Packaging Harper

Reality is subjective, and presentation is everything. The most striking development in this election campaign is how successful Stephen Harper has been at transforming himself into a moderate alternative to the Liberals. For people that pay close attention to politics, it is easy to see through the Harper veneer, but strategists rely on relative disinterest to package and manipulate. A few broad soundbites, targeted campaign promises and tight access allow for a simplistic, general theme to emerge that paints a picture.

The Conservatives have learned their lessons from the last campaign, becoming masters of propaganda. Stephen Harper is just an average guy, much like you and me. There is nothing to fear from his policies, his vision reflects the wishes of the mainstream. The radical right that dominates the party power structure is muted, replaced with the Bush model of compassionate conservatism. The Liberals are the corrupt elitists, detached from the people, while the Conservatives find their strength through the grassroots, a party for the people.

Enter the media, and their supposed role as independent source. The media are well aware of the political tactics at play, yet they continually fall into the trap of perpetuating the propaganda. They allow Harper to define himself, and they merely report on the packaging. This campaign, to date, has demonstrated the complete failure of the media to react to the new politics. Oh, of course there are the "fact checks", which convey a measure of honest reporting, but generally the media are the puppets of the spinsters.

We see images of Harper with a 5% GST sign on a car, but no followup to call him on the distortions. We see Harper in Quebec, acting the statesman that will protect Canada's duality, without any mention of his previous intolerant viewpoints. No one does the math on how Harper's litany of well placed promises and subsequent taxcuts will affect our future balance sheet. The media is relegated to projecting the illusions, allowing them to gel, rather than expose the manipulations.

The media bends over backwards to appear fair, forever resisting the appearance of bias. Political strategists recognize the situation, and in turn use the media to export their carefully crafted message. The media is our only source to get accurate information and sadly they are failing miserably this campaign. Why are they so accepting of this new image that Harper projects? Where is the scepticism?

The Canadian media is falling for the same trap used to elect George Bush. Would anyone argue today that George Bush is a "compassionate conservative"? With this lesson learned, why is so easy for our media to allow themselves to be manipulated in this way. Stephen Harper has a long history, this reality isn't ignored just because someone wishes to package themselves into a desired image. The media gives Harper a free ride, despite the fact that deep down their own knowledge and instincts would suggest that it is all a ruse. The media is failing in its responsibility to act in our interests.