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Globe editorial

Harper is growing into the job

From Friday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 8:59 PM EST 09/10/08

On balance, the Tory Leader remains the best man for the job in the tough times now upon us. ...Read the full article

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  1. Derek Blood from Canada writes: Very wise.
  2. Saskatchewan Seal Hunters Assoc. from Canada writes: Harper is doing an excellant job as Prime Minister. The trouble in this country is that there are to many political parties running, so even if Harper forms a majority government, over 60% will still be against him.
  3. Abe MacIntosh from Canada writes:
    There is an incredibly simple way to let the GM know you are unhappy with their endorsement. They sell ads and make money based on clicks, and clicks are counted.

    I am as interested in the news as anyone, however, although I am a home subscriber to the GM and read it online daily, I am going to cancel my subscription and stop going to their website. If all of you who disagree with their endorsement do the same thing after the election ends (who knows, it may turn out better than we think), the hit rate for the website goes down and the GM profits from their website goes down.

    Simple. Quit the habit and don't come here anymore. As intelligent as the GM is, they are becoming too clever by a half and we who are angered by this can show it by becoming invisible.

    Every time we click on anything, or post or read, they count it as a hit and sell ads on their website based on hit rate. Quit clicking, the hit rate goes down and advertisers notice.
  4. spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    I was right, and I will continue to trust the gloab as the only paper that hates everybody.

    Well done.
  5. doctor fantastic from Canada writes: hahahahaahahahaha, you're joking right?
  6. Darren in TO from Canada writes: Very wise indeed.
  7. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Very irrelevant.
  8. Big3 TO from Canada writes: Very disappointing. May have to look elsewhere for my news.
  9. North Star from Canada writes: Harper with a smaller minority government will not last long and he will not be able to run again as leader if he reduces his current seat count.

    Additionally, Harper will not be in a position to call another ad-hoc election and therefore cannot play the confidence motion card as often.

    Harper's next government will be short-lived.
  10. Gossipy Busybody from Canada writes: I'm so disappointed. I always liked the Globe. Harper's cleaned out the cupboard... there's nothing there for a rainy day... and now it's pouring out.
  11. Conservatives Lie from Canada writes: Once again the Globe is demonstrating that it is entirely out to lunch.

    The Tories are causing an economic collapse within Canada, not to mention they are consistently giving separatists everything they want in Quebec. Perhaps when the Globe journalists are out of a job, they will look back and see the error in their ways.

    As for Harper, look at his record. This man isn't fit to run a vending machine, let alone a nation.
  12. Phil H from Toronistan, Canada writes: Wow, I would not have expect the G&M to endorse Harper after all the articles I read on their web page. I wonder going into the long weekend if Canadians reading the numerous endorsements of Harper but various newspaper will change his fortunes around. We shall see.
  13. David Gay from Canada writes: So much for that. Now, if only the Globe editors could manage to grow into their jobs. Don't count on it.
  14. Abe MacIntosh from Canada writes:
    There is an incredibly simple way to let the GM know you are unhappy with their endorsement. They sell ads and make money based on clicks, and clicks are counted.

    I am as interested in the news as anyone, however, although I am a home subscriber to the GM and read it online daily, I am going to cancel my subscription and stop going to their website. If all of you who disagree with their endorsement do the same thing after the election ends (who knows, it may turn out better than we think), the hit rate for the website goes down and the GM profits from their website goes down.

    Simple. Quit the habit and don't come here anymore. As intelligent as the GM is, they are becoming to clever by a half and we who are angered by this can show it by becoming invisible.

    Every time we click on anything, or post or read, they count it as a hit and sell ads on their website based on hit rate.
  15. Hugo Hall from Calgary, Canada writes: Funny that so many would boycott this paper over what amounts to a half-hearted endorsement at best, even though it is blatantly obvious that none of the other parties is fit to govern.
  16. Will F from Canada writes: I'm through reading the G&M
  17. Joe D. S from Canada writes: Not particularily surprising in the end, but seriously, the results on Tuesday will not be much different than today. A big waste of $300 million.

    The icing on the cake, though, will be if Dion ekes out a win.
  18. Antonio Pilla from Canada writes: Bye-bye, G&M!
  19. Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, Canada writes:

    This only makes sense.

    The US is bailing out banks. Europe is bailing out banks. But have these bailouts stabilized their stock markets?

    The truth is US and European markets are falling even more than Canadian markets.

    So what should Canada do? Implement something similar to the over $800 billion taxpayer funded bailout like the US has? Seems like the Liberals and NDP want to do something like that, even though such US and European efforts have yielded no results to date.

    Harper was correct from the beginning, and for that the Conservatives should be re-elected.
  20. Missa A from Toronto, Canada writes: This cautious endorsement makes some good points. It does not address, however, my problems with Harper - his incremental, under-the-radar moves to limit equality in Canada, and his stated goal of moving Canada further to the right, rather than to serve Canadians.
  21. Harper can't be trusted from Canada writes: Abe MacIntosh from Canada writes:...Simple. Quit the habit and don't come here anymore. As intelligent as the GM is, they are becoming too clever by a half and we who are angered by this can show it by becoming invisible.

    ..................................

    Newspaper subscription revenues are trivial to the G&M.

    Clearly having a national newspaper endorse ANY candidate befits a third world dictatorship, not a democracy.

    If you want to show the G&M that you care about journalisitic integrity (which they lack) write to advertisers and let them know that if they continue to advertise in PROPGANDA RAGS like the G&M you will boycott their products.

    That's where the money is in the newspaper game.

    Canceling your subscription is a waste of effort.
  22. Chris G from Toronto, Canada writes: Shame.
  23. P. M. from Ottawa, Canada writes: This is a very wise choice by the Globe and Mail.

    This endorsement proves that the Globe is and hopefully will continue
    to be Canada's only national newspaper.

    Go Harper Go!
  24. North Star from Canada writes: 'Instead of carping about a dysfunctional Parliament, for which he holds much responsibility, Mr. Harper should throw out his previous playbook and try making the institution work.'

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

    How naive can you get?
  25. Simon Templar from Vancouver, Canada writes: Good editorial. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of Mr. Harper, but facts are facts. On most issues, Harper has proven himself competent and a lot closer to the centre than people give him credit. If it weren't for fears on the economy, the opposition parties wouldn't have much ammunition to use in their fearmongering machines. Market drops indicate investor discomfort...or in the case of the last couple of weeks, panic. They do not indicate that the economy is weak. Mr. Harper's assertion that the Canadian economy is strong isn't what a lot of Canadians want to hear, but the IMF backed up his claim by predicting Canada would lead the G8 in economic growth in 2009. I'm not euphoric with the Harper government's performance, but I'm satisfied. I also believe that his promises are far more realistic than the fantasy that his opponents have been trying to sell.
  26. garlick toast from Canada writes: Wow, who'da thunk it.I expected a variation on ' none of the above'.This must be a reiteration of the old newsie maxim ' If it bleeds, it leads'.
  27. Am Fal from Canada writes: While I am of the opinion that newspapers should not endorse any specific candidate, I do agree that the globe have at lease made the right endorsement.

    Good Job G&M!
  28. B I from Toronto, Canada writes: Disappointing. Will take out a Toronto Star subscription as the Globe and Mail has endorsed a leader who hates my city.
  29. MJ Patchouli from Bible Belt SK, Canada writes: I heartily disagree and hope enough other Canadians to too, and blow harper's pathetic government out of the water.

    It's a one-man show. For shame, G&M.

    Yes, a boycott is in order. Can you do it, fellow political junkies? Can you get your fix and chat on other blogs?

    See you at Macleans.ca! And Boo harper!
  30. Rebel Prince from Berlin, Germany writes: What an absurd reason to support Harper. The Liberals have vastly more proven economic and fiscal talent and experience than the Conservatives.

    This very poor judgement shows how out of touch the G&M is with what is happening in the outside world, and with what is necessary for Canada to become more productive and more competitive in global markets.

    Dion's Green Shift represents all of that. Canada is already far behind, and Harper is poised to lead the country in the opposite direction.
  31. North Star from Canada writes: 'Tough times' need a jerk for a leader??
  32. C R from Canada writes:

    I fully expected the other, but perhaps all the Harper bashing was the Globe's way of trying to make it all look even in the end. Oh those journalists!

    Cheers.
  33. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Among other rebuttal arguments, and it is a lengthy list, the Globe might like to enter the 21st Century by saying 'best PERSON for the job'. It is, perhaps, only a technicality at this point, but there is a woman running for the job. The Globe has just demonstrated its complete hidebound irrelevance.
  34. John F. from Edmonton, Canada writes: G&W. You have it wrong. Harper is too arrogant to make mistakes and too proud to admit them. This guy stood in front of the Canadian people on CBC and advised everybody that its time to buy stocks!

    What kind of an leader says that at a time when there is a disaster in the making?

    Clearly, Harper lives in his own world - just like Bush. And you are sucking this up for fear of a socialist agenda.

    Who says that Dion would not be a better PM? He was with Chretien for a long time and handle the very difficult optics after the near destruction of the federation on the last referendum in Quebec. At the very least, this intellectual 'appears' to have empathy for the masses that he will lead.

    No way. You guys just don't get it. They will be making a movie called 'H' in a few years if he has a majority.
  35. Anthony B from Maritimes, Canada writes: 'But despite these personality traits, Mr. Harper has governed moderately and competently for nearly three years.'

    Perhaps the writer missed the news that Harper has had a minority during this period.

    Sure, the Liberals, and others on occasion, allowed some of his legislation to pass, but only because Harper suppressed his more extreme policies, in order to retain power, while biding his time for that coveted majority.
  36. F/A josquin from Canada writes: 'He doesn't trust easily and so isn't trusted much. He is prone to savage attacks on his opponents and detractors, such as his gratuitous characterizations of parliamentary critics as Taliban sympathizers or artists as rich gala-goers. He also shows an underdeveloped appreciation for the basic tenets of pluralism with his denigrations of the keepers of critical checks and balances in our political system, from officers of Parliament to members of the press.' 'It would mean displaying the confidence to operate outside his comfort zone of near-absolute control,' 'We also urge Mr. Harper to revisit his wholly inadequate climate-change plan' 'His attitude toward China.....has been rooted in old-fashioned, missionary-driven zeal' 'Finally, the economy. Mr. Harper has to temper his distrust of the national government as a force in domestic policy with an understanding that Canadians always look to Ottawa in times of trouble.' 'He is smart enough and adaptable enough to recognize that his tendencies toward pettiness and hyper-partisanship hold him and his party back.' 'By and large, Canadians still don't really trust Mr. Harper and so he has not yet earned their comfort with a majority government. ' And after all that, he is your choice--------man, what a sad state we are in.
  37. Michele K from Ottawa, Canada writes: What is a newspaper doing endorsing any candidate anyway?

    Unprofessional and unbecoming.
  38. joseph tse from Toronto, Canada writes: Unfortunate but no other choice.... i hate harper with a passion, but i aint sure about dion and layton... it will be another few sad years for canada with another minority conversative. i just hope that the liberal party will pull their act together after the election to clean up the mess from the previous chretien-martin era. So in the next election, we will have a liberal majority again as it should always be.
  39. Z S from Montreal, Canada writes: Everyone knows there will be a Conservative minority government. G&M doesn't need to endorse the Tories. The only G&M needs to do is to endorse which party goes to power during the recession next year. That maybe more makes sense to your readers.
  40. simon doiron from on a cross country tourseeking employment, Canada writes:
    Is the GM getting any of $50 billion?

    I can see why they wouldnt pick Dion but please to have Harper for another term means trouble for a country that is already in trouble.

    Still seeking employment if anyone needs a smart guy. Will be in Calgary tomorrow.
  41. Abe MacIntosh from Canada writes:
    Harper can't be trusted...you're not wrong about writing the advertisers, but, the cost of ads is based on newspapers sold, so, all methods of reducing hits on the website and papers sold lets advertisers know your displeasure.
  42. doctor fantastic from Canada writes: I'm sorry, I did try to read the entire article, but I had to stop half way through as I was feeling nauseous. I've officially lost any and all respect I had left for the Globe and Mail. To endorse this lying neoconservative scumbag is unforgivable. Absolutely unforgivable.
  43. F/A josquin from Canada writes:

    Got news for you---------people don't change, they simply hide the crap a little deeper.
  44. Mr. Justice from Anytown, Canada writes: Well, I guess this endorsement proves that the Globe & Mail is truly part of the Godless Heathen Librul Media that all the right-wing maroons who post here are constantly whining about.

    Right ?
  45. drunk wookie from Canada writes: If he ever got a majority, he would bolt for the far right with no one opposing him for several years. Get ready for mandatory minimums, privatization of prisons, etc. Remember Bush with his compassionate conservative bull? That is the con plan: govern from the centre and then when you have consolidated power, remake things to your own ideology without giving a fig about what the majority of people think.
  46. donna capper from Canada writes: I have, for over 30 years, depended upon the G&M for fair and unbiased coverage...no more: no one who 'endorses' a candidate or leader can be said to be unbiased. At some point, Canada will choose to say good-bye to the American-style politics which have taken over recently - including 'endorsing' a candidate.
  47. Vonny B. from Ottawa, Canada writes: In Canada, an election is about more than choosing a leader. It's about choosing a party with the best plans for the country, and with a team to put that plan in motion. And the Conservative party is most definitely not it.

    This is a disappointing piece from the Globe.
  48. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault., Canada writes: Well, I'm not surprised but I disagree with the Globe's reasoning. They try to present positives for Harper - eg - 'He's governed moderately these past 3 years'... Well duh. The man was in a minority. And 'moderately'? I guess that's relative to if Harper had a majority.

    I still believe that the growth the Globe speaks of is a sham - a charade to pick up votes. I still don't trust Harper further than I could throw him.

    I would have thought more of the endorsement if they simply said - they had to pick somebody and by process of elimination, Harper was the last dismal choice standing. I understand that they felt they had to pick SOMEBODY, it's just a shame that the only choice left standing is a pathological liar - a paranoid, divisive one at that.
  49. Jeremy Osborn from Canada writes: Dear 'Globe and Mail',
    I find it vulgar and alarming that the Globe would interject partisan opinion into a political campaign at such a critical juncture, and more alarmed by the rationale for the decision.

    So much for impartiality. This proves the Globe has gone corrupt and partisan. An irresponsible and blatantly political move - incomprehensible from the point of objective media.

    I withdraw my support for this paper, and I have been a daily reader for years. I will pass this sentiment onto my friends.

    It is a sad day for Canadian media.
  50. D Durban from St. John's, Canada writes: Harper is NOT a Tory. Excuse me while I puke!
  51. Peter M from Canada writes: The Globe's opinion in this regard might mean something if there was ever the slightest doubt as to which party the paper is going to endorse. That a paper that quotes Junius in its masthead seems entirely unable to question its fealty to a party that has, on occasion, offered utter imbeciles as leader makes a mockery of the sentiment expressed in the quotation.

    You lost all credibility when you endorsed Mike Harris and his band of merry Visigoths. If you could endorse a goverment as transparently venal and incompetent as that, your opinion really means nothing.
  52. Linda Dial from Calgary, Canada writes: I think that when you come out and endorse a party during an election, you would not need to exhort them to change as much as this editorial does. The politics and economics of the right have taken a richly deserved and severe beating. However it is your perogative to back a dead horse.
  53. Martha K. from Canada writes: What happened to the aforementioned 55 comments? Disappeared into thin air. Things must have gotten nasty.

    Anyhow, that's a good positive endorsement G&M.
  54. Oracle of Doom from Canada writes: Mr. Harper...has been side-swiped, at least on the emotional level, by an international economic crisis of epic proportions. But he has gotten the big things right. _________________________________________ >So let me get this straight. Mr. Harper, with his agenda to cut and slash everything, turning this country into a smaller, wimpier version of the U.S. economic dystopia, has, by and large 'gotten the big things right'? Harper, with his Harrisite economic minister that never managed to balance any budget even when times were booming, the same man that went on TV stating Ontario is the last place you'd want to invest, is the right man to lead Canada though this economic crisis? So if we elect Harper to a majority, when can we expect the Harpercons to 'get the big things right' by driving Canada into record debt by nationalizing the banks like all those other governments that 'got the big things right', like all the pundits and Harvard geniuses have been saying for years now? When will we get our corporate feudalism? Better shut down the comments pages. Too many peasants commenting on how The G&M has gone mad. I don't read the National Post because of the mindless drivel they print. Maybe I should stop reading the G&M too. Go for the Fox News crowd, that's the only thing that sells, I hear. Pathetic, spineless, sellout wimps! You are a disgrace! Quick, shut down the comments threads!
  55. Michael Drainie from Toronto, Canada writes: Electing Harper will make Canada the only major democracy to continue with nothing more than a 'window dressing' climate change policy. 230 Canadian Economists confirm that his policies won't work and that a carbon tax is preferred. See http://www.thegreenpages.ca/portal/ca/2008/10/220ofcanadasleadingeconomi.html
    If you don't want your country to be the climate change pariah of the rich west look at www.voteforenvironment.ca
  56. black and white from canmore, Canada writes: Who is 'The Globe'?....is it the owner?...the editor?....does it represent the staff?....or just one man's opinion?....who made this suggestion?
  57. Mike Sumners from Toronto, Canada writes: My apologies to the Globe and Mail; I thought for sure you would pick Dion and the Liberals. Instead, you chose the best man for the job. Well done!
  58. N. C. from Toronto, Canada writes: I'm not surprised. For all the Conservative bleating about the 'Liberal' media bias, corporate news outlets have been in the pockets of right-wing interests for years. If it weren't, Elisabeth May would probably be winning the election, instead of discounted before the race began as 'too long a shot to even take seriously.'

    That aside, I don't think it even matters who the Globe chose to endorse - the very act of endorsing someone shows an unethical attempt to influence the voting public by manipulating the apparent popularity and viability of different political parties. Use of language such as 'Dion is the Conservatives' only serious competition' when the NDP only trail by about 5 points is ludicrous, and an obvious attempt to cast the NDP as a 'sure loser' when that may not be the case at all.

    I don't even know who I'm going to vote for. I'm in the Toronto Center riding, and it looks like Bob Rae will win regardless of what I think. However, I resent G&M's trying to decide that for me.
  59. Martha K. from Canada writes: Jeremy Osborn from Canada writes: Dear 'Globe and Mail',
    I find it vulgar and alarming that the Globe would interject partisan opinion into a political campaign at such a critical juncture, and more alarmed by the rationale for the decision.'

    The comments disappear and now they are back. What's going on?

    Anyhow, Jeremy, you'll find that is how ALL papers work. The endorsement from the Star came yesterday - at least the first part did (for the Liberals). The endorsement from the National Post (for the Conservatives) came yesterday.

    Check all the papers around the country today and tomorrow - you'll see political endorsements from all of them - that's what the editorial section does each election in most every paper - here and around the world.
  60. w sykora from Canada writes: I guess we only need the National Post from now on. One right wing rag is enough.
  61. G E from Canada writes: You have to be kidding. What have you folks in the editorial board been smoking? Despite his very serious failings you want us to support this tyrant. This country wouldn't survive another assault to our intelligence.

    I would like to know who wrote this little piece of propaganda.
  62. Geoffrey May from Canada writes: Leading economists call for a carbon tax to stimulate he economy , leading scientists call for action to save the planet, and this rag endorses a lying bully who will do neither.No wonder its a lousy paper.
  63. Joe Liberali from Canada writes: Foolish foolish analysis. 'Look at what we have! and when we have something new it will be totally the same!' Logic at its finest.
  64. F/A josquin from Canada writes:
    I want objectivity, not endorsements of political candidates. I want news.

    Is it really your job?

    Don't give me 'it's an editorial, it is front and centre and obnoxious.

    How National Post of you, how fox news of you. How un-canadian----------hmmmm or should I say, how NEW CANADIAN of you.
  65. C Bruner from Canada writes: 'Check all the papers around the country today and tomorrow - you'll see political endorsements from all of them - that's what the editorial section does each election in most every paper - here and around the world.'

    Yes - but none so inept and out of tune, as the Globe's.
  66. Tor Hill from Canada writes: He is growing into the job. He is gaining confidence in stifling our democratic institutions. He stymies Parliamentary committees. He sits on his hands in economic matters and spends our money for political purposes only but to no avail. He introduced the 40-year, zero down payment mortgage, realized it was too similar to the package in the States, didn't want to think about the heat that would cause him, and cut it. He is our candidate.
  67. Oracle of Doom from Canada writes: Mindless, spineless, dickless, sell-out Harpocon seals! Clapping and screaming the Harpocon propaganda! All hail the new corporate feudal state! Shut down the education system and open more prisons! It's not the time to try something new when everything's falling apart! Wasn't the Bush administration elected on their economic credentials, you know, 'getting the big things right'? Thank you G&M for showing us the way!
  68. Nathan Cool from Vancouver, Canada writes: Coincidence? A Dion smear article leads the news at the same moment.
  69. Ottawa Valley from Canada writes: Dear G&M, I wish you had picked Stephane Dion and the Liberals.
    His is the kind of leadership we need now.
  70. Ali Sharifian from Monteal, Canada writes: Are you out of your mind???? I do not belive what are you talking about...
    Are you journalists or deal makers? you could keep quite and not to back any body ... this was much better than supppppppporting Harper .I feel sorry for Globe and Mail and its poor sense of jugement about the very sensetive political and economic situation of Canada and Canadians ! Do you read the news you publish in your own paper ? I am not sure.People will laghth at you and what you did as a bunch of so called best journalists of the country ... Harper will go for sure and you will regret what you did tonight ... but any ways you have the right to think and say (write) what you want but bear this in your mind THE HISTORY IS A CRUEL JUDGE ! see ya later !
  71. Gisele Theriault from Canada writes: Talking about damning with faint praise. Basically, Harper is the best as long as he changes everything he does. Seems to me, Dion is the best for that reason alone. Harper is not going to change.
  72. Tor Hill from Canada writes: 'He has gotten the big things right?'

    I can't even say 'list it.' I can't say anything.
  73. simon doiron from on a cross country tourseeking employment, Canada writes:
    Mr./Ms Editor of the Globe and Mail

    How much are you to benefit from the proposed tax cuts if they go ahead?
  74. black and white from canmore, Canada writes: Did the staff get to vote on this???....remember, it is the 'globe'
  75. Hendrick Larose from Canada writes: I am shocked. Where is the liberal bias? That said, they endorsed the best leader.
  76. Dave Rider from Barrie, Ontario, Canada writes: Disappointed with the Globe and Mail. Perhaps the Toronto Star is where I should be getting my news. At least I expect Conservative bias with the Post.
  77. F Dionne from Toronto, Canada writes: The perspective I have is not that of someone who has diverging opinions about economic or foreign policy, or some other aspect that one can be passionate about but that, in the final analysis, has little impact on one's life.

    My perspective is that of someone who, a couple of months before his marriage in 2003, went out for a walk in downtown Toronto and saw this big demonstration, with floats, cheery guitarists and little old ladies distributing pamphlets... against same-sex marriage, which, of course, the Conservatives opposed.

    There are those who would call me a 'single issue' voter; I am not, but I know that I cannot vote for a party that doesn't respect me as a person.

    I will never vote Conservative under any circumstances, and that's that. I am very disappointed in the Globe's choice.
  78. Dan Shortt from Toronto, Canada writes: spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes: 'I was right ...'

    Gotta hand it to you, splicydoc, you did call it.

    As for Abe MacIntosh, Harper can't be Trusted, and all the rest of you disgruntled Liberal supporters ...

    ..... why don't you swing over to the Toronto Star's web site, and have a look at their endorsement? Check out too the 47 comments that were posted slamming The Star for their endorsement of Dion (before their editors shut the comments section down ... )
  79. Mike L. from Canada writes: Jeremy Osborn from Canada writes: Dear 'Globe and Mail',
    'I find it vulgar and alarming that the Globe would interject partisan opinion into a political campaign at such a critical juncture, and more alarmed by the rationale for the decision.

    So much for impartiality. This proves the Globe has gone corrupt and partisan. An irresponsible and blatantly political move - incomprehensible from the point of objective media.

    I withdraw my support for this paper, and I have been a daily reader for years. I will pass this sentiment onto my friends. '
    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    You've been reading it daily for years, and you haven't noticed that the Globe has always published an editorial endorsing a political party a few days before an election, after they have had the chance to weigh the campaign platforms?

    Let me guess: the problem is not that they endorse a party. The problem is that they endorse a choice different from yours.

    That's life. Learn to live with it. We have freedom of speech, and press freedom. They even give YOU the freedom to disagree with them on this blog. That's how democracy works. The news pages report news, and the editorial page presents, well, an editorial opinion, clearly marked as such, and new innovation, every Tom, Dick and Harry can say ridiculous things on line under a hidden name.

    The Globe hasn't always come up with my choice either, but their editorials are at least thoughtful and well-reasoned, unlike some of the blather on these blogs.
  80. bill johnson from Quebec, Canada writes: Excellent assessment of both Dion and Harper. Dion did his country a truly wonderful deed with his actions as Chretien's minister to handle Quebec sovereignists. His career has gone downhill since then, and is is truly dogmatic and inflexible. Harper is a master statesman, and best able to steer Canada through uncertain times. Harper would win majorities if he treated people with greater respect. His disdain for his opponents is palpable. He also needs a credible environmental platform, not based - as the globe argues - on climate change policy - but on a suite of major issues that can and should be addressed within Canada. We don't need the IPCC to solve many domestic environmental problems. Get to it. The need to better integrate natives into mainstream society is real and pressing, and, would not be solved by giving chiefs more money via Kelowna. Personal education and training accounts, greater access to fully sponsored internships, are far better mechanisms. Water and sewerage systems and housing contracted by Ottawa instead of locally would also likely cut waste and corruption. Overall, a very thoughtful piece by the G&M.
  81. Major Pain from Canada writes: Respectfully, I disagree with much of this assessment. However, I think a Conservative minority is probably about the best we can hope for. Hopefully, the Liberals will take this hint and find themselves a real leader so it can be different next time.
  82. Stairway to Saskatchewan from Germany writes: IT IS ALL CLEAR NOW.

    Many of us noticed how BIASED the Globe is, and pointed it out.

    This just proves it!

    Here is how:

    A few weeks ago the Globe was openly campaigning for the Conservatives with their articles, headlines and pictures. Many users noticed that and accused the Globe of BIAS. To cover appearances the Globe pretended to be centrist for the last week by printing articles that weren't so obviously pro Conservative.

    And they did that knowing that they will, at the end, endorse Harper, it was a tactic to cover their partisanship.

    Shame! Bias!
  83. Leslie Symes from Canada writes: I was a little peeved, but not altogether surprised, that the Globe endorsed Harper. I was pleased however, that they noted all of his failings and indicated his next term could move in a positive or very negative direction, depending on what he chooses to do.

    It's unfortunate that the left has been split into so many parties and we're unable to unite and form a solid resistance to the Right and therefore return to a nice moderate Canadian balance. We do well when we're moderate (I myself am very far left), but I would be happy with a gov that is somewhat centre oriented...

    Anyway, best hope is to keep him to a minority.

    I also wanted to note to the writer(s) of the endorsement that one major reason Harper hasn't screwed anything up too royally is b/c he was crippled by minority status. If he gains a majority, I would be seriously scared what will happen to this country. Maybe he has changed and no longer has his hard-right, Christian, ideological, Reform ideals.... but I don't think I believe that. I would be worried about a Harper majority mandate. I can handle them winning, just not a majority.

    (oh, and I'm voting NDP)...
  84. Joe Black from Saskatoon, Canada writes: Another corporate endorsement for the guy who betrayed his own base by breaking the spirit of his own fixed election date law.

    I am truly shocked.
  85. Political Irony is Hilarious from Canada writes: Darn liberal media bias!

    (Am I doing it right, fellow Conservatives?)
  86. bill johnson from Quebec, Canada writes: Forgot to state that the little 'social jabs' harper threw in late in the campaign are what may cost him many seats. Keep the social conservatism off on the side and you would have a majority, Mr Harper.
  87. C Bruner from Canada writes: Dear Globe Editors:

    What was so offensive (other than my pointing out that the Globe editors are in the running for the Darwin awards) that you wouldn't print my rebuttal to your endorsement of Harper? You printed my subsequent comment?

    Not the courage and conviction I'd expect of any 'National Newspaper'; maybe you don't rate that billing?
  88. Pierre Desaulniers from Gatineau, Canada writes: The GM is a paper of opinion, and expresses opinions. I actually don't completely disagree with their assessment of the man. The main issue of the conservative is its team, which is mediocre at best, and rotten at times. I sure doesn't shine in Quebec. When you elect a prime minister, it's because you elect the party with it. They are... unseparable. Then, also, I think Harper would be a fine business manager, but our Federation is more than businesses. Economy is the tool, and it should serve. And be respected for what it can do, not worshiped as god savior or Shiva the devastator. A bit of compassion is required, and that really needs to grow in the man. I think it has started to grow in him, to an extent, if only because it is forced on him. But his base, I fear, is lagging behind on that account. Harper and the Neo-conservatives are inseparable; as a result, however good is the man, he won't grow much in the heart of the majority of Canadians. We can all grow. For proof, Duceppe used to be a marxist, now he's a separatist. Maybe one day he'll help the federation work properly wink wink, nudge nudge.
  89. bill johnson from Quebec, Canada writes: What is an endorsement worth today, anyway? Nada.
  90. Jeff S from Canada writes: I'm flabbergasted Globe!!!
  91. Critical Reasoning from Calgary, Canada writes: I fully support the Globe's endorsement of the Conservative party and Stephen Harper. The Globe editorial writers have shown a determination to let Canada's best interests trump partisan politics. Jeffrey Simpson and other members of the Globe editorial staff are unmatched in their intelligent, nonpartisan, and insightful political analysis. Chantal Hebert is the only non-G&M writer who even comes close to the standard of excellence set by the Globe & Mail.
  92. dick brown from missy, Canada writes: Stairway...I pointed out how biased the Globe was and was just deleted! Love freedom of expression eh!? Further left than the Toronto Red Star now!!!
  93. J B from Calgary, Canada writes: This is hardly surprising. The G&M, with the exception of its freelance columnists (Jeffrey Simpson, for example) have done everything they possibly could to favour the Conservatives and disadvantage the Liberals. The 'news' reporting has been slanted in favour of the Conservatives throughout the campaign. What was once an unbiased paper with high journalistic integrity is no more. Ever since their endorsement of Harper in the 2005 campaign, the editorial board has become a pro-Conservative, anti-Liberal mouthpiece for Harper. Despite crises after crises, lie after lie, and continual hypocrisy from the Harper government, the G&M continues to justify these behaviours and denigrate Stephane Dion for perceived flaws which in no way impact his ability to be PM.
  94. Mike Sumners from Toronto, Canada writes: Harper can't be trusted from Canada writes: 'The very first thing a dictatorship does when taking power is take control of the media and render it unable or unwilling to remain impartial.

    Whether you believe it or not, you have witnessed history tonight at the G&M demonstrates that Canada is well on the path to dictatorship.'

    A bit hysterical aren't you? Canada is hardly a dictatorship. Scare tactics may work in American politics, but this is Canada.
  95. Mike L. from Canada writes: N. C. from Toronto, Canada writes: 'I don't even know who I'm going to vote for. I'm in the Toronto Center riding, and it looks like Bob Rae will win regardless of what I think. However, I resent G&M's trying to decide that for me.'

    Excuse me: the Globe and Mail is going to vote on your behalf? Surely you have a brain. It was an editorial. An opinion. If you don't agree with it, you are not being forced by the Globe and Mail to vote Conservative. Last I heard, we still have the right to make up our own minds and vote for our own choice.

    There's nothing wrong with the Globe editors writing an editorial. It helps to hear or read other opinions from smart people who have taken the time to analyze the issues. Go read a Liberal endorsement in the Star if it makes you feel any better. You can even flip a coin to decide if you prefer: heads, Conservative, tails, Liberal, and if it stands on end, NDP or Green...
  96. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault., Canada writes: D Durban from St. John's, Canada writes: 'Harper is NOT a Tory. Excuse me while I puke! '

    'The Globe endorses Harper and the Tories'. I guess the muzzled caucus are the Tories then? Is that what 'Tory' means these days - muzzled, neutered, and locked away for fear they might say something?

    Yeah, I always cringe when Tory is applied to the Harper 'conservatives' too.
  97. George Levecque from Fergus, Ontario, Canada writes: It would be better to not promote any one Party, let the Voters of Canada decide, without having a Daily and well respected Newspaper do this,imho!
  98. Alexander Slimnich from Canada writes: 'The Green Shift has been an electoral disaster not because a carbon tax/income tax swap is a bad idea, but because his proposal is ill-timed, ill-considered (why mix an anti-poverty initiative into a tax on greenhouse gas emissions?) and ill-presented.'
    Yes, yes, yes. This is EXACTLY why I will not be voting Liberal. My concern from the beginning was I would be losing more from the carbon tax than I'd be gaining from the income tax cut (and despite several invitations for someone to tell me otherwise, no one has) because a large portion of the tax ($14B?) will fund unrelated programs/'targeted' (and I don't belong to any of the targeted groups) tax cuts.

    To be sure, I don't agree with everything else that the Liberals want to do (just off the top of my head, I don't support brining Omar Khadr back to Canada, for instance), but the Green Shift is the dealbreaker.
  99. rick from river city from Canada writes: Sensible endorsement well explained.
  100. David Griffith from NS, Canada writes: I'm loving this. The usual Liberal lemmings who on a daily basis sing the Globe's praises for it's wisdom are now suddenly cancelling their subscription, uttering 'irrelevant', calling it nasty names, etc...etc. Could it be, now with both of Canada's major papers endorsing the Tories, that the Tories ARE the best party to lead us through a troubled global economy.

    Look at the US.
    Look at Britain.

    Now look at us. Most stable banks in the workd. Best economy in the G-nations. Not too bad at all by comparison. Wonder what profligate spending and megtaxation will do to help KEEP that trend going? Hmmm?

    Tory majority win = Canada wins.
  101. R L from Canada writes: What a joke.

    CTV = Conservative stooges

    For the past several years, CTV has been worse than the National Post.

    CTV has been promoting Harper and bashing everyone else, consistently, for years.

    Since CTV owns the Globe & Mail, this 'endorsement' is no surprise. CTV = the new National Post.

    Harper is a liar.

    Harper is a control freak.

    Harper is non-transparent and non-accountable. Harper refuses to answer questions from the press or the general public, unless the questions are pre-screened and pre-approved.

    Harper, in mimicking right-wing think tanks in Washington, is obsessed with controlling the 'message' and 'communication', to the point where he forces fake deceitful smiles, and gets photos taken wearing fuzzy sweaters with the price-tag still attached.

    Harper is for deregulation.

    Harper was the head of the National Citizens Coalition, and institution intent on destroying Canada's universal health care, and privatizing the health care system.

    Harper's cabinet is beyond weak. He has no one to even replace the likes of Gerry Ritz or Jim Flaherty. These incompetents are sinking Canada into the gutter.

    Canada will indeed no longer be