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Tories strengthen their grip

JULIAN BELTRAME

Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 1:03 PM EST 14/09/08

A new poll shows Stéphane Dion's image is ‘the single biggest obstacle the Liberals face' ...Read the full article

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  1. I am a 416 Liberal and I am smarter! from Canada writes: As a scared 416 area Liberal, I propose that we now move forward with the next stage of our strategy. The Liberal media will only sell leadership debate tickets to card-carrying LPC members. Then, every time that Harper opens his mouth to say something, we will all shouth 'Wananananah! Wananananah!' repeatedly until he sits down, demoralized.

    This action, together with two liberals, Stephen Harper and Elizabeth May, dominating these debates will lead us to a great victory.
  2. The Maestro from Canada writes: Interesting how the headlines showcase polls which show the Conservative Party stronger, and the ones that have them less strong (and the NDP at up to 21%) are burried deep in the internet.

    If I didn't have complete faith in the impartiality of the media, I would think that they were engineering non-existant momentum for Harper.

    But why would anyone ever think the media was biased?
  3. True North from Canada writes: This is news when??
  4. Darcy O'Neil from London, Canada writes: Hmmm, I never realized Canadians were so bloody shallow. I guess image is everything, and substance isn't important. Sad really. People who vote should actually read stuff and not just watch commercials.
  5. Rt. Revd. Malachy Egan from Halifax, Canada writes: The Maestro from Canada...

    AMEN.
  6. Kevin H from Vancouver, Canada writes: Let the great Liberal party rebuild begin!
  7. George H Holden from Canada writes: Dion is waving good bye in the picture. He knows it is over. He can go back to France his favourite country.
  8. Rudy H from Canada writes: Its unfortunate that the Liberals selected a leader they did not want. Now they are learning that the rest of Canada also doesn't want Dion.
  9. bill johnson from Quebec, Canada writes: Strategy for Success:

    Abstain from votes;

    Threaten nonconfidence repeatedly

    Develop chaotic, misleading and misguided policy initiatives

    Unwillingness to modify said policy in meaningful way

    Incoherent presentation

    T - 5 months till Liberal Party bankruptcy
  10. Rick McNaulty from CalgaryOttawa, Canada writes: Hello Darcy ONeil from London - You sound down, almost depressed. You shouldn't be unless you are a Liberal supporter. You brought up the topic substance. Is that what the Liberal Party gave you for thirteen years? What's your topic, infrastructure, seniors,energy, the environment,taxes,crime? Wakup.
  11. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: I am a 416 Liberal and I am smarter! from Canada...On the bright side the Liberal Party of Toronto (LPT) have some excellent choices for their next leader. There's Bob (I ran up a huge deficit as NDP Premier of Ontario) Rae or Michael (I taught and wrote that
    pre-emptive war, rendition, and torture are a good idea) Ignatieff.

    The voters in Toronto would elect a toaster as long as it had a LPT sticker on it....Yes, 416 Libs are smater...lol...
  12. Rt. Revd. Malachy Egan from Halifax, Canada writes: Darcy O'Neil from London if you tasked every partisan political supporter to write 5000 words on the achievements of their particular 'hero or heroine' most of them would not get past: 'Well, there's errr....'

    I colored sign [electoral blue, red yellow, green] ordering folk to 'vote for Hitler' is quite enough to get der fuhrer cloned, recreated and elected to parliament. And, no questions asked!

    It's worse than sad: it's pathetic!
  13. Fred Draper from Kingston, Canada writes: The Maestro from Canada writes: Interesting how the headlines showcase polls which show the Conservative Party stronger, and the ones that have them less strong (and the NDP at up to 21%) are burried deep in the internet.
    ___________________________________________________

    Maestro, you and the Bishop are conspiracy theorists. All the pollsters are associated with media groups. While i could be wrong on the specifics:

    Nanos = Sun Media
    Angus-Reid = Star
    Harris-Decima = Globe

    Why would you expect to read about a Sun poll in the Globe?

    NEXT...
  14. Tor Hill from Outer Sask., Canada writes: The pollsters are the story in this election and the media are reporting it faithfully. It will likely be the post-election scandal. Don't ever misunderstimate CPC. Humble posters to these threads are doing the media's job for them.
  15. Canada 1 from Montreal, Canada writes: John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: The voters in Toronto would elect a toaster as long as it had a LPT sticker on it....Yes, 416 Libs are smater...lol...

    The voters in Alberta would elect a toaster as long as it had a Conservative sticker on it....Yes, Alberta Cons are smater...lol...
  16. Anti Elvis from Calgary, AB, Canada writes: This is what the liberals wanted anyway..it's a reason to turf Dion and rebuild. They know they made a mistake.
  17. G. Veneta from Calgary, Canada writes: Death by 1000 polls. Will the media actually start asking tough questions of the leaders so Canadians know what direction the country will be going please.

    Instead we get a poll a minute and some feigned con momentum. This is the story of the election the polls. What a joke our media has become and Canada will be a sick joke under conworld. What about the policies????????????????????????????

    Who knew Canadians were so unthoughtful, callous and mean spirited that they prefer secretive manipulative bitter angry governments. Guess they really prefer the daddy state.
  18. Inner Eye from Canada writes: Gerrard Kennedy is to blame for all these. When he lost bid for leadership, put his support behind S. Dion. I think this move was done intentionally to harm Liberal Party by electing a undeserving leader.
  19. Darcy O'Neil from London, Canada writes: @McNaulty: Definitely not depressed. I've voted conservative in the past, I just really don't like Harper. Currently my views are like this: Conservatives are all about the individual and the Liberals are about the whole.

    If you think about team sports, we are better off working together, then all fighting to be individuals.

    Canada will only continue to be a great country if we work together and I find Harper to be very divisive.
  20. Ontario Man from Canada writes: Dion is pulling a John Torry (Leader of the Ontario Conservative party, who lost the last provincial election by not listening to the electorate).

    Canada does not want a Carbon Tax! Yet, Dion thinks he knows better then the majority of the voting public. He knows what's good for us.

    Note to Dion: You are in parliament to represent the wishes of the electorate, not to force your specific views on everyone else. How very liberal of him to think that he is an intellectual, hence smarter then everyone else.
  21. G E from Ottawa, Canada writes: Conservative Party of Canada -- Animal Farm Redux; to be followed by 2008-2012 (aka 1984 Redux). What a wonderful thing this concept of democracy. Even tyrants without vision or policy have an equal chance at governing.
  22. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: Rudy H from Canada writes: Its unfortunate that the Liberals selected a leader they did not want. Now they are learning that the rest of Canada also doesn't want Dion.

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

    Maybe unfortunate for the LPT but atleast it shows them in their true light. The LPT is a 1980's pollitical party trying to portray themselves as a 21st century solution. They have lost their relevence in te crowded centre-left political spectrum.
  23. PANIC! At The Ice Floe from Ottawa, Canada writes: Darcy O'Neil from London, Canada writes: @McNaulty: Definitely not depressed. I've voted conservative in the past, I just really don't like Harper. Currently my views are like this: Conservatives are all about the individual and the Liberals are about the whole.

    _ _ _ _ _ _

    Whereas I see that all of them are the same: Say anything to win.
  24. Rt. Revd. Malachy Egan from Halifax, Canada writes: Fred Draper from Kingston you live in Kingston huh? Well, you know about corruption first hand if you follow local politics; even church politics...

    Conspiracy? C'mon! Do you feel that burning pain in your septum? That is caused by constant tugging on the ring in your nose!
  25. Richard Capling from Tobermory, writes: Mr. Dion appears to be an intelligent man who has the interests and future of Canada at heart, but does not appear to have the charisma that is necessary to lead a party in a national election. I think the only hope of avoiding a rout is for people like Mr. Ignatieff and Mr. Rae to step forward and express with the force of their personalities, the vision held by the Liberal Party in this election.
  26. West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: Some preliminary poll numbers from the G&M/CTV 'Battleground' Ridings Poll released on Question Period:

    These numbers reflect which leaders are talking most about the issues people care about.

    ONTARIO :

    Harper - 37%

    Layton - 14%

    Dion - 12%

    May - ??

    None - 13%

    QUEBEC

    Harper - 24%

    Dion - 14%

    Layton - 13%

    Duceppe - 13%

    May - 6%

    None - 11%

    BRITISH COLUMBIA

    Harper - 29%

    Layton - 21%

    Dion - 13%

    May - 11%

    None - 9%

    Translation - Dion's one issue wonder - The Green Shaft - isn't going over to well.
  27. Canadian in China from Beijing, Canada writes: I think Harper looks kinda scary too...in a geeky gangly kinda way. How'd he get so tall? He was the tallest guy at the G8 meeting.

    Haha and the guy that everyone asked: who the heck are you, and why are you here, you tall, gangly weirdo?
  28. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: Canada 1 from Montreal, Canada...The difference between Alberta and Toronto is Alberta is a PROVINCE and Toronto is a CITY. I mean even a Quebecer should know that. I suspect while Toronto once again votes for their LPT the rest of Ontario will be voting CPC. Also, Alberta is the new economic engine of Canada and Toronto is just a group of foolish, irrelevent LPT ridings that can't read the writing on the wall.
  29. Fred Draper from Kingston, Canada writes: G. Veneta from Calgary, Canada writes: Who knew Canadians were so unthoughtful, callous and mean spirited that they prefer secretive manipulative bitter angry governments
    ___________________________________________________

    You sir don't sound like a democrat to me. More like an bitter angry elitist knob, I'd say. Were you secretly hoping Queen Michaelle would bypass the people and appoint Dion Prime Minister instead?

    It's amazing looking at the graphs post Aug 29. Looks like with more intense polling, they've tapped into the silent majority who aren't at home during the day. People who see Harper as a likeable enough feller who can keep the nutbars at bay.

    Strategic voting won't happen, not with fuding at stake. The Greens and NDP see a red, bleeding carcass and will go in for seconds.
  30. bob london from Canada writes: Dion's Smart; he read how to start a camp fire and knows the nuances of creating a fire, he has never started one or left the university so it is theory.

    The academically'dumb' northerner, can start a fire, save the city folk, bring food fish and legumes from the bush to survive but would not want to step foot in a University.
  31. His Ice Anvil from Toronto, Canada writes:

    It goes beyond mere 'leadership' style or image. The real 'issues' galvanizing the electorate in this federal election are:

    1) Shawinigate (where 'Crouton' met with the Business Development Bank of Canada's president to pressure him to advance a $615,000 loan to one of Crouton's buddies);
    2) The Pierre Pettigrew & Jane Stewart Human Resources Development Canada billion-dollar boondoggle where tax-payers' money was left unaccounted for;
    3) The infamous $2 billion (and counting) LieBeral Gun Registry;
    4) AdScam/SponsorGate where over $100 million of tax-payers' money was stolen and funnelled to the Quebec Wing of the Lieberal Party; and last but not least
    5) The 'Green Shaft' - where 'Celine' wants to implement a 'carbon tax' on top of all the other taxes that Canadians already pay.

    Canadians deserve an honest government that acts responsibly with our hard-earned tax dollars - not another LieBeral government plagued by thieves, liars and incompetent buffoons. Canadians want a Harper Conservative majority.
  32. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: Ontario Man from Canada writes: Canada does not want a Carbon Tax! Yet, Dion thinks he knows better then the majority of the voting public. He knows what's good for us.

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

    The problem seems to be the LPT is devoid of substantive policies and is running only on their brand.
  33. Orest Zarowsky from Toronto, Canada writes: Poll results are directly dependent on the the questions asked. Having participated in a few, I can assure you that they are all biased. The questions asked, and the allowed responses are most interesting. That 'I have an agenda' thing is very clear.

    This poll is a joke. And is even less useful than severe flatulence in a windstorm.

    But it sure does a good job of propaganda. AKA the Big Lie.
  34. Tor Hill from Outer Sask., Canada writes: What can you say about a campaign built on knocking a guy for trying to bring intellect and intelligence into the equation? Those grade-three ads of CPC have the majority of us howling in laughter. Liz May was right with her controversial remark; being a politician, she might have tried phrasing it differently. There were countless ways to do so, some of which could have been phrased so as to remain incomprehensible to the people she was chastizing.

    And thanks, CTV female reporter, for 'Profess-Air.'
  35. Fred Draper from Kingston, Canada writes: Rt. Revd. Malachy Egan from Halifax, Canada writes: Do you feel that burning pain in your septum? That is caused by constant tugging on the ring in your nose!
    _____________________________________________________
    Bishop, you're missing the point. The Libs ONLY believe Nanos, yet this outfit, formerly SES, is paid by the Sun, a right-wing rag.

    The Libs diss Angus-Reid as a pro-tory pollster, yet they're paid by the left-wing Star.

    That both the Sun and Star agree that the Cons are well in front COULD be a conspiracy, but Occam's Razor would say it's more likely the TRUTH.
  36. Jillian Fecteau from Canada writes: We're not Americans folks.

    In Canadian politics, we do not vote for the PM, we vote for the party.

    It does not matter if you like Dion's haircut, his accent, or whatever other pathetic reason it is that you do not like him....

    Vote for the party you prefer...

    Liberals are good for Canada
  37. A Westerner from Small Town Sask, Canada writes: Whoops, the poll seems to have forgotten that there is a piece of Canada with about 6 million voters between Ontario and BC.
  38. Blake Lyons from Yellowknife, Canada writes: Shades of the Stanfield vrs Trudeau election.
  39. rick from river city from Canada writes: We have heard for a long time that the Liberal base is around the 30% mark. This election will confirm what the core base support for Liberals really is in Canada in this new millenium. How low can they go?
  40. Rudy H from Canada writes: While Dion and the Liberal Party have a perfectly good salable policy they just happen to in the wrong dimension. I'm sure there is a parallel universe where this would sell.

    And no, Toronto doesn't count.
  41. varun xm from Toronto, Canada writes: Ontario Man - Your thesis is only partially correct. The elected political leaders are expected to 'lead' rather than to follow. I expect them to have a better handle on national or global affairs than the electorate because we do not have the time or the means to access all the information needed to make the best decisions. I would then expect pols to explain their decisions to the best extent possible to the parliament.
    But I find the politicians lacking in vision - they seem to be truly aspiring to the lowest common denominator. I couldnt care less if the guy or gal is 'real' or 'plays hockey' or wears a sweater or eats corndogs. What is the vision for Canada, dare I ask?!!!?
    In my opinion, the green shift may be a very good plan, but it can not be condensed to a couple of simple sound bites for the peanut gallery. Hence it is a lousy political move. the cons have done a fairly good job actually with some of their far reaching initiatives in the North and cuts to the surplus. If it wasnt for the Flaherty's toxic emissions and the city bashing, I'd feel positive about them. But it's a cointoss right now.
    Net is, I want to hear the leaders in the debates - and make my decision based on that. So far I am disappointed with the visions painted by each party. I hope someone's listening - because people like I are the swing voter that they keep talking about - that has a history of voting on both sides of the line.
  42. I am a 416 Liberal and I am smarter! from Canada writes: As a thoughtful 416 Liberal, I propose an addition to our dear leader S.Dion's election strategy. Instead of relying only on the smart, but misunderstood, GreenShift strategy to transfer funds from the west and increase entitlements and liberal voter immigration, the Liberal party should also re-introduce elements from the Paul Martin campaign of 2006: vehement and strident anti-Americanism.

    Anti-Americanism is a cornerstone of Canadian Liberalism, and I predict that a healthy dose of this core value communicated clearly in the 2008 campaign will re-ignite Liberal passions in swing ridings (though not in 416 Toronto, we are on board already).
  43. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: Tor Hill from Outer Sask., Canada writes: And thanks, CTV female reporter, for 'Profess-Air.'

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

    Jane Tabor is so in the tank for the LPT I`m surprised she doesn`t wear mask and fins when reporting. You should see her do an interview with Bob (I ran up a huge deficit as NDP Premier of Ontario) Rae. She's practically orgasmic in her fawning over the LPT
  44. Mawry from NB from Canada writes: Now... if Frank McKenna...
  45. Canada 1 from Montreal, Canada writes:

    Why is there no mention of the simple fact Harper is breaking on of his own legislation bills? As in Set Election Dates?

    How can you even go out, and look people straight in the eyes and make campaign promises worth billions of $$$$$, when you cant
    keep your word of only two years ago?
  46. Red Unicorn from Ottawa, Canada writes: Canadians see Dion as a weak leader. This hurts Liberal chances. This is no surprise.
  47. Bill G from Calgary, Canada writes: I agree Orest. Polls are snap shots in time and are directly influenced by the question and how is phrased. Having said that I have two comments. First, it is still early in the campaign so its premature for any one to take these things to the bank. Second, the last three polls (however accurate you deem them to be) are showing a trend developing. Combined with the electoral successes of conservative parties in recent general elections (Reform, CA, and CPC) that saw Liberal support decline to the point of being a regional party, leads to a favourable forecast for the Conservatives in this election. Still too early though.
  48. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Instead of the usual Harper is this-Harper is that.......whatever, it is becoming quite obvious and evident that the Dion Liberal Party is in grave disaray and in GRAVE danger of losing Official Opposition status.

    The Dion Liberal Party is even faultering in Ontario.......Quebec....last in BC!

    What should even be more concerning in the poll, is that the Dion Liberal party ranks 5th, DEAD LAST when people were asked if they would be more or less inclined to support a Party since the onset of the election. LAST!

    What I would like to hear from the Liberal partisans is HOW the Dion Liberals can change the trend. Name calling is useless.

    Again, what does Dion have to do to hold on to SECOND place ahead of Layton??

    First impressions of the voting masses are critical. As Jeffrey Simpson clearly stated in his column, Dion was the clear loser in week one.

    Is it already over? Is Dion's inability to communicate a factor that cannot be overcome? Can Dion come back? If so, HOW?
    .
  49. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Dion is a weiner.
  50. Rob Rainer from Gatineau, QC, Canada writes: I have never and do not expect to ever vote Conservative, as conservatism equates with narrow-minded, misguided and often mean-spirited ideology. I will vote either for the NDP or the Liberals this election. Were we to have proportional representation, it would be a slam dunk decision - the NDP is by far the closest to my values and hopes for Canada, and Jack Layton is very fine leader indeed. But the Liberal incumbent in my area needs to prevail at this time. And, I hold Stephane Dion in the highest regard, having once shared a podium with him and watched his political rise quite closely. If we want an ethical, caring, intelligent and courageous leader at the helm of the Liberals and of a new government, Mr. Dion fills the bill. He is head and shoulders a better man than Mr. Harper.
  51. from somewhere from Canada writes: the only good thing that comes from the east is the sun in the morning!!yes im from alberta!
  52. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: I am a 416 Liberal and I am smarter! from Canada writes: 'As a thoughtful 416 Liberal...'

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

    ...lol...Do you mean there are unthoughtful 416 LPT supporters? I think that 'thoughtful' and '416 Liberal' are polar opposites. Why don't you be honest with yourself and recognize that you vote for the LPT because they pander you (their base). While you fools in Toronto think it is great to have your own political party, very soon you will be an island of red in a sea of blue....Lemmings line up on the left...lol...
  53. D R from Canada writes: Red Unicorn from Ottawa, Canada writes: Canadians see Dion as a weak leader. This hurts Liberal chances. This is no surprise.
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    A great homage to our electorate: smear campaigns work.
  54. Stephano Daliwal from Canada writes: The Liberal Party should have chosen a leader that was truly bilingual. It is obvious that Dion doesn't speak and is not comfortable with using English.
  55. Billy Bob from Saskatchewan from Canada writes: People are very predictable and politics is about managing people - masses of them.

    This is boiling down to the jock vs the geek. Guess which is which in this election.

    Kind of the same thing when you have people dating the better looking shallow one vs the smarter one clumsy one. They always pick the better looking one even if they know better.

    Four years is a long time but you know people get the government they deserve.
  56. Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: With the Globe & Mail being a part of the CTV globemedia network and the owners of this vast media outlet, I am always surprised to find anything in favour of the Liberals in this paper. But the general public is not as unintelligent as some may think and I have met a lot of people who are just put off with the whole propaganda effort and have decided to boycott the balance of the election rhetoric.
  57. doctor fantastic from steeltown, Canada writes: Sure, the Conservative Party have 40% support in this poll, but that means that 60% DO NOT support them. Isn't that headline news as well?
  58. Cassandra from Ottawa from Canada writes: We have had a couple of weeks of Conservative ads attacking Stephen Dion plus a couple of weeks of Harper in his fuzzy blue sweater.

    Mr Dion is a man of personal integrity who cannot be attacked on the scandal front, he is also a Canadian hero who stood against the seperatists in Quebec which is one of the reasons he is not popular with some segments of the population there. The Conservatives on the other hand have been pandering to seperatist aspirations.

    I think that Canadians will tire of the juvinille and lowest-common -denominater stuff the Conservaties specialize in.

    Yes, Harper has set a tone. and what has been happening in this campagin is the same sort of ultra partisan tone that he has introduced to the House of Commons with his manuel for distrupting parliamentary meetings as well as the juvinille carrying on of Mr Harper, Mr Poilivoire and Mr Baird and the other Conservative attack dogs.Together they have lowered the tone of the House of Commons to depressing new lows.
  59. Justin Kase from Victoria, Canada writes: Now that I can almost understand what Dion says, it's even worse. Adieu Mr. Dion, you are so out of touch with Canadians. Time for the LPC to go back to the drawing board and come up with a platform Canadians can take seriously and finding a leader who can sell the platform in at least one of our official languages.
  60. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: Is anyone else not surprised that the G4M/CTV are not reporting about the LPT candidate Brent Fullard comparing Harper to Hitler? To bad Barbara Frum isn't with us anymore.

    'Liberal candidate apologizes for Nazi comments'

    http://www.canada.com/topics/news/features/decisioncanada/story.html?id=ce709700-eaf6-4021-8e65-e23574a1c5e6
  61. doctor fantastic from steeltown, Canada writes: 'JOCK VS. GEEK' ummm.... high school's over people. I thought adults looked for substance over style - we're smarter than teenagers, aren't we?
  62. Rick McNaulty from CalgaryOttawa, Canada writes: Hello doctor fantastic from steeltown, Canada - Where oh where were all the really really smart guys like you during thirteen years of rule by the crimminal Liberal Party Of The GTA.

    Liberals steal and tax, tax and steal.
  63. Rudy H from Canada writes: I'm sure that, in the end, the Liberal Party will be better once they put Dion behind them. He was selected as a man not meant to be. The Liberals knew they were going to have to spend time on the side lines. The question is, how long will it be before they start the rebuilding process? It will be interesting to see what they do after the election.
  64. Canada 1 from Montreal, Canada writes:

    Strange...............how the Canadian public was willing to
    accept Kyoto which would have us send approximately
    12 billion a year to other countries to buy credits, yet when
    Dion mentions a tax, with the proceeds staying in Canada,
    everyone goes ballistic...........

    Where did you think we were going to get the original
    12 billion for Kyoto?
  65. Roop Misir from Toronto, Canada writes: So if Mr. Harper advantage is due to the shortcomings (real or imagined) of his linguistically challenged opponent (English), is the advantage so great that he will manitain this lead regardless of the issues at hand?
  66. Joe Citizen from Everytown, Canada writes: Are we the kind pf people that refuse to give someone a chance to prove themselves ?

    Are we the kind of people that allow ourselves to be taken in by violent CHARACTER ASSASINATION perpetrated by people that can only be regarded as THUGS ?

    Stephen Harper started running ATTACK ADS as soon as Stephan Dion was elected leader of the Liberal Party. We were still miles away from an election campaign. What does this tell you about the true character of STEPHEN HARPER ?

    WE ARE BETTER PEOPLE THAN THIS.

    THIS IS NOT THE CANADIAN WAY.
  67. Billy Bob from Saskatchewan from Canada writes: After reading a bit more above. I agree that if the Libs want to try and turn this around they need to draw on the strengths of Iggy and Rae or maybe some of their high profile candidates. They need to create a package to sell to the public.

    The Conservatives have done a great job in doing this with Harper. Rather than try to counter Harper by puffing up Dion - and I gotta say the -I love snow- bit was lame lame lame.

    They need to create a stronger, or seemingly stronger product. Something that the people can identify with but at the same time look up to.

    Anyhow. Its a shame to Liberals think they are too smart for their own good.
  68. Erin Voegeli from Canada writes: 'Poll results are directly dependent on the the questions asked. Having participated in a few, I can assure you that they are all biased. The questions asked, and the allowed responses are most interesting. That 'I have an agenda' thing is very clear.

    This poll is a joke. And is even less useful than severe flatulence in a windstorm.

    But it sure does a good job of propaganda. AKA the Big Lie. '

    Well put. The conservative supporter, however, will move with the herd.
    On the subject of Stephen Harper having charisma, I have to laugh. What drugs are you on? He is playing you like that silly piano. Stephen is whoever he needs to be to get elected. After your vote has been bought with what is quite franky, tacky, classless advertising, you will be shafted if it suits his purpose at any given point in time.
  69. Paul Lees from Non-Liberal Easterner, Canada writes: Good to see all the Lieberal supporters running scared. You have every right to. Deny the facts all you want, slam Harper and the Conservatives all you want, none of it will change the fact you will lose this election.
  70. Skeptical Realist from Canada writes: Looking forward to a majority. Also looking forward to seeing the Libs consigned to the political wilderness for a few more years. Maybe the next Lib leadership convention should occur in a native sweat lodge to cleanse themselves of the demons that have taken over the party. Let the opposition parties who are all on the left of the political spectrum invicerate each other over the next few weeks. By the way, Taliban Jack, you have been fighting the wrong party this week. You must be too busy yakking to notice.
  71. Vern Chavez from Canada writes: More appealing. Hmmm....

    Speaking- Talks like he has his tounge stuck to a frozen pipe. Sub-par

    Appearance- Looks like a vampire has drained his blood. Sub-par

    Knowledge- Hooked his sled to Kyoto and can't cut it loose. Sub par.

    Philosophy- 60's Marxist wealth re-distribution. Very Sub-par.

    Not really working out there Libby's. Say hey, goodbye.
  72. John McMortimer-Boyles from An Undisclosed Underground Location Safe From Nuclear Attack, Canada writes: bill johnson from Quebec, Canada writes: Strategy for Success:

    Abstain from votes;

    Threaten nonconfidence repeatedly

    ----

    There is one I'd add to your list right here-

    Fail to prepare your party to fight an election campaign
  73. Rick McNaulty from CalgaryOttawa, Canada writes: Hello Joe Citizen from Everytown, Canada - You do not strike me as Canadian. You strike real Canadians as a whining Liberal. We get it Joe the truth hurts. Expect more like a certain search warrent exposing more Liberals in AdSAM.

    Are the RCMP laying charges against Liberals attack ads Joe.

    Liberals will go to jail and real Canadians will cheer.

    Enjoy the election.
  74. Billy Bob from Saskatchewan from Canada writes: John Smith:

    416 is not a Liberal voter. It is a Conservative voter taking on a Borat type persona to ridicule Liberals, New Democrats and people living in the 416 area.

    If you caught his/her posts over the past few days it is quite obvious that he/she is just a viral marketing creation being used for the campaigns.

    They are all doing it but not as interesting as 416. 416 is just taking a cleaver approach to his/her part in the Lib vs Con blog wars and doing a pretty good job of it too.
  75. dick brown from missy, Canada writes: McCain PLUS Harper...conservative Nirvana! see ya lefties!!!
  76. John McMortimer-Boyles from An Undisclosed Underground Location Safe From Nuclear Attack, Canada writes: Canada 1 from Montreal, Canada writes: 'The voters in Alberta would elect a toaster as long as it had a Conservative sticker on it....Yes, Alberta Cons are smater...lol...'

    Correction. We'd vote for a bale of hay before we'd vote for a Toaster. :)
  77. John Smith from SUPPORT ONT BILL 93, Canada writes: Billy Bob from Saskatchewan from Canada...The problem is that Bob (I ran up a huge deficit as NDP Premier of Ontario) Rae does not play well outside the GTA. Michael ( I wrote and taught pre-emptive war, rendition and torture are good) Ignatieff is too much of a smug urbanite to play well in rural Canada.
  78. Dana Cruickshank from Canada writes: It makes sense though, does anyone actually feel that Dion is a strong leader? Regardless of political bias and feelings on certain issues, wouldn't everyone rather have someone else other than Dion to spearhead their views. I have no faith at all in Dion, but all Canadians know that Harper is a good leader. No one can deny that he has done a good job in his minority government, he has gotten the bills that he wanted passed even though none of the other parties supported any of them.
  79. Ed Long from Canada writes: If we accept the past government as being dysfunctional, and I do, then we require a government that provides leadership and a clearly defined opposition to provide the alternative viewpoints necessary for democracy.

    Harper will get his supporters out and, possibly, a slight majority.

    The only alternative for definitive opposition is Layton.

    Those are the choices.

    The rest is just cannon fodder and wasted votes.
  80. mike h from Canada writes: 'Stephen Harper started running ATTACK ADS as soon as Stephan Dion was elected leader of the Liberal Party. We were still miles away from an election campaign. What does this tell you about the true character of STEPHEN HARPER ?

    WE ARE BETTER PEOPLE THAN THIS.

    THIS IS NOT THE CANADIAN WAY. '

    Wow - I can see you did not watch the last election. You didn't see the adds about, Soliders, Soldiers with guns, Soldiers with guns in our Cities? The Conservatives have given back a little of what, the Liberals, following 'THE CANADIAN WAY', gave them. Funny how it isn't so pleasent when the shoe is on the other foot, isn't it?
  81. Fred Draper from Kingston, Canada writes: D R from Canada writes: A great homage to our electorate: smear campaigns work
    ____________________________________________________

    There's no smear here, DR, Dion IS a weak leader. Only 10 of the 101 odd Liberal MPs supported him during the convention.

    Think about that for a second. 9 of 10 liberal MPs agree, Stephane Dion is NOT a leader. 9 of 10 intelligent, successful (by definition) loyal Liberal politicians who have worked with him for YEARS.

    Or maybe you think you know him better than they do?

    I rest my case
  82. Bobby Dy from Calgary, Canada writes: Stephen Harper has done a good job of playing to the selfishness of voters. Consider this the 'me' versus 'we' campaign. Stephen Harper is buying people by letting them keep pennies but there is a long term cost to this strategy. Playing up the anti-intellectualism (always seems to appeal to a subset of conservative voters) does a great deal to undermine public support for building a strong knowledge economy, which will not exist without public investment. In the knowledge economy, public investment in universities and university-based research creates the educated workforce and the IP necessary to attract private investment. Stephen Harper would have you believe that an extra $20/yr in your pocket is far better than spending that money to build such an economy. Stephen Harper would have you believe that the resource economy, which does not rely on intellect, will allow Canada's economy to remain strong indefinitely.

    Alberta should know this. They have seen these cycles repeatedly. Oil prices rise, prosperity increases, rising oil prices reduce demand, oil prices fall, and all of that wealth is lost. It plays to those overpaid workers who feel that they have earned their lifestyle when it has really been driven by inflation in energy prices. Anti-intellectualism may be good politics but it is very poor policy that trades short term gains (very modest reductions in taxes) for long term pain (a non-competitive resource-based economy).
  83. John McMortimer-Boyles from An Undisclosed Underground Location Safe From Nuclear Attack, Canada writes: West Virginian Albino Mexican from Canada writes: Some preliminary poll numbers from the G&M/CTV 'Battleground' Ridings Poll released on Question Period:

    [snip]

    Translation - Dion's one issue wonder - The Green Shaft - isn't going over to well.

    ----

    Unless there is something the Liberals haven't told us yet, I think you are hitting the nail on the head.

    I paid a visit to the Liberal Party web site yesterday, and and they don't have much to say about the party stance on more than a couple of issues as far as I can tell.

    By the way, one of things about the Green Shift is it is supposed to shift some of the taxes from conventional income tax to a pollutiion tax. I wonder what is supposed to happen if all these big polluters who are going to get taxed to death either clean up their acts or go out of business?
  84. Billy Bob from Saskatchewan from Canada writes: No people are pretty shallow easily manipulated creatures. It's one of the reasons negative campaigns work so well. No one like to admit that they like negative campaigning BUT it works.

    Don't ask what people like - observe what they do and act accordingly.

    Until the Liberals get their heads our of their butts and actually realize that you campaign to win NOT to sell policy.

    Green Shift IMO is great policy (and I am a gun owning screw over my workers for a buck conservative kind of guy) but its a total PR disaster. Again the result of the acedemics in the Liberal Party thinking they are smarter than everyone else.

    Total dorks.
  85. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Vote Liberal.
    Save the Geeks.
  86. John the Baptist from Canada writes:

    Chretien had a strong accent and didn't exactly come across as a master of the english language either. However he was a very popular leader. At his peak he took 172 seats. This is not Dion's problem.

    Dion's problem in mainstream Canada is his far left ideology. Too far left for the average Canadian. In Quebec, where you would think he could make some inroads, but they hate him because of his egg headed academic elitist attitude and heavy handed federalist background.
  87. John McMortimer-Boyles from An Undisclosed Underground Location Safe From Nuclear Attack, Canada writes: Ed Long from Canada writes: 'The only alternative for definitive opposition is Layton.'

    The way the parties and the leaders are coming across, I have to agree with you. The NDP has a broad national base and seems to have positions on a wide variety of issues.

    I don't think the Greens will pick up enough seats this time around to be more than a small opposition party, the BQ is Quebec centred, and the Liberals have dropped the ball.
  88. Canada 1 from Montreal, Canada writes: John McMortimer-Boyles from An Undisclosed Underground Location Safe From Nuclear Attack, Canada writes: Canada 1 from Montreal, Canada writes: 'The voters in Alberta would elect a toaster as long as it had a Conservative sticker on it....Yes, Alberta Cons are smater...lol...
    Correction. We'd vote for a bale of hay before we'd vote for a Toaster. :)

    Your choice............enjoy.
  89. Ed Long from Canada writes: Agreed with Billy Bob.

    Total dorks.

    BTW .. Riders didn't need that win last night. Just maintain home field for the play-offs.
  90. W W from Canada writes: The title of the article can't hide the G&M displeasure of the Conservatives. So much for unbiased journalism.
  91. Tim Bryson from Claresholm, AB., Canada writes: Gee, I thought the GM was a Liberal rag.

    As one who wouldn't vote CPC if you threatened me with rendition to Gitmo, I must say tht Dion just doesn't connect with people. He may be a very smart guy who would do well with the details of policy, but a leader has to be able to articulate a vision that people are attracted to. What's Dion got, other than the carbon tax?

    Having said that, I don't trust Harper for a second. I feel in my gut that he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. I don't disagree with some of his tax policies, such as the savings account and the writeoffs for children and the fees paid for activities, but his ideological underpinnings come from a far right group at U of C. He is against anything that smacks of promoting culture or equality. I believe he would march much further towrds the disgraced US foreign policies of the Bush administration.

    For the 60% of Canadians who DON'T support the CPC, the best that can be hoped for is a CPC minority and the Liberals coming to their senses and selecting a leader who is at least the equal to Harper in being able to articulate his point of view.
  92. a brown from OutWest, Canada writes: What is this, the 1,000th poll since the election was called? Seems the G&M is now giving us hourly updates on polling numbers, but have you read ONE article with substative details on ONE single issue? Do you know where parties stand on immigration? What are their plans (or promises) are for business investment? Iin eduction? Health care? How about research and development? The country's crumbling infrastructure? Have you read one single, honest review of Dion and the Liberal's Green Shift innitative since it could very well be THE defining issue (the environment/economy) for the next twenty years? Didn't think so. And then they wonder why the elctorate is so uniformed and we end up with crap leadership. I no longer care that Stephen Haper has an 18-point more favorable 'likable' rating then Dion. Where do they stand ON THE ISSUES?
  93. Billy Bob from Saskatchewan from Canada writes: Ya I know John - Rae is death in Ontario. I used him as an example of something they could use. Yet they really need to do something.

    If they have nothing to package (the Liberals) then they deserve to loose miserably. If the party is so disconnected from their voters then another 4 years in opposition is what they need - kind of like the NDP here in Saskatchewan (went to left after Romanow).
  94. Bobby Dy from Calgary, Canada writes: One has to wonder when the CPC will have exhausted their advertising limit? One way that they have driven up the polls is that they have flooded the airways with their advertising while all other parties have been holding off. This is not related to budget because each of the CPC, NDP, and LPC have exactly the same budget for this election (limited by law). Unless the CPC again engage in illegal advertising, the lead that they have built up will be difficult to sustain.

    One also has to wonder about polling that is all over the map. Until this election campaign, I hadn't seen this much variability in polls. They are constantly falling outside of the margin of error of other pollsters. This suggests that they are surprisingly unreliable. I think that we can conclude that the advertising blitz by the CPC has ticked up their share of the popular vote some, it is impossible to determine the extent based on polling. A separate poll, for example, showed that Harper had a strong net negative hit on Canadian's impressions of him over the first week of the campaign. The Harris-Decima poll apparently doesn't reflect this.
  95. Strongarmlouis Rules from Canada writes: Billy Bob calls it right on 416.
  96. Mr. Justice from Anytown, Canada writes: When the Libbies selected Dion as leader, they telegraphed that they had no serious desire to be in charge.

    ... and the Tories rejoiced.

    Still: This was a choice that the Libbies made; for whatever reason, they knew exactly what they were doing.
  97. W W from Canada writes: The Libs failure has nothing to do with their Green Shift proposal. The Left are driven out of power all over the world. Unfortunately for them, the Canadian Left refused to learn from their ideological brethren’s mistakes and lost. Canada is the only Western country where the middle class is still growing. Obviously the Canadian voters are not in the mood to change this.
  98. M Hillier from London, Canada writes: John Smith: I believe 416 Liberal is engaging in satire. Generally,