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NDP Leadership 37
Thu, 2011-11-17 13:39
#1
NDP Leadership 37
Thu, 2011-11-17 13:51
#2
I believe this Toronto Sun piece - which is running in both english and french across Canada - should be looked at very closely to understand what the propagandists are up to here.
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/11/16/ndp-leadership-its-mulcair-or-bust
Remember, Duhaime has been active from Morocco to Iraq, as well as every conservative camp in Quebec.
From the camps of Stockwell Day and Mario Dumont. Provocateur. And in attempting to have Mulcair shot down by outraged anglo New Democrats, in this fashion, I wonder what the right-wing cabal's true thoughts about M. Mulcair's candidacy really are? Besides his being a real threat? And of course, in Quebec newspapers, Duhaime's nationalist concerns can be read straight up. Neat.
Surely, nobody can imagine that the Mulcair campaign would run with this "testament?" I believe that the candidate is somewhat more sophisticated - more familiar with politics a la Quebec - than that. :)
Thu, 2011-11-17 14:08
#3
Mr Shoveller thinks that "the Right" is trying to trick us into supporting Mulcair because they say he is the candidate they fear most. He is not fooled by this transparent ploy and will be opposing Mulcair in consequence.
Does he not pause to consider that the Right really is most worried about Mulcair and they want the sophisticated Mr Shoveller to be fooled by their "endorsement" into opposing Mulcair?
Thu, 2011-11-17 14:12
#4
Its not clear to me what rightwing hacks like Worthington and Duhaime are up when they sing the praises of Mulcair. Three possibilities:
1. They are trying to be objective and they honestly think that Mulcair is the strongest candidate for the NDP...and if you are a conventional rightwing pundit - Mulcair would probably seem to be the strongest candidate - at least on paper. He definitely gets top marks on the sort of criteria that rightwingers tend to value when they are looking for a leader (i.e. alpha male personality, long resume of political and administrative experience). So maybe a cigar is just a cigar.
2. They are both scared of Mulcair - actually think deep down that he WOULD not only be good for the NDP but possibly a threat to the Tories and they are trying to be mischievous by promoting him know that to many NDPers - when people like Worthington or Duhaime see "white", we say "black"
3. They actually think he would be a disaster in the longterm for the NDP and are trying to promote him because they want him to win and then crash and burn - plus they are delusional enough to think that their columns are at all influential among NDP members.
Thu, 2011-11-17 14:24
#5
Interesting to see the duelling headlines.
Toronto Star says "NDP membership drive off to a slow start"
Globe says "NDP membership soars"!
I'm not sure that there actually has been much of a membership drive as of yet...the campaigns are still at the stage of hiring organizers and lining up teams etc...I suspect that the big pushes for membership sign-ups will happen after the first debate in December and the rubber will really hit the road in January leading up the Feb. 18 deadline.
To the extent that NDP membership has risen at all in the past two months - I think its largely people spontaeously going to ndp.ca and renewing lapsed memberships or joining for the first time because they know a leadership race is on...
Thu, 2011-11-17 14:36
#6
So, Shoveller... this means we shouldn't support Dewar or Mulcair because it's been said by the right-wing those two are the ones they fear the most? It's just noise on the other side. As a New Democrat, make your own decision who you think will scare the crap out of the Tories and Liberals.
Oh... reminds me of the Star Wars line... "It's a trap!" :)
Thu, 2011-11-17 15:00
#7
Idealistic Prag...
The leadership debate schedule has been released:
Dec. 4, Ottawa – Building an inclusive economy
January, Halifax – Giving families a break
February, Quebec City – Providing leadership on the world stage
February, Winnipeg – Building bridges between urban and rural Canada
March, Montreal – Building a strong united Canada
March, Vancouver – Creating opportunities for youth and new Canadians
Thu, 2011-11-17 15:36
#8
Stop trying to read in. One and only one thing is known- Duhaime is stirring the pot. Who cares what the guesses are on his end game- if he even wants anything more than pot stirring.
Thu, 2011-11-17 16:00
#9
Agree with KenS, he is just stirring the pot and create the idea that the NDP leadership race is a cage match.
Does anyone know if these debates will be televised?
Thu, 2011-11-17 16:24
#10
Idealistic Prag...
Does anyone know if these debates will be televised?
One of the pieces I read today said that they would be broadcast on CPAC and also transmitted online, but I can't for the life of me remember which one.
Thu, 2011-11-17 16:31
#11
I hope a few more will be added to that list. Like, oh, I dunno: one in Toronto?
Thu, 2011-11-17 16:38
#12
Idealistic Prag...
I hope a few more will be added to that list. Like, oh, I dunno: one in Toronto?
I suspect the thinking behind that was that Toronto gets the convention, so why not give Ottawa the debate.
Thu, 2011-11-17 16:52
#13
Two pieces on Romeo Saganash today: first from The Economist:
http://www.economist.com/node/21538794
And secondly, Romeo's newest column from the Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/romeo-saganash/rural-canada_b_1098263.html
Thu, 2011-11-17 17:34
#14
Lou Arab
I think there are a lot of cities left off that list. Alberta and Sask don't seem to rate at all.
Having said that, if the events are televised, or at least webcast, I'll see everything I need to elsewhere.
Thu, 2011-11-17 17:37
#15
Malcolm
I think it's a trifle silly to read any specific agend into Duhaime's piece beyond, as Ken put it, stirring the pot.
Duhaime is smart enough to realize that it is nigh on impossible to determine in advance which candidate for the leadership of your competing party would be best for your purposes - and even harder to manipulate the process to enhance their chances. Hell, in the last actual Liberal leadership race (the race that elected Dion, not the coronation of Count Ignatieff), I was convinced that Dion was the potential leader with the greates potential to damage the NDP. Turns out I was wrong on that.
Thu, 2011-11-17 17:43
#16
Idealistic Prag...
I think there are a lot of cities left off that list. Alberta and Sask don't seem to rate at all.
Having said that, if the events are televised, or at least webcast, I'll see everything I need to elsewhere.
Yeah. The closest debates for Edmontonians are in Vancouver and Winnipeg, but I don't see anyone getting up in arms about that. (Of course, I'll be thousands of kilometres away by then anyway, so it doesn't particularly matter for me where they're held! I will have to watch them on the internet in the middle of the night, I suppose...)
Thu, 2011-11-17 17:46
#17
Idealistic Prag...
Niki Ashton is still not on the official candidates' list due to not having paid her entrance fee, but at least her website is finally up.
Thu, 2011-11-17 17:55
#18
Malcolm, isn't "stirring the pot" technically an agenda - specifically an agenda meant to fan the flames of devisiveness?
Ironically, after a post where Saganash talks about how rural areas are being neglected, someone complains about cities being neglected as cites of debates.
BTW - the first post from now on in subsequent leadership threads should be the list of debates - I don't think anyone following this thread and its offspring want to accidentally miss them.
Thu, 2011-11-17 18:33
#19
Lou Arab
Niki Ashton is still not on the official candidates' list due to not having paid her entrance fee, but at least her website is finally up.
I know it's superficial, and god knows I couldn't stand up to the scrutiny candidates (esp female candidates) have to go through regarding their appearance, but I think Niki needs to ditch the glasses and get contact lenses. I think her current frames make her look even younger and greener than she is.
There. I said it.
Flame away.
It's probably deserved.
Thu, 2011-11-17 18:38
#20
It could be that some of the cities were left out of the debates with the knowledge of other sponsors- like the BCNDP Convention Town Hall. Yes, I know there is also a debate on Vancouver- I just used that example because its the only non federal party venue with all the candidates that I know of.
Thu, 2011-11-17 18:58
#21
Boom Boom
I think we should have an NDP candidates debate here in Kegaska. 
Thu, 2011-11-17 19:06
#22
Just looked up Kegaska on the map. Awesome location.
Thu, 2011-11-17 19:15
#23
Boom Boom
Yes, I have the Gulf of St. Lawrence in my backyard. Lots of wildlife nearby - bears, moose, rabbits, eagles, hawks, a variety of whales, sharks, octopuses, squid, cod, snow crab, starfish, man'o war, crows, ravens, mourning doves, chickadees, thrushes, finchs, sparrows, swallows, Grosbeaks, Starlings, blackflies....
Thu, 2011-11-17 19:55
#24
dacckon
Listen to me.
The sun ran an article, when Topp and Saganash were the only two candidates running, delcaring that Topp was the only one who was modern.
(this comment is probably late, I fell asleep)
Anyways, ignore what the sun says. They like to stir shit.
Thu, 2011-11-17 21:17
#25
I believe this Toronto Sun piece - which is running in both english and french across Canada - should be looked at very closely to understand what the propagandists are up to here.
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/11/16/ndp-leadership-its-mulcair-or-bust
From the camps of Stockwell Day and Mario Dumont.
Despite the varied and imaginative speculations here, I think the explanation is dead simple.
Duhaime has read about the membership figures, and assumes Mulcair cannot win, because the mass of anglo members will vote, in the end, for anyone but Mulcair. So he paints Mulcair as the logical choice, expecting him to be rejected. Quebec humiliated again: the NDP never really wanted us.
Don't underrate the strength of this narrative.
Brian Topp is from Quebec. (So is Saganash but he has not yet presented himself as a Quebecer, that I have seen.) At this point Peggy Nash has not stressed any Quebec ties.
Anne Minh-Thu Quach, MP (Beauharnois-Salaberry, Québec): “Peggy Nash is a passionate and tireless woman who inspires me immensely. As a woman from Québec and a young politician, I share her vision of a country which protects its environment, which defends the less fortunate and fights to improve public services. I also share her vision of a transparent government that actually listens, and actually represents the interests of all Canadians. With her charisma and her vast experience with workers and finances, I feel that she is the best placed to take down Harper’s Conservatives, to lead a united and prosperous Canada, and to instill a breath of fresh air and optimism into Canadian politics.”
Le niveau de français de Mme Nash et son passé de négociatrice syndicale lui donnent des points parmi les autres candidats, selon son collègue Joe Comartin. «Elle parle couramment français, elle est connue du monde syndical. Celui lui donnera, je crois, des appuis substantiels. Alors oui, elle est certainement compétitive dans cette course», a-t-il estimé.
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/politique-canadienne/...
At the CAW I worked hard to make a difference in the lives of working people. I was able to bargain with large and small employers improving wages, benefits and working conditions for people across this country. I developed the NDP’s Green Car Strategy that brought workers and environmentalists together to build a just and sustainable future for Canada. In 2005, I became the first woman in North America to lead bargaining for labour in the automotive sector. I have been at the table and negotiated for entire communities with the CEOs of some of the toughest corporations in Canada and the world.
http://peggynash.ca/2012/announcement-by-peggy-nash/
But where does she talk about negotiating contracts for Quebec CAW members? She negotiated the 2005 contract with Ford, which I believe has no Quebec CAW plants. The CAW doesn't mention any Quebec experience:
http://www.caw.ca/en/10706.htm
Where are her Quebec labour endorsers, other than Anne Minh-Thu Quach (who was active in the public sector union central)?
Mme Nash estime que le fait qu'elle est peu connue au Québec ne constitue pas un handicap.
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Politique/2011/10/28/001-peggy-nash...
She must know better.
Her Oct. 30 meet-and-greet in Montreal attracted 19 Facebook "attendings" and one volunteer.
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=293407304016993
We have nine excellent candidates, but I think the next leader will be Brian Topp or Tom Mulcair.
Thu, 2011-11-17 21:26
#26
dacckon
Peggy Nash's analysis of Canada (good article)
Why we need new politics by Niki Ashton
NDP has a leadership video up! You can submit questions, etc. Don't abuse the NDP site, This isn't an oppertunity to spam them with your complaints that the NDP is the source of all evil and can be blamed for everything in the world.
Thu, 2011-11-17 23:00
#27
Malcolm
Malcolm, isn't "stirring the pot" technically an agenda - specifically an agenda meant to fan the flames of devisiveness?
In that sense, yes, stirring the pot is an agenda. But it is an agenda with no specific outcome in mind beyond making mischief. It isn't about improving or negating Mulcair's chances. It's about flinging mud at the wall to see what sticks.
Thu, 2011-11-17 23:05
#28
Malcolm
I know it's superficial, and god knows I couldn't stand up to the scrutiny candidates (esp female candidates) have to go through regarding their appearance, but I think Niki needs to ditch the glasses and get contact lenses. I think her current frames make her look even younger and greener than she is.
There. I said it.
Flame away.
It's probably deserved.
I'm not going to flame. Yes, its superficial, but I'm the guy who insisted the Meili campaign avoid using one otherwise good pic because "he looks like he's running for president of the student's union."
I disagree though, about the glasses. I think the glasses actually make her look more mature and thoughtful.
Thu, 2011-11-17 23:38
#29
Malcolm
I find it intereswting that both CTV and Sun made much of the fact that Niki Ashton is the youngest candidate, yet the media has yet to note who the oldest candidate is.
Thu, 2011-11-17 23:56
#30
Malcolm, the NDP want to present an united front and use the Leadership to bring more people into the tent and promote the diverse nature of the party (within certain perameters). If there can be no in-fighting inside the party, it would be best to create the illusion that certain segments have been slighted. Mulcair loses, then Quebec has been slighted by the NDP (encouraging the voters to go elsewhere) but if Mulcair wins, he is proof that the party is basically Quebec and little else (alienating the west).
I am waiting until I get a bit more laundry done before I turn on the heat, so Ashton looks freezing. Ashton's look is her brand and she can't change it too drastically or she looks fake - at least that was Jack's argument when it came to a certain bit of facial hair. And remember that make-overs don't always work - Preston Manning got a make-over and ended up looking like kd lang. Hoang Mai must be the only person who grows lip hair and it actually makes him look younger. I think that Matt Dube won a prize for his lip hair - has a picture of it on Twitter.
Is there any indication that Topp is still in it?
Now to read the rest of the articles.
Fri, 2011-11-18 00:09
#31
Boom Boom
I know it's superficial, and god knows I couldn't stand up to the scrutiny candidates (esp female candidates) have to go through regarding their appearance, but I think Niki needs to ditch the glasses and get contact lenses. I think her current frames make her look even younger and greener than she is.
Her official MP photo is sans glasses.
Fri, 2011-11-18 00:11
#32
Nash likes the Tobin tax - good!
Found out how Ashton is defining "old" politics - Harpernomics! I can see the contrast between Ashton and Harper!
Fri, 2011-11-18 02:27
#33
Nash likes the Tobin tax - good!
Found out how Ashton is defining "old" politics - Harpernomics! I can see the contrast between Ashton and Harper!
Would you mind expanding on this a bit? I believe you are onto something, but it's just a little skimpy.
Fri, 2011-11-18 03:44
#34
M. Spector
As for taxing the rich more, Nash said only that she favours a "fair and progressive tax system," declining to comment specifically on "one-off" ideas.
[sigh] not a good sign...
Fri, 2011-11-18 05:03
#35
I believe this Toronto Sun piece - which is running in both english and french across Canada - should be looked at very closely to understand what the propagandists are up to here.
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/11/16/ndp-leadership-its-mulcair-or-bust
From the camps of Stockwell Day and Mario Dumont.
Despite the varied and imaginative speculations here, I think the explanation is dead simple.
Duhaime has read about the membership figures, and assumes Mulcair cannot win, because the mass of anglo members will vote, in the end, for anyone but Mulcair. So he paints Mulcair as the logical choice, expecting him to be rejected. Quebec humiliated again: the NDP never really wanted us.
Don't underrate the strength of this narrative.......
..............
We have nine excellent candidates, but I think the next leader will be Brian Topp or Tom Mulcair.
I agree that Duhaime is playing to his Quebec readership in displaying Tom Mulcair's strong background and image of success. Setting him up for the fall.
But from the hiccups in reaction to the piece hereabouts - and certainly out there in workerland - I believe it's clear that Duhaime is coppering his bet by building on the image of Mulcair's "audacity."
----------------------------------------------------------
What I'm trying to understand is these views of the Sun's machinations as simple pot stirring, as though we are talking about dropping ingredients into a stew and the result being unknown, unplanned:
Malcolm: "I think it's a trifle silly to read any specific agend into Duhaime's piece beyond, as Ken put it, stirring the pot.
"Duhaime is smart enough to realize that it is nigh on impossible to determine in advance which candidate for the leadership of your competing party would be best for your purposes - and even harder to manipulate the process to enhance their chances. Hell, in the last actual Liberal leadership race (the race that elected Dion, not the coronation of Count Ignatieff), I was convinced that Dion was the potential leader with the greates potential to damage the NDP. Turns out I was wrong on that."
I think,Malcolm, that you are again wrong...of course the Sun's hireling knows exactly "which candidate for the leadership of your competing party would be best for (his) purposes," how to "play" the nationalist harp and provoke socialist opinion in the ROC. The Sun hired him for his superior work as a propagandist and provocateur.
Your super-rationalist understanding does not allow you to sympathize with the vulnerability of the Great Manipulated, his target...just as ANY THINKING PERSON could see that Dion was bang on, environmentally...forgetting about jobs. Enter the Cons to skewer him on exactly that point, eh?
--------------
A p.s. to Wilf. I hope that your take on Duhaime's thinking - "... because the mass of anglo members will vote, in the end, for anyone but Mulcair" - is not reflective of reality. I cannot believe that my fellow anglophones are massively so. WE must hope that cynicism is the weak point in his thinking.
Fri, 2011-11-18 05:07
#36
As for taxing the rich more, Nash said only that she favours a "fair and progressive tax system," declining to comment specifically on "one-off" ideas.[sigh] not a good sign...
That has been my concern for her handling of economic questions throughout. Generalizations, even while Harper derides the NDP for its lack of focus on economic revitalization and jobs.
Fri, 2011-11-18 07:54
#37
Paul Dewar has just been hammering Tony Clement for conflict of interst over the Albany Club affair. But now we are met with this:
http://www.hilltimes.com/news/politics/2011/11/14/clement-raitt-may-be-c...
Treasury Board President Tony Clement dismisses the allegations. 'Apparently there is an NDP fundraiser for one of its leadership candidates, [Brian] Topp, at the Albany Club. I suppose it's okay for New Democrats to use the Albany Club, but not for us,' says Mr. Clement.
Mr. Clement attempted to laugh off questions in the Commons Monday about his potential conflict, telling MPs that prominent NDP leadership candidate Brian Topp has booked space at the Albany Club to raise money for his leadership campaign.
"I would like to do a bit of an advertisement for the NDP," Mr. Clement said in response to a question from NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Que.). "Apparently there is an NDP fundraiser for one of its leadership candidates, [Brian] Topp, at the Albany Club. I suppose it's okay for New Democrats to use the Albany Club, but not for us."
I'd like to hear from Brian Topp about this rumour. I wonder if Paul Dewar knew this when he put the heat on Tony Clement.
Fri, 2011-11-18 08:04
#38
Well, I am someone who follows the money in Ottawa. And when I read this story, I couldn't really make heads or tails of it.
And the comment about Topp is obviously an inconsequential Clement throw away. Why should Dewar know about everyone's uses of physical venues, and who could possibly predict what Clement will spin off the top of his head?
Fri, 2011-11-18 08:15
#39
To clarify, the essence of what Clement and Raitt are being charged with is influence peddling. Stictly speaking it applies to MPs too, but in most cases- and certainly this case- it is the question of buying access to Ministers of government.
So you see why bringing in Topp is nothing more than a throw away. Nor is the issue simply that the Ministers just used the Albany Club as a venue.
I dont follow all the ins and outs of why this is or is not a case of influence peddling- but I know enough to say Topp is irrelevant... even as broader optics.
Fri, 2011-11-18 08:40
#40
KenS, perhaps you don't know what the Albany club is. It is basically a shrine for the Ontario Conservative party. Of all the places to have a fundraiser, why there? Especially for a candidate who touts his supposed deep connections witht he NDP rank and file.
You might want to examine the Club's webpage in preparation for your next fundraiser:
The exclusive social and business club for those who influence, celebrate, debate, and promote Canada's conservative and political history, ideals, values and leadership.
Fri, 2011-11-18 08:58
#41
Lou Arab
I know it's superficial, and god knows I couldn't stand up to the scrutiny candidates (esp female candidates) have to go through regarding their appearance, but I think Niki needs to ditch the glasses and get contact lenses. I think her current frames make her look even younger and greener than she is.
Her official MP photo is sans glasses.
Much better!
Fri, 2011-11-18 08:59
#42
That is an entirely different question nicky. One thing doesnt stick so you move on to another?
Your original question was along the lines of 'was Dewar made aware that Topp was doing something that conflicts with tarring the Tories?
So that is nothing, now it's the question of whether Topp should be doing a fundriaser at the Albany Club. Start flinging things like that around and you are going to find that similar 'questions' can be asked of your candidate.
But for what it's worth, why would Topp do a fundraiser there? [Presuming Clement isnt just making it up.]
I've been in the club. Not my style, but its gorgeous. I have a fairly deep antipathy to Christianity, but that doesnt stop me from appreciating the trancendence of cathedrals.
I was at a wedding at one of the Albany Club banquest rooms. More money than I am generally around- but definitely not a conservative crowd. And if Topp has a fundraiser there, presumably it will be one of those rooms. And my guess would be that it is because he knows quite a number of people in the entertainment industry who do not usually donate to the NDP or its causes, but are sympathetic. And they are accustomed to the trappings of their class- as were most of the people at the wedding I went to.If I had a lot of people like that who I could tap for money, I would do it for sure.
Fri, 2011-11-18 09:04
#43
I agree with Lou- Niki would project a better image if she lost the glasses.
With them, she reminds me ofthe young Nana Maskouri [sorry for the butchered spelling]- with the same trademoark glasses. They project 'pretty' 'mysterious' 'cool' [in that ,aking virtue of nerdy way]. Which is fine for a folk singer.
Fri, 2011-11-18 09:04
#44
I agree with Lou- Niki would project a better image if she lost the glasses.
With them, she reminds me ofthe young Nana Maskouri [sorry for the butchered spelling]- with the same trademoark glasses. They project 'pretty' 'mysterious' 'cool' [in that ,aking virtue of nerdy way]. Which is fine for a folk singer.
Fri, 2011-11-18 09:05
#45
I agree with Lou- Niki would project a better image if she lost the glasses.
With them, she reminds me ofthe young Nana Maskouri [sp?]- with the same trademoark glasses. They project 'pretty' 'mysterious' 'cool' [in that making virtue of nerdy way]. Which is fine for a folk singer.
Fri, 2011-11-18 09:24
#46
The Canadian tax system is neither fair nor progressive. Changing it is not about annoucing: tax the rich. That is what Rae said in his Economic Club speech was the NDP position using the opening Topp gave him.
The way to change an unfair not progressive system is to do part one of what the Rae government did, have a tax commission with an open process of consultation, and then do what Rae did not do, and bring in a comprehensive reform on the principle of from each according to their ability to pay.
Rae did not do his policy development work and got caught in a tax revolt. We live with the consequences.
When Peggy Nash says she favours a comprehensive approach, not one off proposals, she is signalling serious intent, and avoiding a trap.
The CP interview-the-candidate format is designed to give the journalists a headline that makes the candidate unhappy. Romeo on the Sherbrooke Declaration, Brian on taxes, Tom on unions, they all walked into it. Peggy foiled any ambush attempt.
Peggy gets a headline that makes Harper the story. What is happening in Canada is not normal, it is wrong, and it was done to us by the Conservatives.
It is nice to see a professional, serious candidate with impeccable credentials as a progressive walk through a tough interview situation and come out making the adversary look bad, not create problems the party has to address in a damage control mode.
Fri, 2011-11-18 09:43
#47
Topp didn't attend someone else's wedding at the Albany Club but his own political fundraiser!!!!!
I don't see that your comparison, KenS, ameliorates the optics at all, nor your sly innuendo that other candidates engage in questionable fundraising tactics.
I have gone back and looked at Topp's webpage, his Twitter page and his Facebook page. He seems to publicize all of his appearances but for some reason neglected to tell us about the Albany Club fundraiser.
Perhaps he is more self-conscious than you are about appearing there to raise money.
Fri, 2011-11-18 09:47
#48
We have disagreed on the best strategy approach Duncan, without the layers now of you pushing Nash's agreement with you.
Not to repeat that whole argument. But Topp's 'drop' is no one off. I'm sure it isnt for him. But more to the point- and since I do not know what he will come out with in fuller form- it is a logical way for the party to be putting this out- a bit at a time.
I actualy think that the commission approach is much more likely to be trap... and said so before.
And where is the evidence that Topp is creating problems for the party?
That other candidates are shying away?
I have said that I expect the party is going to have to wear this whether or not Topp is the Leader. And I'm glad for that. And part of that is my confidence that we can make this our issue in a way that the Conservatives can only use it to rile up their base. That far from needing to be defensive- we can open this wedge further and use it to pull swing voters our way.
I was hoping that other candidates would want to jump in front of the parade. Obviously not Nash. Maybe Dewar will find a way, even though his first foray was to duck.
Fri, 2011-11-18 09:48
#49
Boom Boom
I'm more or less sold on Nash already, but I still need to watch the debates before making a decision. Could be some surprises forthcoming. Although I'm not keen on Ashton, for example, if she managed to dominate and clearly win the debates, and put in a really dramatic, charismatic performance - not inconceivable - then I could be swayed to vote for her instead.
Fri, 2011-11-18 09:51
#50
Nicky, when you go shopping around for something on Topp's site, you may have noticed that it is pretty thin for detail on where and when- even if less thin than others. And no one is going to put a fundraising focused event on their calendar, wherever it is and whatever associations it may have.
Fri, 2011-11-18 10:01
#51
Rae did not do his policy development work and got caught in a tax revolt. We live with the consequences.
No one in the NDP- let alone the leadership candidates is doing blue sky who really cares 'policy'- as did the ONDP before the 1990 election. The comparison is specious.
The CP interview-the-candidate format is designed to give the journalists a headline that makes the candidate unhappy. Romeo on the Sherbrooke Declaration, Brian on taxes, Tom on unions, they all walked into it. Peggy foiled any ambush attempt.
Balderdash. Romeo got caught. Topp got exactly what he wanted in the interview- he wanted that out there. Nor was Mulcair caught- he got out there what he wanted at the time.
And if you are talking headlines- Topp got it, and the one he wanted. Nash is the top of my list or close [not that you are helping], and I cannot remember the interview or story.