Just watched Captsick, and I am schocked at what he said. He's been covertly supporting Topp from the beginning http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/ppwarroom_20110823_15231.mp3
Why would he be spreading rumours that Topp might quit the race as part of an "Anybody but Mulcair" mov't? The scenario he evokes does not pass the "common-sense" test. From the start of the campaign, Topp has portrayed himself as the only candidate, except Mulcair, who could hold Quebec. That's why he joined the race, with the support of Broadbent & co, instead of rallying behind an experienced English Canhadian MP such as Peggy Nash. The idea that the candidate with the most "high-profile" endorsements would abadnon the race before the convention seems extremely far-fetched.
So what's Capstick's agenda? Yes, he could just be trying to make noise, but I somehow doubt it. (especially consdering the similarly provocative comments that I have referenced). My idea is that he might be trying to telegraph to Mulcair supporters that their candidate can't win (not enough support past the first ballot), and that they had better rally behind their most logical second choice (Topp), thereby preventing him from getting out of the race. Does that make sense?
No. You're getting paranoid. He has usually been wrong, and is just trying to be sassy. Some people think he's backing Topp, some people think he's backing Cullen, some people think he's backing Mulcair. I think he's just trying to be controversial, which seems to be the mandate of that awful show.