1
Tom Mulcair will be PM #5
Thu, 2012-04-05 14:41
#1
Tom Mulcair will be PM #5
Thu, 2012-04-05 14:47
#2
At the end of #4" Thanks for that admission and apology, Arthur. That's exactly the kind of discussion I love to see about unintentional exclusionary or Othering language.
But this is a long thread, which I must oppress immediately."
Which ended my hopes for posing a question....Is that the same MH Findlay, parliamentary secretary d(justice) who just told CSPAN watchers that she opposed the NDP bill that would amend the Human Rights Act to improve the wording to protect the trans-gendered...despite wonderfully worded speeches in support of the amendment by Dany Morin from Chicoutimi Le Fjord and Irwin Cotler, the Liberal with a conscience.
Thu, 2012-04-05 14:50
#3
Boom Boom
Good heavens! Did she give a reason?
Thu, 2012-04-05 14:51
#4
Not required by the courts...ignoring the appeals from the experience of the gtrans-gendered for protection.
Thu, 2012-04-05 16:11
#5
That answer is quite simple - check the polls.
Thu, 2012-04-05 16:13
#6
And this is how the NDP will form government by focusing on bread and butter issues.
Thomas Mulcair tells business community NDP cares about developing economy
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1157191--thomas-mulc...
Thu, 2012-04-05 16:27
#7
Does anyone think Rae may be outdoing Mulcair in parliament with the strong point of privilege today and the bizarre, filibuster approach by Julian on the budget which looked more obstructionist than effective? There does not seem to be as much of a gain in prominence in taking on the government than I expected or hoped once the campaign ended.
I'm really worried. I mean after all nothing speaks more to the average working person trying to raise children and help with the care of aging parents like a strong point of privilege.
Thu, 2012-04-05 16:57
#8
...
Thu, 2012-04-05 17:02
#9
Arthur Cramer
disenchanted, no.
Thu, 2012-04-05 17:02
#10
Arthur Cramer
That answer is quite simple - check the polls.
Can you give us a little more background on this? Thanks.
Thu, 2012-04-05 18:16
#11
writer
In case anyone is interested: NDP Leader Tom Mulcair's speech to Economic Club of Canada
Thu, 2012-04-05 19:02
#12
Does anyone think Rae may be outdoing Mulcair in parliament with the strong point of privilege today and the bizarre, filibuster approach by Julian on the budget which looked more obstructionist than effective? There does not seem to be as much of a gain in prominence in taking on the government than I expected or hoped once the campaign ended.
I'm really worried. I mean after all nothing speaks more to the average working person trying to raise children and help with the care of aging parents like a strong point of privilege.
Hahaha LMAO +1
Thu, 2012-04-05 19:03
#13
Thanks writer. Watched it on CPAC. Awesome delivery and lots of applause.
Thu, 2012-04-05 19:37
#14
Awaaaaaaaaaa.....3 years away from an election. Go NDP Go!
Tories’ failure to reveal F-35’s true $25B cost before election ‘political fraud’: NDP
http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/04/05/tories-failure-to-reveal-f-35s-t...
Thu, 2012-04-05 19:40
#15
Tom not against Oil sands? come on!
Thu, 2012-04-05 19:40
#16
Sure. Here is the latest one, but just look at our polling thread
Cons - 34%
NDP - 32% statistically tied for 1st place
Libs - 19% same as when they were devastated in the last election.
That answer is quite simple - check the polls.
Can you give us a little more background on this? Thanks.
Thu, 2012-04-05 19:48
#17
F-35s. Wow this is heady stuff where the big money boys and girls play.
Conservatives’ credibility in tatters if the Auditor-General is right about F-35s
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/04/05/michael-den-tandt-conserv...
Thu, 2012-04-05 20:10
#18
Why is Peter MacKay still a cabinet minister? If Harper does not fire him, this F-35 mess will come back to bite Harper in the ass.
Too bad the government now has a 2 week break to try and bury this, and to try and recover.
What's holding up the Nanos poll? 
Cabinet would have known true F-35 costs: Auditor-General
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/cabinet-would-have-known-tr...
Thu, 2012-04-05 20:28
#19
Thanks writer. Watched it on CPAC. Awesome delivery and lots of applause.
Hearing a clip of it on the radio--there was something about his diction that sounded "reassuringly" Blair-esque...
Thu, 2012-04-05 20:50
#20
"The NDP is resolutely in favour of development, as long as it's sustainable development. The NDP is resolutely in favour of trade, as long as it's fair trade. And the NDP is going to do everything it can to create a Canada that is more prosperous, as long as it's more prosperous for everyone."
Well, I've only read it, and not heard it, so I can't speak to his diction. As for content, I can easily imagine every party leader from Douglas to Layton delivering the same message.
Thu, 2012-04-05 21:02
#21
Well, he does have a lot of recent practice at saying things in a way that gives people of pretty divergent opinions an eqaul chance at hearing what they want to hear.
Thu, 2012-04-05 23:04
#22
They need to change the NDP.ca page - the black is terrible. Unfriendly, too dark and corporate. Everyone other corporation has moved to friendly marketing in response to the shacky economic times - we should "re-join" the trend and give our home page a more welcoming touch. Ditch the black.
Thu, 2012-04-05 23:15
#23
They need to change the NDP.ca page - the black is terrible. Unfriendly, too dark and corporate. Everyone other corporation has moved to friendly marketing in response to the shacky economic times - we should "re-join" the trend and give our home page a more welcoming touch. Ditch the black.
I totally agree. The site should be designed by a professional team. It`s not as good as it should be.
Thu, 2012-04-05 23:16
#24
Tony Blair’s ‘New Labour’ offers blueprint for Thomas Mulcair
Eugene Lang is co-founder of Canada 2020: Canada’s Progressive Centre (a partner institute in the Centre for American Progress’s Global Progress program). He was chief of staff to three federal Liberal cabinet ministers. Matt Browne is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, director of Global Progress initiative, and former head of the Progressive Governance Network, founded by Bill Clinton and Tony Blair.
oh gag me - if these guys come knocking at our door and become welcomed with all shiny and new labour crap - Tommy D & Jack L will hit us all with bolts of orange lighting. oh please gag me! Who let these guys write about the NDP
Fri, 2012-04-06 00:13
#25
These Blairites are obviously mistaken. Mulcair never siad he wants to change policy he JUST wants to change the language.
Fri, 2012-04-06 02:13
#26
Tony Blair’s ‘New Labour’ offers blueprint for Thomas Mulcair
Eugene Lang is co-founder of Canada 2020: Canada’s Progressive Centre (a partner institute in the Centre for American Progress’s Global Progress program). He was chief of staff to three federal Liberal cabinet ministers. Matt Browne is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, director of Global Progress initiative, and former head of the Progressive Governance Network, founded by Bill Clinton and Tony Blair.
No, it doesn't, because there are real failures of the New Labour era that also now must be taken into account. The financial crisis didn't occur and Labour weren't defeated after three terms for no reason. A lot of what New Labour did is just meaningless in Canadian terms. We already have federalism and an appointed second chamber of Parliament. That's not to say there aren't good things to learn as well but the idea of just Blairing the party and succeeding is ludicrous.
Fri, 2012-04-06 02:13
#27
Tony Blair’s ‘New Labour’ offers blueprint for Thomas Mulcair
Eugene Lang is co-founder of Canada 2020: Canada’s Progressive Centre (a partner institute in the Centre for American Progress’s Global Progress program). He was chief of staff to three federal Liberal cabinet ministers. Matt Browne is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, director of Global Progress initiative, and former head of the Progressive Governance Network, founded by Bill Clinton and Tony Blair.
No, it doesn't, because there are real failures of the New Labour era that also now must be taken into account. The financial crisis didn't occur and Labour weren't defeated after three terms for no reason. A lot of what New Labour did is just meaningless in Canadian terms. We already have federalism and an appointed second chamber of Parliament. That's not to say there aren't good things to learn as well but the idea of just Blairing the party and succeeding is ludicrous.
Fri, 2012-04-06 03:35
#28
I don't know if anyone else has noticed this, but I checked out Mulcair's campaign website, and under the proposal section, instead of containing any of the proposal's he put forth during the campaign, it says that " now that the leadership race has concluded, it's time to take the best ideas proposed by party members--including all our leadership candidates--and develop the new party policies that will help us take the next step."
I personally find that very encouraging. I just hope the months and years ahead prove that he actually means it.
Fri, 2012-04-06 03:57
#29
RE Iran - point taken.
Maybe there is a concentrated effort to unravel Bob Rae - make him feel insignificant and desperate to regain attention. Peter Julian could be taking revenge for all the times the NDP was shut out - though the official story is that the Liberals don't really see much fault with the Budget. It is best for the NDP if the Liberals crash and burn.
Rolling up the sleaves was both about getting to work on something and connecting with the working class - at least that it how it was traditionally used and not just in Canada.
Peter MacKay's father Elmer was named in Air Bus. Harper figures he owes Peter a bit of loyalty because of the Merger. Peter seems to be acting like he owns the place - which is how he got into this mess.
I think that one reason Peter hasn't been sacked is because both he and Harper figure that they can ride this through and that it will be forgotten after Easter. They don't seem to be in touch with reality much. Now to look at Mulcair's speech and then make dodo.
Fri, 2012-04-06 07:30
#30
After his address he told reporters that his goal was to ensure non-traditional potential NDP supporters were aware of his party's provincial record on fiscal matters.
"Overall, if you look at the NDP administrations across Canada, you'll see nothing but good, competent public administration and balanced budgets and that's exactly the type of administration we're promising as of 2015,"he said.
Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Mulcair%2Bmoves%2Bdefine%2Bimage%2Bbef...
Mulcair moves to define his image, before Tories do
Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Mulcair%2Bmoves%2Bdefine%2Bimage%2Bbefore%2BTories/6419761/story.html#ixzz1rG6XXRE3
I'm glad the party is stressing and distinguishing their past provincial accomplishments and all although I am thinking that a few will be unhappy about this development and all - all that is "old" and outdated and now repackaged as "new" and "modern".
Fri, 2012-04-06 07:52
#31
Canada’s political reversal is complete
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/jeffrey-simpson/canadas-pol...A very stark picture of Canada as "Calgary shoved Montreal out" is painted by Jeffery Simpson. Yes, a visitor sees this in the House of Commons.
Of course, reality is less stark, more diverse. If every vote had counted equally last May, Calgary voters would have elected three opposition MPs (a Liberal, a New Democrat and a Green) and voters on Montreal Island would have elected three Conservative MPs. Fair representation of Canada's political pluralism would be less dramatic, but far healthier.
Fri, 2012-04-06 10:16
#32
Tom Mulcair's speech was to the Economic Club of Canada, and one can only imagine Steve (THE economist, as he describes himself)is aware, today, that someone more capable of defining the political economy of Canada has made an appearance.
People here have made the comparison with Blair and a "man for all people" putdown, but the pundits on TV following his address, only chuckled about his stated goal of overcoming the "dutch disease" causing grief to our industry. Mulcair described the effect of the North Sea find, how it had gutted Dutch manufacturing, and left Canadians to conclude that that would need correcting in Canada's case.
The pundits spelled out what it would mean politically, any diddling with the exchange rate, and only smiled broadly at Mulcair's nerve in even thinking that he could bring about that kind of monetary control, let alone control of oil production in the "bitumen" patch.
It would seem that some babblers are not in touch with the Canadian political reality.
Fri, 2012-04-06 10:23
#33
Boom Boom
As far as I can see, this week has been a home run for Mulcair.
Fri, 2012-04-06 11:14
#34
They need to change the NDP.ca page - the black is terrible. Unfriendly, too dark and corporate. Everyone other corporation has moved to friendly marketing in response to the shacky economic times - we should "re-join" the trend and give our home page a more welcoming touch. Ditch the black.
I totally agree. The site should be designed by a professional team. It`s not as good as it should be.
+1
Fri, 2012-04-06 11:33
#35
Canadian political reality and the way in which the media lead the way in misleading ALL, intelligent and not so bright, is seen in media omissions : there is nothing on Mulcair in today's Globe , only much enthusing about the 82,000 new jobs (not so much for the east coast mind you) and in headlines on p.4 of the business section "Jobs: Even the manufacturing sector is looking up."
That was in celebration of the 14,000 jobs gained in that sector. While recognizing the "Regina outpaces the rest of the country." They are flying in workers from elsewhere in Canada to meet demand in that city. Undoubtedly many of the 14,000 are at work there.
Now to read Simpson on "Do blue and orange squeeze out red?"
Fri, 2012-04-06 11:41
#36
They need to change the NDP.ca page - the black is terrible. Unfriendly, too dark and corporate. Everyone other corporation has moved to friendly marketing in response to the shacky economic times - we should "re-join" the trend and give our home page a more welcoming touch. Ditch the black.
I totally agree. The site should be designed by a professional team. It`s not as good as it should be.
+1
Some may think these are just details. But, details are important. For example, Mulcair`s jacket and pants are full of wrinkles:)
Not a good photo at all.
I hate the word "prime ministerial", but it seems that looking "prime ministerial" is important for many people. When this is the case, NDP should be a little bit more careful about how to present its leader. Even an okay designer could have fixed the photo before it went live.
Fri, 2012-04-06 15:41
#37
Some may think these are just details. But, details are important. For example, Mulcair`s jacket and pants are full of wrinkles:)Not a good photo at all.
agree the picture is terrible it is darkly oppressive looking and even when ya click enter it is just a smaller same pic.
Fri, 2012-04-06 16:45
#38
First looked at the page a couple of days ago and thought it looked ok, if nothing special.
But now that i take a good look at it, yeah, its gotta go, and pronto:
-he looks like he's leaning to one side
-he's squinting so it looks like he has no eyes
-the brown suit and wave make him look like he's reviewing a Bulgarian shoe factory
-the crowd behind him, with 2 exceptions is ALL WHITE!!! even those 2 are either in the back row or obscured by the fade-to-black.
-the crowd is almost all MALE. 13 to 3 by my count.
the flag is hung kinda haphazardly
the whole thing has kinda of a weird angle Batman meets cellphone picture I snapped at last call level of quality to it.
-the pants are full of wrinkles:
that's the kind of thing that in the business world makes people not want to sign deals with you, like you couldn't be bothered, or you slept one off in your car. Obviously Mr. Mulcair probably had this picture taken in the middle of a whirlwind day, perhaps in the summer, when the heat can wilt the press of a suit in about 5 minutes, but it's the first impression for gawd's sakes.
He looks sharp most of time, dresses well, takes a little care with his appearance, why put up such a rough photo?
Fri, 2012-04-06 18:24
#39
My guess is that they want him to look like a hard working guy connecting with people. It's a genuine smile and happy look on his face during a performance, and I didn't notice the wrinkles, really. The picture just looks like he's had a busy day, a candid shot of a real rally.
As for all the white guys behind him - well, if you want a candid picture of the guy addressing a more diverse audience, then this is something the party has to work on internally. If you want to be able to use candid shots of him with lots of racialized people and women in it, then the party has to pay attention to trying to recruit more racialized people as supporters and candidates and party activists. Yes, I know, the party does that already, but not to the point where there is parity with the ratios in the general population.
I guess until then, the party should stage photo sessions that look like rallies with the right mix of people in the picture, until the candid pictures of real rallies start to look like them.
Fri, 2012-04-06 20:31
#40
Tony Blair's 'New Labour' Offers Blueprint for Thomas Mulcair
http://www.thestar.com/ipinion/editorialopinion/article/1157615--tony-bl...
"Can Thomas Mulcair be the NDP's Tony Blair...?"
Fri, 2012-04-06 21:19
#41
I can't believe the Liberal flagship organ actually stooping to suggesting something like that. :)
The lying starts early on: "Can Thomas Mulcair be the NDP’s Tony Blair and modernize his party in substance and style such that it can be a credible option to govern the country in the next election? Mulcair seems to believe he can, but like Blair he has a big job in front of him and a lot of forces to overcome." The second sentence suggests Mulcair agrees with the comparison. Smooth propaganda.
One would think that the authors would have looked at his economic club speech, where he again brings forward the need to think about environment and youth in any economic planning. except, of course, when one realizes that that would run counter to the argument of these scribblers-for- hire.
Nothing in their background suggests that possibility of course: "Eugene Lang is co-founder of Canada 2020: Canada’s Progressive Centre (a partner institute in the Centre for American Progress’s Global Progress program). He was chief of staff to three federal Liberal cabinet ministers. Matt Browne is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, director of Global Progress initiative, and former head of the Progressive Governance Network, founded by Bill Clinton and Tony Blair. "
But, finally, the proof will be in Tom Mulcair's insistence on incorporating those concerns in any policy advanced by the party, or not. There's certainly lots of support for him from the party's resolutions. One just wishes that all the pundits who dismiss those ideas as wishful thinking had more faith in Mainstreet finding them acceptable.
Fri, 2012-04-06 22:32
#42
So is there anything to the claims that Mulcair isn t fully NDP?
He seems good for the job so far!
Fri, 2012-04-06 22:52
#43
Sat, 2012-04-07 00:34
#44
Very Far Away wrote:
Very Far Away wrote:
Hamiltonian wrote:
They need to change the NDP.ca page - the black is terrible. Unfriendly, too dark and corporate. Everyone other corporation has moved to friendly marketing in response to the shacky economic times - we should "re-join" the trend and give our home page a more welcoming touch. Ditch the black.
I totally agree. The site should be designed by a professional team. It`s not as good as it should be.
Some may think these are just details. But, details are important. For example, Mulcair`s jacket and pants are full of wrinkles:)
Not a good photo at all.
I agree. When Allende first ran for President of Chile (and lost), the CIA tried to discredit him by articles and pictures in the newspapers. To their surprise they discovered that repeated pictures of Allende looking foolish, awkward or poorly dressed had a much greater effect than the articles. From then on they focused on pictures of Allende that put him in a poor light.
Sat, 2012-04-07 04:13
#45
Like Robert Stanfield's football
*(for the youngsters; in the federal election campaign of 1974, PC leader Stanfield was tossing a football back and forth. Being an athletic guy, he caught the football a dozen or more times in a row, tossed it well each time, then fumbled one. The fumble made the cover of half the papers in the country)
Sat, 2012-04-07 05:38
#46
yes, politics as theater is brutal;
people get a reputation/image based on one visible incident that is absolutely forever unexpungeable... wearing the wrong clothes one day, looking the wrong way at a press camera, speaking off-mike about something controversial
Sat, 2012-04-07 06:04
#47
Eating a banana.
All meant to mislead folks across all social strata of the species Homo sapiens.
Sat, 2012-04-07 10:16
#48
The latest poll showing the NDP now in 1st place shows NDP members made the correct choice for leader on March 24th.
Sat, 2012-04-07 10:21
#49
hmmmm, have I ever in my life seen a major poll putting the NDP in first place nationally for any significant period?
speak, memory ...
what pollster?
Sat, 2012-04-07 10:31
#50
I think when Broadbent was leader way back in the 80s we were leading in the polls for a bit - is that true?
Sat, 2012-04-07 10:36
#51
Yes.
But it was different than recent history.
The blip of being that high was very brief. And the general trend went way down back to where it was as we got closer to the election campaign.