put Dion out of his misery, you will need to get mad at Shifty Bob and Nasty Iggy who shall be playing the 'notaleader' card. I'm sure they already are doing that 'as we speak' (to quote Hysterical Hedy).

    I still can't believe Dion actually became the notaleader. The best thing that ever happened to Harper. Maybe the Tories helped it happen?
  96. garlick toast from Canada writes: diane marie, that would be ''offensive''.what would it take for harper to move up in the polls? he's not a ''consensus'' guy.at this point concessions,by his own definition,equal defeat so getting along is not an option.world-wide,conservatism seems to be on the wane so it's gonna get lonely up there.
    wow, 3:00 am. i don't have to work but i do have to sleep.

    cheers and g'night
  97. siren call from Canada writes: Heh. Peeved Harper supporters.

    All the charm of a frozen mutton chop.
  98. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: martha stewart from Canada:

    I do wonder if Harper didn't beat up on Dion too badly... I mean once it was obvious that Dion wasn't able to mount much of a battle, Harper could have laid off a bit...

    As we often say in Halifax... Once a seal is clubbed dead, you cannot club it any deader! It is just not sporting to do so !!

    The Liberals now need to learn to club their own seals...
  99. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: As long as Dion's the leader of the Libs, Harper HAS his majority :-)
  100. martha stewart from Canada writes: Robert Miller writes: 'are the Liberals really the Habs or the Leafs ?'

    If they keep their notaleader they're the Winnipeg Jets... or whatever that long gone team was called.

    That would be bad. Need two teams for a good game. The other ones are either just homely cheerleaders (NDP), professional benchwarmers (BQ) or far out man (Greenies).

    In the meantime, the ponies on Sable Island just go round and round and the seals are getting dizzy.
  101. garlick toast from Canada writes: stocky day was in hlfx bragging up the private security guards who alerted the cops who caught the stowaways.they caught four,out of how many?hey look, a ''world class port'' with '' joe's security''watching over it on weekends because no one wants to pay for the real thing.