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Harper Tories on the brink of majority, poll finds

BRIAN LAGHI

From Tuesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 10:41 PM EST 01/09/08

Voters significantly more confident in leadership abilities of Tories under Harper than Liberals under Dion, new poll says ...Read the full article

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  1. bob london from Canada writes: We need change!!! No liberals for 40 years and no bloc.
  2. Darcy Meyer from Canada writes: Not surprising, with the different election talk coming from the leaders, I had assumed the parties internal polls had been showing this.
  3. North Star from Canada writes: Harper to Canadians:'I am unable to lead the easiest minority in recent history, where my legislation gets passed unopposed while, under my watch, Canada faces down a recession so I am going to break my own promise and fixed date election law because others might break it first, and call an election, which as I have said, will result minority government leaving Canadians in the same position as before - vote for me for more of the same!'

    Harper is a quitter who cannot be trusted.
  4. Jack Mitchell from Canada writes: Man, could we get at least a breakdown by province, not to mention a seat projection?

    This ain't the old days where 37% meant a comfortable majority automatically! Key question: how many seats do they pick up in Quebec and Ontario?
  5. Robert Lepage from Canada writes: I have the funny feeling that this is one of those '5%' times. Everyone, even old time Conservative party members who I (infrequently) talk to said they are not voting for Harper because of his mismanagement of nigh everything he has passed through the HoC and Flaherty's financial incompetency. This poll, I feel, is out of touch with the population's electoral intentions.
  6. North Star from Canada writes: What brand of make-up is Harper wearing in this picture?
  7. Cliff Pallette from Kearney, Canada writes: Praise Jeessusss! Back to the Future Man is poised to take office!
  8. ali mansur from etobicoke, Canada writes: If the polls are true, and I seriously doubt that they are (it's called electioneering folks) then the only possibility is that Canadians are retarded.

    Harper has acted diametrically opposite to everything he originally campaigned on. If you want centralized, and secretive government that gives away billions of your tax dollars to corporations while creating a recession, then there is something significantly wrong with you.
  9. BUB ImumI from Canada writes: ..//

    With all the smearing in the media and Harper is still on the verge of a majority?

    .. All I can do is laugh at the impotent news writers.. and the picture croppers... the Canadian public saw right through it all.

    ..//
  10. Karin Pasnak from North Vancouver, Canada writes: Only voted once for the Conservatives in my life, but will again.
  11. Mr. Pink from the wet coast, Canada writes:
    Here's hoping the NDP and the Bloc are the big losers.
  12. Political Junkie from Canada writes: Even the media folks who detest Harper agree that he is strategically oriented and very intelligent.

    He's not acting on an impulse!
  13. Brian C from Canada writes: This poll is fairly different than the CROP poll of Quebecers, which had the Conservatives leading the Liberals in Quebec and ahead of their 2006 results.

    Either way, Dion played coy too long and got thrown out leading off of first base. His campaign will be a disaster, capped off by a very poor showing in the debates. Just like in the HoC, he's going to get squeezed by all the other party leaders, with maybe May as the only one there to help make him look good.
  14. Nathan Cool from Vancouver, Canada writes: A lot can change in a month. We'll see.
  15. Jack Jones from Clearwater, BC, Canada writes: I don't think this poll is accurate. I think Canadians are more likely to hold their noses and vote Liberal.

    Unless we truly have become a nation of trailer parks.

    Uh yee haw!
  16. A. Nonymous from IP Ville, United States writes: This is great! If the conservatives get elected, any legislation that passes in America will get automatically passed in America Jr [Canada].

    This translates into more Intellectual property protection, and less regulation for business.

    Meat packers are propane distributors should be able to self regulate. Heck, EVERY business should be able to self regulate. If it's good for the American economy, it should be good for the rest of the world.
  17. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: The Nanos poll from August 27 has the Liberals ahead nationally, trailing by 1 percent in Ontario and leading by several percentage points in Quebec. I guess the Globe can't shout that one from the rooftops, seeing that it sponsored this 'other' poll.
  18. Golden Phoenix from Ottawa, Canada writes: Canadians see Dion as a weak leader and view the the Green Shift as a tax grab. The poll results are not surprising. I wonder who will be the next Liberal leader?
  19. Jo Blo from Canada writes: For the last couple years, the G&M has been repeatedly reporting falling poll figures for the Conservatives. I their standings should have been in the negatives: the masses should have been on the brink of an uprising. So this is quite a spectacular reversal in public opinion.... or was public opinion really much more favourable to the Cons than G&M reported polling let on? Maybe the Globe is seeing the writing on the wall, and will not want to lose its credibility should the Cons win a majority?

    Anyway, I guess Mr. Dion's eco platform isn't panning out with the public. We've all heard about revenue neutral taxing before, and it's always been far from neutral... more like a windfall cash grab.

    Ideology is one thing; practical matters, like how much tax will I pay in the future, is what drives opinion and votes.
  20. G. Veneta from Calgary, Canada writes: Strategic council is the con pollsters so no surprise. It sickens me to think Canadians are so daft to be fooled by this corruption of our politics.

    Let's just see what the election brings. This poll is way out in Ontario I think which is where the Liberals will pull their minority.

    If foghorn manages another minority he should be forced to quit as he can't manage one now why would it change 300 million dollars later?

    Bring it on. Canadians aren't that stupid.
  21. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Oh, Strategic Council. The only poll that SC has gotten right in eons was the Alberta provincial election. Ask yourselves why.
  22. Journey Man from Ontario, Canada writes: Good. Headlines like this will force all of the non-conservatives to vote strategically to prevent that outcome.
  23. iPhone from Canada writes: .

    URL =
    http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1220186494776&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

    --- Quote
    The Dutch intelligence service, the AIVD, has called off an operation aimed at infiltrating and sabotaging Iran's weapons industry due to an assessment that a US attack on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program is imminent, according to a report in the country's De Telegraaf newspaper on Friday.
    --- Quote_Un

    I do not think that Mr. Harper can win the Americans are bombing Iran.
    ~
  24. G. Veneta from Calgary, Canada writes: The Globe shows no shame to put this poll on the front page that flies in the face of all the other polls. Strategic was out in left field last time as it will be this time.

    I have to get off this page as every time I see that smug mug of the thug it makes me want to toss my computer out the window.

    We'll see how Ontario likes the recycled Harrisites and Alberta evangelical reformers running the nation. I don't think they are that daft. I always depend on them to save us from stupid Albertans and the rest of the country that hasn't been outta Kansas. You'd have to be a complete fool to vote for corruption and secrecy and the dismantling of Canada.
  25. André Villeneuve from Chelmsford, Ontario, Canada writes: Regarding polls, I have learned a long time ago that the Strategic G & M polling outfit is by far the worst in this business so let's not get excited here!
    Last week a poll from Nick Nanos, a recongnized and accurate polling agency gave the to the liberals a 2% point advantage on the conservatives.
    Also this Strategic panthshop is owned and manipulated by the CPC.

    Bring it on Harper!
  26. Violet Emerson from Canada writes: Ew. I guess I'll have to vote then if only to prevent this.
  27. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: G. Veneta:-- Pour yourself a hot toddy. This is just Globe and Mail window-dressing.
  28. Sam Lang from Windsor, Canada writes: Better a team of competence with an honest leader than a team of idiots run by a paranoid tyrant. Harper's days are finished, thank God.
  29. iPhone from Canada writes: .
    Sorry... I dropped the TITLE above

    Dutch Intel: US to strike Iran in coming weeks

    ~
  30. Harvey Mushman from cambridge, Canada writes: This poll is the best thing that could happen for Dion. The greatest chance he has of holding on to seats during this election is if NDP and Green vote strategically for the Liberals in hopes of preventing a CPC majority.

    With his 'Green Shaft' not going over well...even within his own caucus...I can't see where the Liberals are going to pick up any seats from what they have now. The best result Dion can hope for is to hold on to the seats he has. I'd say that he could declare a personal victory if he can do that.
  31. Michael Tripper from Canada writes: lol we shall see what happens on election day but I'm pretty sure there will be no Tories in the big cities again regardless.

    I doubt very much this poll will reflect election day results.
  32. Ed Long from Canada writes: Let me get this straight:

    In 2006, the CPC polled 36% and today 37%.

    In 2006, the Liberals polled 30% and today 29%.

    And the statistical margin of error is 3.1%.

    Can anybody tell me the difference?

    Can anybody tell me the Globe is churning this election story while other news organizations are basically ignoring it?

    Sorry Globe, nice run of a non-story but it's sunset and brew time.
  33. Jack Bauer from Canada writes: Yeah lets hope Harper gets a majority and the libby's put a long overdue sock in it!!!!!
  34. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: The NDP are like the hampsters on the wheel.....they run and run and run and sit at 17- 19%....consistently a non-entity....when they throw off their strong union connections and truly represent the middle class as they profess then and only then will they actually move ahead and then I could and would support them but not before.......unions are like big business....ok if they know their place and not placed on some kind of pedestel.
  35. w b from Canada writes: Man...
    We always are following the states by a few years....Example:

    We had small pop cans the states had big ones...then...we got big cans.

    We had soccer shorts that were short (kinda porno style in the 80's early 90's.._..they had long shorts...then....we got long shorts....

    We had some what of a government in power, they had an idiot---twice....now we had an idiot once...and about to let him in for a second time...

    Come on people...wake up...this guy is a hard core reform party memeber waiting to have full power.

    The stuff he used to spew and called for does not just go away because the party changed names...He is a very good politician and is playing everyone....

    If he gets a majority...we will soon find out what Right Wing really means....he will bring us closer to the American Right wing than ever before...

    but hey...we gota learn somehow...I say vote him in with a majority and lets see his true colours...
  36. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: I cannot believe that the US would be so (fill in the adjective) as to bomb Iran during a US presidential campaign. If it does, then the rest is moot, including our own election. It would be something like martial law and suspension of elections for the US and perhaps for Canada as well.
  37. D B from Canada writes: It would be a lot easier to believe the polling results if the story had more details on the method. They're drawing an awful lot of conclusions from only 1000 people. And the accuracy they report is 3.1 percent at 95% confidence. With the numbers they've reported, 3.1 percent in either direction is a Conservative majority or a Liberal minority. That's not terribly helpful or conclusive. I don't think nearly enough people understand statistics, starting with journalists.
  38. ali mansur from etobicoke, Canada writes: I'll say this again. I happen to get paid very well. And despite this, I am not a conservative.

    I am more than happy to watch people vote conservative under the mistaken belief that they will benefit from lower taxes and smaller government. I actually make enough money such that I will end up ahead. However, since you need to be in the top 0.5% of income, it follows that about 35% of conservative voters are mistaken to believe they will benefit.

    Perhaps you think that tougher criminal laws will make you safer. Keep in mind that dangerous offences traditionally increase under conservative rule.
  39. Jo Blo from Canada writes: To those who think that this poll is wrong, the key to winning a majority government in Canada is Quebec. Harper is poised to reap seats in the Quebec City area. That region was always (small C) conservative, and the Quebec nationalist vote is going Conservative, rather than Bloc. Dion will never be a viable leader in Quebec, because people remember him as being the architect (traitor) of the Clarity Act. Meanwhile, Harper has recognized the distinct society/nation thing: what people want to hear. Quebec City, also being somewhat of a military town, is proud of its soldiers action in Afghanistan, despite what some of the leftist media are saying.
  40. bob london from Canada writes: Jones; 'Unless we truly have become a nation of trailer parks.' Keep voting federal 'liberal' we will soon be there.
  41. joshua morris from toronto, Canada writes: G. Veneta from Calgary, Canada writes: The Globe shows no shame to put this poll on the front page that flies in the face of all the other polls. Strategic was out in left field last time as it will be this time.

    I have to get off this page as every time I see that smug mug of the thug it makes me want to toss my computer out the window.

    awesome. Couldnt put it better myself. haha
  42. WO MG from Canada writes: G. Veneta from Calgary, Canada writes: Strategic council is the con pollsters so no surprise. It sickens me to think Canadians are so daft to be fooled by this corruption of our politics.--------------------- Get ready to be sick for a long time veneta. I can't wait to see where the liberal's green shaft policy you support so much will get you and your beloved leader. LOL
  43. Jack Bauer from Canada writes: w b...paranoia will destroy ya.....
  44. Big Wayne Kerr from Canada writes: I remember the old 'Scare Canadians that a majority is coming so they'll vote liberal' trick.

    Hasn't worked for two elections.

    Won't work this time.

    The criminal liberals are finally finished for good.

    And Idiot Dion is back to France in just a few weeks.
  45. Michael Tripper from Canada writes: here we go again - the GM is simply becoming a press release office for the CPC

    What the hell I thought that's what the Post as for besides lining birdcages and the like.
  46. Mervin Hollingsworth from Saskatoon, Sk., Canada writes: Well now we will see the Liberal posters calling into question the poll and continue to ascribe all kinds of motives to the Strategic Council.
    Bottom line is Dion is still the nutty professor along with the other nutty professor Ignatieff and the failed premier of Ontario Bob Rae who Canadians cannot stand. Throw in Ralph Goodale, who as the Liberal finance minister introduced 3 budgets in 2005. No competent finance minister has ever done that before. In fact Ralphie's days are numbered. The Green Shaft is not going over well in Sask. so he will get to collect his fat pension. However, this is suppose to be the dream team being offered to Canadians by the Liberal party. Tax us we're stupid. Right, not quite. Harper clearly is the leader Canada needs during these tough economic times. Can you see Dion discussing the economy? A professor of political science against an economist. The day that Dion has dreaded is about to descend on him in spades. He and his party are facing a tsunami the likes of which they have not seen in a long time. Canadians are sick and tired of the yapping Dion and a Liberal party that has no real platform and is proposing to virtually wipe out the middle class with his green shift tax. No thanks Dion.
  47. Norman Ouston from Armstrong BC, Canada writes: Now lemme tell ya. Look at the Libbies and Dippies squirm now. Too funny watching them cry foul about the poll. It'll be great watching them really try to slam Mr. Harper during the next month. Especially with Mr. Dion putting words in their mouths like the puppets they are. Any bets ladies and gentlemen. I'll take a few wages if you like.
    Adios Amigos
    Noim da Woim
  48. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Harvey Mushman:-- Harvey, Harvey, the writ has not yet been dropped. I'm not saying that it won't be, but this is a case of money spent to sell newspapers as worker bees buzz back to work. We will see horse race-type reportage. This horse is ahead! No, that horse is ahead!. No, the lead horse has stumbled! Etc., etc. Go with the flow, Harvey, and take a zen-like approach to things - then, as I know you will, vote.

    R. M. from Regina:-- In case you haven't heard, the NDP has LONG since thrown off its formal ties to organized labour.
  49. The Religious Left from Canada writes: None of the Canadian parties are even close to deserving a majority government.
  50. Hunteroffortune Alberta from Canada writes: It's only one poll, but I did watch CTV and it appears that southern Ontario has given the numbers for the Conservatives the biggest boost, 5%. BC and Atlantic Canada are also looking good for the Conservatives.

    Could the Liberals be reduced to greater Toronto, the city of Montreal and some parts of Vancouver? Remember though Toronto has more MP's than the whole province of Alberta. So Toronto wipes out Alberta votes.
  51. bob london from Canada writes: Merv; the perfect storm!!!
  52. Naomi Y from Canada writes: Jack Mitchell from Canada writes: Man, could we get at least a breakdown by province, not to mention a seat projection?

    This ain't the old days where 37% meant a comfortable majority automatically! Key question: how many seats do they pick up in Quebec and Ontario?
    ------------------------
    I doubt Harper can pick up more seats in Ontario, a lot of the riding in the 416/905 area are liberal stronghold and this time, conservative are the one plagued by scandal. Not sure about Quebec.

    Anyone know how does much does the income trust screw-up affect them in the western province?? Also, if they dissolve the Parliament,
    the by election in September will be cancel, right?
  53. J Law from Canada writes: This poll says this; that poll says that and I wonder what the voters say.

    I do however still see the same old Liberal guy on here making up stories about the CPC while kicking dirt over the brown envelope near his feet. It is a bit wrinkled and worn, but he is still hoping to use it after this election.

    Have you noticed that since the Liberals have been out of power how their finances have suddenly dried up. Hmmmm.
  54. Ray L from Vancouver, Canada writes: It's the Globe's way of getting out the Anti-Harper vote and prevent this majority from happening. Way to go, Globe! I hope it works.
  55. ali mansur from etobicoke, Canada writes: If Dion was a smart politician, instead of just a smart academic, he should drop the whole green-shift plan after the election writ gets dropped.

    It would probably totally screw up every single piece of election propaganda the CPC has already printed up.

    I'd imagine something along the lines of: As leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, I conclude that Canadians do not want to venture in uncharted waters during a virtual recession. Instead, a significantly smaller investigative plan may be implemented if it receives all party support.

    Those simple words would ultimately destroy the CPC, and prove that Dion can accept that politics is a game, not an equation.
  56. Is Dion from France or from Canada writes: ack Mitchell from Canada writes: Man, could we get at least a breakdown by province, not to mention a seat projection?

    This ain't the old days where 37% meant a comfortable majority automatically! Key question: how many seats do they pick up in Quebec and Ontario?
    ---
    You'd have to go somewhere that reports real news for that. Try ctv.
    http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080901/strategiccounsel080901/20080901?hub=TopStories
  57. Tom Morrison from Canada writes: diane marie from calgary, do you really live in Cow Town? If so you must me just miserable given your many posts lamenting the Tories. I feel genuine pity for you living in a sea of dumb rich red-necks.
  58. N J from Canada writes: This is a shortcoming of parliamentary democracy. Compared to US, 63% of people will vote for Democrats (Liberals, NDP and Green) as opposed to 37% will vote for Republicans (Conservatives). And guess who will govern the country - Republicans (Conservatives). Isn't that funny and sad?
  59. Saskatchewan Seal Hunter Club from Canada writes: As someone else said before me........lets hope the communist NDP loses seats.....and the Croc.......I mean Bloc lose some. Harper gets my vote.........I will never vote Liberal as long as someone from Quebec is leading them.
  60. neil b from edmonton, Canada writes: I guess the libs feel it's their God giving right to call anyone who doesn't tow their line derogatory names. What a turn off. I could never ,with clear conscience, join a group of aloof and spiteful 'know it alls' like the liberal party of Canada.

    The impulsive and hateful comments of these liberal attack partisans is scary. Yikes!
  61. Alpha Beta from Help, Andorra writes: a good news article.
  62. james m from Canada writes: Strat. Counsel polls always favour the Cons, so no surprise. The only surprise is that somehow the Cons continue to hoodwink certain Canadians into believing that the party has an agenda outside of bullying, whining, and sparring. The social conservatism of the Harper-crites used to be what scared me - now it's apparent that what's really terrifying about them is their incompetence. Harper obfuscates by throwing up smokescreens - when was the last time he spoke positively about new directions for the country, instead of just complaining about the opposition?
  63. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Quebec votes CPC.

    End of story.

    Liberals.

    Reaping what they sowed.
  64. Alpha Beta from Help, Andorra writes: as in ' this is good news.'
  65. Joe Gopher from Canada writes: The media will be working overtime doing articles for the liberals. Too bad they can't afford their own advertising because they are broke.
  66. Norm R from Canada writes: An Angus Reid Poll showed them virtually even. but then other reports of the content of the poll make this one almost laughable when it showed that Canadians think Harper will stand up to the US more than Dion. Sorry if Dion lay down and was a speed bump he would put up more resistance than Harper has shown he will.
  67. S Boatright from Canada writes: ali mansur from etobicoke, Canada writes: 'If Dion was a smart politician, instead of just a smart academic, he should drop the whole green-shift plan after the election writ gets dropped.'

    ali, if Dion dropped the green-shift plan - what would be left for his policy platform?

    That IS his platform. Poor sap.
  68. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: The last SC poll had the CPC at 32 and the LPC at 30 and the bitter Liberals posting here were dancing in the streets then.
  69. w b from Canada writes: Saskatchewan Seal Hunter Club from Canada writes: As someone else said before me........lets hope the communist NDP loses seats.....and the Croc.......I mean Bloc lose some. Harper gets my vote.........I will never vote Liberal as long as someone from Quebec is leading them. _______________________________________________________ Hey Seal Hunter...quick question for you? What colour is the back of your neck?
  70. Leigh Broderick from Canada writes: FUnny how when a poll puts the Libs ahead, all you losers scream of its authenticity. But as soon as one puts the Cons ahead it must be a fix or done wrong. You people suck.
  71. In Edmonton from Canada writes: 'Although it is not true that all conservatives are stupid people, it is true that most stupid people are conservative.' John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)

    There are lots of stupid people about. I just hope a lot of them don't remember to vote.

    Harper with a majority would be the Canadian equivalent of the Bush years. Great handling of the economy south of the border and we're not far behind. Harper is running to the polls to avoid the economic fallout that is just around the corner. I won't blame Harper for that the economic downturn that's coming but the electorate might and he doesn't want to wait to find out. Let's see how the 2% GST cuts look in a year or two. Conservatives are great at making deficits if given enough time.
  72. Pervez Musharraf from Peccavista, Pakistan writes: G. Veneta from Calgary, Canada writes: Strategic council is the con pollsters so no surprise. It sickens me to think... _____________________________________________________ And Peter Donolo is Chretien's former right-hand man. So what? Liberals will be too demoralized to get out of bed on election day. If they think about their options, staying in bed or cleaning their rain gutters will rank much higher than supporting 'their' man-- the man whom nobody wants. How do you rally the troops around a negative? Vote for the guy you don't want, because if you don't, the party will disintegrate? That's the message that needs to be sold, but it can't be. The game is already over; the chessmaster has played masterfully.
  73. Canada's worth saving from Canada writes: Several months ago, the Conservative Party's website banner changed, so that STEPHEN HARPER is huge and the party logo is tiny. Now they're running election ads (before a writ has been dropped, btw) that feature nothing but the dear leader and end with some twit saying 'I'll be voting for Stephen Harper'. The last time I checked, the only people in Canada who can vote for SH must live in Calgary SW. Why has so little attention been paid to Mr. Harper's desire to transform Canada's political system into a presidential one? It's certainly been in keeping with his distain for Parliament, his destruction of the Progressive Conservative party as a federal entity, and his one-man cabinet rule. True Conservatives should be appalled by this wholesale assault on Canada's political, party and parliamentary traditions. When will the press and the people start to call a spade a spade: Harper is a one man Reform show and, having decimated the PC party, now wants to do the same to our political system as a whole. Wake up you old Conservatives. Stand up for Canada and get rid of this guy!
  74. ali mansur from etobicoke, Canada writes: neil b from edmonton, Canada writes: I guess the libs feel it's their God giving right to call anyone who doesn't tow their line derogatory names. What a turn off. I could never ,with clear conscience, join a group of aloof and spiteful 'know it alls' like the liberal party of Canada.

    The impulsive and hateful comments of these liberal attack partisans is scary. Yikes!
    ------------------------------------

    Wow, from previous posts you are clearly a conservative. But that diatribe above is like the pot calling the kettle black, except that in this case the kettle isn't black, only the conversative party is.
  75. Big Wayne Kerr from Canada writes: w b ' Frog going to France'

    Please! There is no need to insult the Passport Holding Loyal Citizens of France by applying a disgusting epithet to them.

    'Loyal Citizen of France' says enough about the Nutty Professor.

    Please stop revealing the hateful-group based intolerance that is always just beneath the veneer of all lefties.
  76. D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: Tom Morrison: You might have got that right, calling Calgary a ''sea of dumb rich red-necks.'' Doesn't it just make you sick to think that people would actually want to vaunt their wealth in our world, whatever the century they might be living in? I encourage you to continue reading Marx, such an urbane and logical thinker. I am doing the same; to roughly quote that dangerous thinker: we inhabit a living world of human beings controlled by the dead matter of money.
  77. r b from Calgary, Canada writes: Harper understands that politics involve risk.

    Dion thinks politics is a linear equation with a y = mx c solution, and is no doubt once again changing his mind tonight.

    This campaign, whenever it comes, will be absolutely scrumptious. The Liberal braintrust will be on pins and needles everytime Dion opens his mouth. Sort of like watching a hybrid of Joe Clark and Stockwell Day.

    Ouch!

    Prediction? I'll wait until after the first english language debate. That one should just about decide it. No worries Mssr. Dion, no worries at all.
  78. Rusty Brown from Cobourg (Ontario's Feel Good Town), Canada writes:
    Tories, Conservatives, Grits, Liberals. How many political parties do we have in this country?

    Just once I would like to read an article where a Conservative is called a Conservative and a Liberal is called a Liberal, without exception.

    What is the point of having two names for each major party?

    Thank you.

    RB

  79. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: iPhone, and of course Dutch intel would just publish their recently-canceled plans to go undercover in Iran. Don't believe everything you read.
  80. Jonny Bgud from Surrey, BC, Canada writes: I'm a first time voter and will be voting Conservative, maybe that made the 36% to 37% difference. It's nice to see the reasoned debate and intelligent exchange already starting to take place. It looks like most folks have already taken a position and are now busy looking for evidence to defend it. Playground democracy at it's finest.
  81. Alpha Beta from Help, Andorra writes: jo blo @10:19, youre absolutely correct, practical matters in the lives of everyday canadians is what drives public opinion. not ideology. the 0.000000018% of canadians who post on here that they hate Harper havent come to understand this yet. btw, i find it hilarious that these same liberal posters on this forum who were begging for an election for months so they could toss the conservatives out, might get their chance to do just that. but now they're whining because he's 'breaking' the law to force that election. cry me a river!!!
  82. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: Norm R from Canada writes: An Angus Reid Poll showed them virtually even.

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

    Is this the one you're refering to?

    Steady Conservatives Lead Liberals in Canada
    August 31, 2008

    http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/31630/steadyconservativesleadliberalsin_canada/
  83. Jacob J from Toronto, Canada writes: 'The new poll for The Globe and Mail-CTV News finds Canadian voters satisfied with the direction of the country and significantly more confident in the leadership abilities of the Tories and Prime Minister Stephen Harper than they are in those of his main rival, Stéphane Dion and the Liberals.'

    ----
    Cue the right-wing nuts and their complaints of a leftist media (led by the Globe) conspiracy to consistently debase and have a bias against the Conservatives and run stories favouring the Liberals.
  84. Donald Mahdis from Edmonton, Canada writes: I know I voted for the Conservatives last election strongly influenced by the promise not to touch income trusts.
    Eliminating the trusts has caused me and likely many more Canadians to evaluate our retirement schedule and added years more of working.
    Can't people remember this broken promise?
  85. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    I see Big Wayne Dumba$$ is up to his usual insightful commentary. Does your daddy work for the National Citizens Coalition or something? Oh well, nice way to earn your allowance, eh?

    OT: 37 percent?

    That's barely above levels seen in any of the polls done over the last few months.

    I was expecting some big numbers when I saw the headlines. This is basically status quo. The electorate is volatile, and still in minority territory.

    Quebec continues to flip flop back and forth. Last few polls had LPC comfortably ahead in Ontario - no big surprise, given the CPC's gaffes with regards to that province.

    Expect these kinds of polls to continue, up and down, back and forth, until October 14.

    Expect strategic voting to play a huge role in this election.

    CPC is far from the 'brink of majority'.
  86. J Law from Canada writes: Saskatchewan Seal Hunter Club from Canada

    When Mulroney seemed to be lifting taxpayers money, I voted against him. It was proven the Liberal party was lifting taxpayers money and of course I would never vote for them and never will. My vote will never go to a party that practices robbery on the Canadian people.

    And now this Dion states he will steal from the oil producing provinces and give to the daycares in larger centres that have always voted Liberal. Geez, and the guy thinks he has a chance???
  87. Bill Woodcock from Canada writes: Great News here. The Strategic Council is so wrong the majority of the time. These figures are identical to what they polled during the last election. Gallup will put the CPC's lower than Strategic and Nanos ( the best of them al ) will give us the truest poll of all. Last week Nanos had LPC 35 / CPC 33. Another minority on the way....
  88. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: Jacob J from Toronto, Canada writes: 'The new poll for The Globe and Mail-CTV News finds Canadian voters satisfied with the direction of the country and significantly more confident in the leadership abilities of the Tories and Prime Minister Stephen Harper than they are in those of his main rival, Stéphane Dion and the Liberals.'

    ----
    Cue the right-wing nuts and their complaints of a leftist media (led by the Globe) conspiracy to consistently debase and have a bias against the Conservatives and run stories favouring the Liberals.

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

    Cue the left-wing nuts and their complaint that 'the polling firms are CPC friendly'.
  89. Tom h from Edmonton, Canada writes: Dear god no. Like all the American liberals who considered (or actually did) move to Canada after Bush got elected, I may have to think about jumping ship if Obama gets elected and Harper gets a majority.
  90. Andy Adams from Canada writes: Next week you will see the same numbers reversed. Then the week after that another flip flop the other way. Yawn, wake me up on voting day.
  91. Joe Liberali from Canada writes: The only benefit to this is that in 4 years after his majority the whole country (minus Alberta) will be voting the Liberals in in numbers we've never seen before.
  92. Norm R from Canada writes: w b
    Where did Joe Clark come from?
    Unfortunately Joe was the last Conservative that we could trust Then cmae the Campbell/Mulroney/Harper years
    For that matter were did Kim come? Oh yes from west of you easterners in Alberta
  93. jeff southard from Lawrence, Kansas, United States writes: OK, 'Tory' I get -- it's from England, but what the heck is a 'Grit', eh?

    Some help for a Yankee, please.
  94. Prairie Duststorm from Edmonton, Canada writes: Tom Morrison from Canada writes: diane marie from calgary, do you really live in Cow Town? If so you must me just miserable given your many posts lamenting the Tories. I feel genuine pity for you living in a sea of dumb rich red-necks.

    A red neck is someone who comes to the prairies from central Canada. buys a big truck, a cowboy hat, has a grade 6 education and makes $150,00.00 a year in the oil patch
  95. Nom De Plume from Victoria, Canada writes: I've never felt so ambivalent about politics in Canada. I'd don't like Harper's smug old fashioned conservatism - especially his social conservatism. He has lied about big issues like income trusts and done so with no remorse. Flaherty is an imbecile - why would anyone put a ambulance chasing lawyer in charge of finance ? And yet the alternatives are even more bizarre. A francophony lib touting carbon taxes with a dog named Kyoto is my alternative choice ? What happened to my country ? Maybe I should consider a career in politics to take back the country for real canadians. This is bullshit.
  96. Abe Preisinger from Canada writes: Harper is calling the election because he thinks he can win, just like Chretien did. It's the perks of power and the incumbents have usually the advantage. Elections are good for the media though since it gives them something to talk about and lot of advertising can be sold.
  97. haji georges from Canada writes: Hey libs,just blame it on someone will ya,perhaps the ref,harper creaming dion and the likes of you guys has nothing to do with lack of ethics and or morality does it,,,apperently the only smart people in canada are liberals,how ignorent to think you know it all,,,, and the rest of canada that elected this government is stupid,,typical leftist liberal attitude,,,,,,,come on harper get a majority,,,,,I want my canada back,,reduce these ungodly leftists to dust
  98. Big Wayne Kerr from Canada writes: Tom h from Redmonton, 'I may have to think about jumping ship if Obama gets elected and Harper gets a majority. '

    Tom - I'd gladly buy you a ticket, but if you phone Landslide Annie McClelland and she'll bribe you to stay.
  99. Hugo Hall from Calgary, Canada writes: Funny how whenever a poll comes out that shows the Tories with a healthy lead, it is discounted as erroneous by the lefties.

    Fact is, most polls have indicated a Tory lead, ranging from a narrow one to a healthy one. The most important factor, however, is leadership: Mr. Harper is considered far and away the best of the party leaders, and that has been consistently illustrated in poll after poll. That is the factor that will sway the undecideds.
  100. The Real PS from Canada writes: diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: R. M. from Regina:-- In case you haven't heard, the NDP has LONG since thrown off its formal ties to organized labour.

    Actually Diane, at the risk of sounding like I'm picking a nit, I think oragnized labour has long since thrown off it's formal ties with the NDP...