Sound Strategy

Predictable reaction coming from the usual sources, as the Liberals telegraph their fall strategy. That irrelevance aside, because a general yawn was heard throughout the land, I agree with the direction wholeheartedly. One caveat, I do have a concern with being so public about the after EI part, rarely do parties lay out scenarios so overtly. That said, the thought process is a very "adult" approach.

Since this EI panel began, I've never really seen it as an election trigger, despite securing this opposition day. Over the last few months, it's become increasingly clear that Canadians don't see it as one either- there is not a vocal groundswell. A pretty sketchy proposition for the Liberals to use this debate as the catalyst for an election. Because of this fairly objective fact, it's nice to see us redirecting focus away.

To the wider point, coming off a summer break and then suddenly thrusting the country into an election probably isn't an example of "maximizing your potential". This logic put forth by Smith and Goodale is sound. Harper's relatively "clean" at the moment, he hasn't been battered, subjected to much, no real interest or focus (they don't call it a "break" for nothing). There is wisdom in thinking a few weeks after Parliament resumes, a return to tertiary interest from the public, will provide more favorable conditions for a possible election. Bloody them up a bit first, then see where we are. It's still a fall option, but on balance, equating the unknowns, waiting until October to decide, looks more attractive.

This hasn't been a great summer for the Liberals, which isn't necessarily surprising, nor does that verdict necessitate blame. Getting traction in the summer is a herculian effort for an opposition party, always has been, almost a theorem at this point. Couple that with a "last time we saw you" flavor from June, and we're clearly stalled in the polls, with no obvious booster available. In other words, we're probably not heading into this September opposition day with much wind in our sails. This simple reality provides further logically backing to the supposed strategy. We need to recapture some momentum and/or put the government on the defensive again. This may be maddening to some, but it shouldn't be, because it's a wise consideration.

I still want to go this fall, for a myriad of reasons. However, if I'm choosing between a "cold" call immediately, or a try and "build up a lather" approach, I think I'll take the latter in this instance, without tremendous reservation.