Several speakers stressed the need to fight as one and avoid the Liberal on Liberal tendency of leadership struggles. Clearly, there seems to be an emphasis on a united front so it would appear the main players will take the high ground during this debate. The only element that rang hollow was the Conservative bashing, or maybe the way it was presented. Several speakers attacked the Conservatives record, as though they had been in power for years and we needed reform. I don't see that angle playing well with Canadians, although it may be more palatable to hardcore partisans. I can't stand Harper, but several times I found the attacks poorly argued and it seemed like simplistic, kneejerk politics.
I thought Ignatieff had the best quote, when he said Liberals must plant their flag and make their stand on the center-left of the spectrum. Rae took the microphone and walked to the center of the stage, saying that position was where he was most comfortable. It looks as though, direction of the party, will be the key debate as the process moves forward. This importance may explain the NDP's interest:
Five NDP staffers have been assigned to "blast out" reality checks on what leadership candidates are saying, according to NDP communications director Brad Lavigne. The goal is to show that Liberals are talking a different game out of power than the one they delivered during their 13 years in office. ...
Lavigne doesn't say so explicitly, but what the NDP fears is that Liberals will be using this time in the political wilderness to position themselves as the only "progressive" party in Canada.
The NDP concerns appear to be warranted, because there does appear to be an overall tilt to the left, with Kennedy adopting the NDP beware reference "progressive pragmatism". I can't wait for the divided left arguments as we move forward.
5 comments:
furgaia
The Democrats have the benefit of voters desire for reform, after years of one-party rule- much the same sentiment Harper capitalized on. The last poll I read for the fall elections showed the Democrats with a huge advantage over the Republicans. However, only a few months ago the Democrats support lagged behind what would have been expected, given Bush's numbers. I think the lack of co-relation between disapproval of Bush and Democratic fortunes was partially a result of the Democrats offering nothing to draw voters other than negativity.
In the case of Harper, with all the furor over scandal and a idea-challenged Liberal Party, it is actually amazing that he didn't win in a landslide- both elections. I think Canadians, and the polls evidence this, are willing to give the Conservatives a chance. The Liberals won't get the mileage out of bashing if that is all the offer. I would add though that not all the speakers took this tone, it was more the old warriors. Ideas, then a contrast with Harper should be the order.
I think the LPC should be spending time bashing the ndp's...they were the ones who for the want of a few more seats and park your lib. votes with us to defeat the Cons. are now seemingly on the Cons side were instrumental in bringing down the last parliament. And then throwing in that allegation re Ralph Goodale re the Income Trust in the middle of the election caused the Libs. to lose. So where are the dippers these days. I say they are siding up with the cons. not because they like their policies, but to try to squeeze the Libs out and hope that they, the dippers will be the official opposition, knowing very well they will never be the Govt. Instead of siding up to the Cons. they should be siding up with the Libs. who are their true bed fellows. But they want a greater role and the only way they can achieve it is opposing all of Libs. policies, siding with some of the Cons. and hoping they will gain more seats as being the party who can get "things done". They never have stopped taking credit in the previous election for being the party who were able to get a better budget. Good for them. But after all, it was the libs. that went along with it but the way Layton talks about it was the only thing the Libs accomplished in that election. the ndp's like to position themselves as "holier than thou" and always upfront. But were they in that last election?
williebee
Layton is playing a dangerous game in cozying up to the Conservatives. It is obvious to everyone that there is little common ground between the two parties, so if Layton looks too conciliatory he risks appearing opportunist, puting his own personal prospects ahead of Canadians needs. The "holier than thou" tag is an illusion if Layton "works" with an ideological foe like the Conservatives.
furgaia
That's a fair point, simple survival may dictate Layton's strategy. However, there is something unattractive about watching Layton act as though the Conservatives are easier to deal with than the Liberals. Simple logic on ideology would suggest otherwise, so Layton may lose his "purity" claim when he favors politics over substance. In the bigger picture, the strategy may allow for more serious discussion about the necessity for a united left, another losing proposition for the NDP
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