I'll leave 'thoughts' to the others, Centrist, because I'm not up to speed today. Good question, though.
ps: I hate this thread title - I don't believe Layton has ever been afraid of an election. It's bullshit to suggest he is.
No, its politics. And there are jokes and cartoons putting Layton right in Harper's lap all over the media and I guess friday will tell the stuff the NDP are made of.
I'm no Layton lover but I have an admiration for the NDP party and Canada has much to be thankful for the contributions the party has made which Canadians still enjoy today like Health Care, something the leader at the time thought was worth fighting for as he has a vision where all Canadians count. Now its Home Street Home and Treat and Street and I can hear the former leader turning over in his grave.