I'm curious about her.
What is known about her politics? Where does she stand philosophically and on today's issues. I know that she ran for the Liberal leadership, but bowed out to support Dion at the last convention. Where is she, on the spectrum, in relation to other prominent politicos?
Does she have a publicly available 'platform' of sorts?
I find her very well spoken, and an interesting character.
She's definitely well-spoken, seems quite smart and is bilingual. I think if she had some actual political experience last time she may ahve made a better showing. it's smart for her to sit this one out. No need to be a two-time loser. She's pretty young still. She can wait till the time is right and she'll be a better candidate for it.
I've met her twice. The first time was at this year's Fair Vote Canada conference. She came and told the group, in a session on party positions on PR, that she voted against MMP. Stayed about an hour later arguing/engaging with people. I barely talked to her, but was generally impressed, but frustrated why she still persisted in thinking that candidate lists are undemocratic (yet wants more female legislators, which are clearly a function of district size, therefore, benefit from candidate lists).
Saw her again briefly at a recent social function in Ottawa. Talked to her briefly and encouraged her to support the coalition, telling her I'd do the same.
As far as Liberal MPs go I would definitely put MHF at the top of the class.
Yeah, I was kind of confused as to why she was invited if she didn't support PR in the referendum. That was the standard line for those Liberals who didn't want to see PR happen - oh, I support PR in some platonic ideal or other, but just not THIS system, so I guess I'll vote against it or just not offer an opinion at all.
But I still liked her. And I respected her for responding to our invitation and speaking frankly to us about it. A lot of politicians would have either not come, or dissembled once there. She came, and told us what she thought. That takes guts if you ask me.
Heck, I support MMPR and I don't like party lists either. MHF has made a few gutsy moves as a woman politician, but I still haven't seen what she's made of as a decision-maker. Her one decision to support Dion turned out to be a game-changer, but not a good one for her. I don't dislike the woman, but still not sure I'd follow her anywhere.
I like her. She seems to have all the tools.
The only negative for me is that I thought it was a bit presumptuous of her to run for Liberal ledership, before she had even won a seat.
It kind of felt she knew she had no way of winning, but thought she could get in there and leverage the few supporters she had for political gain - which as it happens, is exactly what she did.
I realize now why she ran for the leadership - a clever way to gain credibility and a voice in the party, which she's done. I am impressed the way she's handled the coalition situation - positive, supportive and loyal to the bitter end, unlike the rest of the turncoats in the Lib party. I hope she figures out that she's in the wrong party.
This latest news about how King Iggy has been undemocratically crowned turns me off completely. If he doesn't support a coaltiion (and I'm pretty sure he won't as Dion was kicked out precisely so it wouldn't happen) then the Liberals are yesterday's burned toast for me. He and Harper are two sides of the same coin.
She ran for the leadership so no-one with bigger pull in the party could ever push her out of the nomination she wanted again. Remember she was the Liberal candidate who had to step aside gracefully when Belinda crossed the floor.
She ran for the leadership so no-one with bigger pull in the party could ever push her out of the nomination she wanted again. Remember she was the Liberal candidate who had to step aside gracefully when Belinda crossed the floor.I'd forgotten about that. She is definitley bright and articulate and well researched on the issues I have heard her speak on. She reminds me of Janice MacKinnon. To have to step aside for Belinda. Ouch!!
Does anyone know if she has a publicly accessible platform of sorts?
Her website is absent of any such policy material.
