shoop

Interesting analysis, don't know if I agree with much of it. How could Trudeau have 'stared them down'? They want an election sooner than Martin does. Your analysis of the next election is lacking. I cannot see the NDs picking up seats without the Conservatives doing so. They are looking like they will win a few seats in Toronto, and possibly split the 905. Solid throughout most of the west. IF it is a Liberal minority, both Martin and Harper resign for sure before the next election following that. Depends what you mean by not resign afterwards. (i.e. immediately afterwards?)

Not necessarily odd, just the way things work. What Kinsella wrote is great, but Harper can't address Iraq. Doesn't win him any points.

The best case scenario for the CPC is the same situation? Come on. Right now it is 50/50 liberal minority or conservative minority. I would definitely bet a conservative majority is more likely than a liberal majority. The Libs can't win a majority without Quebec. They ain't getting quebec this time around...

The only loser here is the miniscule percentage of the population who won't be able to feed at the trough WHEN the Liberals get crushed next election.

That's great for the Conservatives. Gives them a valid, serious, reason to work with the Bloc.

Why, then, don't you provide a link to one of these *studies*?

If all three opposition parties band together there will be an election about the time Layton proposes.

Methinks you are the one having difficulties. I was clearly talking about the U.S. Unless Switzerland has changed the terminology for their national departments.

Wow. You really shouldn't show such ignorance. Take a look at the Greens platform and policies. Obviously pro-environment, but very right of centre fiscally and libertarian on social issues. But I guess that is all you know when you never take the time to actually read anything.

Layton's proposal is BRILLIANT. Strange thing though. While increasing the NDs seat count, this move will probably end up putting Stephen Harper in the PMO. Will it be considered a pyrrhic victory for Layton?

I really think that is good news for the everybody but the Liberals. Martin will lose a lot of support to both the NDs and the Greens because people will see his desperation and decide to vote their consciences. I could see four or five Greens winning in BC the next election.

Here's another error. The Department of Health and Human Services plus The Department of Education are ABSOLUTELY powerless. Every single contested Presidential cycle one of the Republican candidates seriously proposes getting rid of one, or both, departments.

Absolutely right plusgood! Sparhawk's interpretation would only stick with those Liberal voters who would NEVER change their vote. Enough for a Harper majority. Why, don't you guys do it...

Gotta disagree kimmy. Having the final report released during the election guarantees at least two full days of coverage on Gomery. Two days of questions for the Liberals and reasons for the opposition parties to call them corrupt. Two days is a lot of time in a 28 day campaign.

According to Paul Wells http://weblogs.macleans.ca/paulwells The tax cuts in Monday's mini-budget will including cancelling the GST. Wow that would be very interesting. Not in the best long-term financial interest of the country, but very interesting none the less. Anybody got figures on how much revenue the Feds would be foregoing with this move?

Anybody got a link as to when Layton's proposed date would fall vis-a-vis Gomery's final report. IF Gomery's final report would come out during the campaign, given the election date Layton has proposed, than it is a brilliant move. (It kinds hurts to give him that much credit, so let's confirm that date.)

For the sake of moving towards actual debate, could you restate your reasons for why *dire* consequences will follow a Conservative government. For the sake of the same thing I will state why I don't think *dire* consequences will ensue. History is the best basis for predicting the future. Historically the final days of the last Conservative government corresponded with the start of the biggest (and longest) peacetime period of economic expansion in our history. There is every reason to believe the next Conservative government will behave just as well in manging the finances of the government. Respond to that without resorting to name calling please.

Touché! The Liberals have gone to that well one too many times methinks. Poor poor Martin...

Because Martin will shrug off his reputation for dithering and provide an actual agenda for running the country? Because they are going to be able to successfully fight a battle on three fronts? Corruption, corruption, corruption vs. the CPC. Health care vs. the NDs. The fact that no Quebeckers like Martin vs. the Bloc. Scary, scary, scary isn't going to work this time. But please, let that be the best you have.

I am in no way supporting oil companies. Simply a lesson in basic math. If your $12 fill up increased by 80% it would become a $21.60 cent fill up. A $20 fill up makes it a 67% increase. Where did you get that 89% profit figure from...

The Conservatives can easily work with the Bloc. As long as they focus on the economic side of their agenda. Besides, a Conservative minority means a Liberal leadership race, which gives PM Harper at least a year to show his worth.

How is it different? The Liberal Party just admitted to corruptly obtaining 1.14 Million dollars from the public trust. And now that they have been caught they have *promised* to pay it back. Any such clear cut evidence to support calling the Conservative Party of Canada "evil"?

Your insults really are sad. Explain how calling Harper and/or the Conservative Party of Canada 'evil' is fostering debate. Split hairs if you want about not 'starting' it, but your reasons for defending ScottBrison's use of the term. See that would be reasonable debate, if you are being honest about wanting to see debate here.

somewhat successful is a great characterization of Layton so far. the Conservatives can only benefit from a Liberal - NDP split. A Conservative majority is unlikely but a 130 or so seat minority is very possible.

Very fair post tml. I may not agree with everything you say, but I appreciate the fact that we can have a reasonable discussion while disagreeing. I would say it would be fairer if you said the NDP is the only party that would spend signicifantly more money on social programs, unless it is another Liberal minority and they are looking for the NDPs support again.