Nobody FORCED Stephen Harper to get sidetracked, abandon discussing all those supposed G8 accomplishments. The media would be discussing those issues, if not for Harper introducing petty partisan politics into the equation. Harper volunteered the diversion, he chose not to focus on the issues Powers lauded, but instead turned it all into a "gotcha" moment. So, when Powers laments that real issues have been ignored here, he is really criticizing the Prime Minister for misplaced priorities. I found that a fascinating irony.
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In one of the comments, Joseph mentioned this idea that Harper did Canada harm by introducing this debate about our worthiness as part of the G8. Harper made the following comment, directed towards Ignatieff:
"Nobody, but Mr. Ignatieff has suggested excluding Canada from a meeting of major countries. Nobody. That's the first anybody has heard of it. I think it's a irresponsible suggestion."
As it turns out, NOBODY had suggested excluding Canada, except for Harper raising the issue. In the final analysis, "the first anybody has heard of it" came from the Prime Minister of Canada, which is quite "IRRESPONSIBLE" when you think about it.
I don't think you let this issue drift away, for the Liberals you revisit it, whenever you can. As a matter of fact, this gaffe is central to our campaign thesis. Kinsella made the point in the interview, and I hope we hammer it over and over again- the G8 press conference is a shining example of how this guy operates, how he represents everything about politics that Canadians increasingly despise, how he is more interested in partisan considerations than serious issues, how he simply isn't WORTHY of the job.
9 comments:
Harper apologizes once and Sweat Power wants us to think Harper is the ultimate Canadian for his humility. Very rich.
They can't blame the media - it was on TV and people watched it. I heard the media questions, and they were about issues when Harper decided to sidetrack with his partisan crap.
Powers is looking like a sarcastic fool these days. When he's stuck for an answer he brings up carbon tax.
Grasping at straws,the PM apologized unlike Liberals, get over it.
Yes, we should all take admonishment from silly little anons who want us to forget that Harper embarassed us on the world stage, and who want us to hammer away at one of his biggest weaknesss. Apparently we should totally ignore one of Harper's biggest weaknesses.
You're right Steve. Harper should be clubbed over the head with this at every turn. It was a thorougly classless act in the first place to use an international summit as a vehicle for a partisan political attack on a domestic opponent. That's what an asshole does. Then to use it to pitch a totally false accusation - there's the 'roid factor.
And yes, as you point out, Harper saw fit to put the issue of Canada's suitability to attend these summits quite squarely on the record. We're only there at all because the Americans twisted arms to get us in to offset the European influence. That fool ought to have understood that and should have known that his comments would go straight to that little mentioned reality.
Harper only apologized because he HAD to, not because his moral compass is exceptional. The PMO decided on a quick apology, for the same reason he made the comments in the first place, it was politically expedient. Nothing more, nothing less.
Anonymous said...
Grasping at straws,the PM apologized unlike Liberals, get over it.
....I think you have that twisted - grasping at straws??? You've got to be kidding. In fact it was SO bad even Harper realized he "had" to apologize - too little too late, the damage is done.
He apologized, but he'll do it again--and again.
He apologized Anon and he will do it again & again. And immature childish Anon will lap his every word and continue idolizing a complete dictatorial, bully control freak. Speaks volumes for Anon and his sicko Idol
Marie
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