48% off Canadians side with U2 singer’s accusation that
Harper blocked progress on global poverty at the G8
28% believe Harper when he says Bono’s charge is false
Three-in-five (60%) also agree with Bono’s assertion that
Stephen Harper is out off sync witth the Canadiian people
When it comes to party affiliation, Conservatives don't even support Harper:
More Conservatives felt Bono was telling the truth on the African aid deal (43%) than Harper (31%). And over half of Conservatives (52%) feel Harper is out of sync with the Canadian people.
Only Albertans were uniformly supportive of Harper, with more believing Harper, not Bono, was telling the truth about the African aid deal. Many Albertans also express disagreement that Harper is out of sync with Canadians. But Quebec and Atlantic Canada are particularly in favour of Bono’s views.
Unless you subscribe to the thesis that most Canadians are blinded by their love of U2, these numbers suggest something bigger at play- Canadians don't take their Prime Minister at his word.
Interesting numbers, given the fact Canadians are split on increased humitarian aid:
Canada should increase its humanitarian aid to poor countries, even if it affects domestic spending:
Agree 45%
Disagre 49%
Live under a rock 6%
Conclusion, even though Canadians are split on aid, they still side with Bono, which speaks volumes about Harper. I keep saying this, but more and more, Harper is being framed as dishonest and untrustworthy. This impression is taking root, ultimately it could represent the beginning of the end for Stephen Harper.
20 comments:
Framed as dishonest? That's like saying KFC is bad for chickens. YOu can trumpet the words all you want, or paint over them, but it's apparency is transparent -- there were no WMD in Iraq, Ben Mulrooney is boring and Stephen Harpor is a liar.
Seems to me framing a fact is pointless. Let's also frame him as an economical nightmare, which some may disagree with but could be a virtual truth by the time we hit 2008.
Maybe framed is a bad choice of word. The idea that Harper is dishonest is starting to permeate the Canadian psyche.
Burl, I would use annoying before boring to describe Ben :)
The split on aid might change if they didn't add the "fear" tagline, "affect domestic spending".
Many Albertans also express disagreement that Harper is out of sync with Canadians
And they say that Torontonians think they are the centre of the universe, lol.
(No offense to our Alberta Liberal frinds)
It really is an interesting poll though isn't it. Most of us who follow such issues, know that Bono has credibility on this issue and is much more than a rock star.
I think you're right about things taking root. I sense that there is a slow burn of dissatisfaction out there. We need Lib's out there this summer fanning the flames.
"We need Lib's out there this summer fanning the flames."
It is relevant that Harper's evolving weaknesses just happen to play to Dion's natural strengths. Criticisms aside, sincerity and integrity might provide the contrast.
"And they say that Torontonians think they are the centre of the universe, lol."
Arrogance is not determined by geography. No offence taken.
I remember visiting an Alberta based blog last election for early results, and when it became apparent that the Atlantic provinces did not go overwhelimingly to the conservatives, people started wondering what it takes for people to see the light and change their vote. Naturally I thought that was rich coming from an Albertan.
"It is relevant that Harper's evolving weaknesses just happen to play to Dion's natural strengths. Criticisms aside, sincerity and integrity might provide the contrast."
This is a very good point. I need to have faith that people are going to gravitate towards the man with integrity - after all, that is apparently one of the reason they gravitated towards Harper. Too bad it turned out they were worshipping a false idol.
"after all, that is apparently one of the reason they gravitated towards Harper. Too bad it turned out they were worshipping a false idol."
Gayle, if Harper loses that, one has to wonder what he has left? Promise made, promise kept sounded nice, but that banner is a pinuta for opponents. Honest and integrity? Nope. Accountability? Again, plenty of areas for criticism. Harper is losing the soul of his last two election campaigns.
It's going to be interesting to see what they come out with next go around, Steve. Every claim they make, stating that "they got the job done", (which makes me ill btw), can be shot down in a flash.
You know, I listened to part of QP today and actually laughed out loud everytime a con back bencher got up and stuck to the "Canada's New Government" line. What occurred to me was, that might be a better response from the Liberal's. I mean really, what the con's are saying is laughable and showing the public that, when appropriate, I think would work. Con's get mighty riled when you mock them or at the very least point out how ridiculous they sound. Just a thought.
Gayle, your conservative friends certainly seem to be unable to recognise, nuance, subtly and irony. Conversation with them must be tough, or dull at the very least.
The fact that these brainiacs haven't seen fit to drop the "new government" tag speaks volumes about their political aptitude. That term is openly mocked, and becomes more ridiculous with each day, yet they constantly use the reference.
Steve, that is my point. We should play some of that up more. Instead of being incensed on all issues, I think humour would go a long way and be effective.
Canadians who believe in Bozo from U2 are free to send all their money to him.
Canadians who realize that billions of dollars have already been wasted on exactly the same kind of 'welfare for dictators' programs that Bozo advocates should not be taxed further to support that kind of corruption.
Liberal voters may have a penchant for corruption, but don't drag the rest of us into it - again.
"Liberal voters may have a penchant for corruption, but don't drag the rest of us into it - again."
The Liberals are at 60%, woohoo! You will note, Conservative voters believe Bozo too, over Harpo.
"Canadians who realize that billions of dollars have already been wasted on exactly the same kind of 'welfare for dictators' programs that Bozo advocates should not be taxed further to support that kind of corruption."
THe biggest problem with foreign aid programs is that most of it is "tied aid". This means aid is given, but its use is tied to a particular program.
For example, a friend of mine spent several years in Africa because her father administered a foreign aid program there. The conditions of that aid package was that it be used to grow a particular crop, using Canadian made machinery. Most of the money was actually spent in Canada, and not in the recipient country. My friend told me that when they left the country there were a number of tractors and other farming equipment abandonned in the fields, because once the equipment broke down there was no one and no money to fix it.
My understanding is that Bono has recognized this kind of aid is meaningless, and he has called upon first world countries to cancel the debts owed by recipient countries. I agree with him on that.
We in the west have to recognize that our wealth has been built on the backs of the third world. We are responsible for them, which means it is our responsibility to help them.
Our wealth has not been built on the backs of the third world - that is a ridiculous assertion.
Forgiving loans to corrupt governments encourages more corruption.
Aid to Africa should be cut off completely, it is the only way to save Africa from suffering.
"Aid to Africa should be cut off completely, it is the only way to save Africa from suffering."
Wow.
Are you kidding me. Do you know anything about history?
First, the US's wealth was certainly built on slavery.
Second, Britain's Empire covered most of the world - including Canada. Britain's wealth was accumulated through exploiting their territories in India and Africa. We - Canada - benefitted from that wealth. We - Canada - still benefit from trading with 3rd world countries. Every time you shop at Walmart for their super cheap prices, remember that it is so cheap because someone slaved in a sweat shop to make that thing you are buying (and that someone may have been a child).
We should not forgive loans that were largely spent in Canada, to benefit Canadians? Please.
The western world benefits economically from keeping the third world poor. Open your eyes.
Slaves and colonies were too expensive - that's why they got rid of them - or else they wouldn't have. Study economics.
They BECAME expensive - but they were around for a couple hundred years first. Study history.
I am guessing you shop at Walmart.
gayle
Don't waste your breath on this nonsense :)
Steve - I sometimes find it irresistable to expose stupidity and ignorance of people like our little anonymous friend, but I take your point. He is going to have to take another day or so to do more research anyway...
"I sometimes find it irresistable to expose stupidity and ignorance of people like our little anonymous friend"
Me too, it depends on the mood :)
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