shoop

Just a mirror image of Canada. The Liberals would salivate if the CPC moved back to the right. Now all the Liberals and NDs can do is cry about a hidden agenda. Thankfully the CPC were centrist in the eyes of enough Canadians to deny Martin a majority. The Democrats have to be centrists to have a shot at winning. The last true 'liberal' to run for the Dems was McGovern in 1972. A crushing defeat of a decent, decent man. Of course the veep pick didn't help...

Yet, you've seen fit to remove your signature? Perhaps I hit the nail on the head? And yes I did mean out of context.

Better than than a 'scary' Prime Minister!

Newbie, Change 'right' to "left" in your signature and that is a great way to approach your "quotes" about Harper. Thanks for the perfect way to deal with your comments outta contest.

So when it's convenient for you it is the "reform/conservative" party, but when convenient you talk about Progressive Conservative scandals. Why doesn't Sven count? Theft isn't a crime? Or, he was, and sadly likely will be again, an MP for the CCF/NDP/Neverhaveoreverwillformgovernment/NDs....

FTA, Although I am a pretty strong Con on this board I have voted for both the Liberals and the PCs federally, also voted CPC this past election. Here is my take on your post. The Liberal scandals haven't been sticking. Why? Who knows? Best for the party to keep on Gomery while also putting forth it's vision of a CPC government. If it is just corruption-corruption-corruption, that plays into the Liberals' hands. The 'scary' thing is sad and has been overplayed. This election is the chance for Harper to get past it. There is a real chance for the Conservatives to break through in this election. If he can't do it, he has to be replaced because he will never shake that label. I personally like a lot of what the Green Party stands for. I voted CPC last time because I was voting in a riding that has been historically close. The Liberal won by 11 votes once. I will watch local polls very closely and if my riding doesn't appear to be close I will vote Green.

Never heard the term 'riding ratios' before. What does that mean?

Could be. That was part of the point I was trying to make. But I didn't do it as eloquently as you did. Thanks k.

Strange poll that one. The only party it is really good for is the BQ. Liberals are back to where they were on the day of the election in 2004. A day that will not be considered a success in the history of the party. The Liberals would probably get in the 130s again, in terms of seats again, gaining in Ontario and BC, while losing seats in Quebec. Bad news for the CPC, but is there any taking solace in the fact that it represents the base of their support? Realistically those poll numbers would look at them losing 5-10 seats. While the NDs are only slightly down nationally, the distressing thing for them is the Ontario numbers. With 18% of the Ontario vote in 2004 they won 7 seats. Sitting at 12 percent now they win maybe 3. Bloc is looking really good from this poll. Maybe break into the 60s? Same dysfunctional parliament. If these numbers hold look for both Harper and Martin to have been replaced by this time next year.

A Prime Minister that sets a tone of respect and professionalism sets the tone for his government. Dealing with Francine Fox when she called the Republicans a**holes would have been a good step in the right direction. Maybe, just maybe, Parrish would have acted differently if she would have known without a doubt that she would have been kicked out of caucus *before* making those remarks.

His invasions of Nicaragua and El Salvador weren't for natural resources. So does that make him less of a warmonger? Enough of the distraction. The point made by tml12 was that relations between Canada and the U.S. weren't that bad in Trudeau 1984. Not true at all. Trudeau and Reagan detested each other every bit as much as do Martin and Bush. I will give Trudeau credit for controlling his MPs and staff from public insults of the United States.

Completely agreed! The Green Party represents the social libertarian views August1991 is trying to ascribe to the CCF/NDP/NDs.

Relations between Trudeau and Reagan were terrible in 1984. Not good at all. I think if things break well for the CPC, and I do mean best case scenario, ten seats on the island could occur. That would require a massive shift in public opinion, but it could happen.

Are you talking about 'new' supporters of the Democrats as well? Seems like they lost votes nationally, using presidential results as a barometer, between 2000 and 2004. Why did they lose more supporters than they gained? August1991 is wrong.

A lot of what you are saying is with 20/20 hindsight. 1) In terms of charisma, Mulroney pre-1984 was no Mulroney, at least in the minds of the chattering classes of the time. 2) If the CPC can stay on message they could take a handful of seats in Quebec. 3) Oh I forgot the U.S. didn't have an aggressive President in 1984. Oh wait, Reagan was President at the time... 4) Yes and no. They fared much better than expected going into 2004. It won't be easy but they have a realistic shot at holding all their seats in BC.

Touché, but what about shakeyhands calling me an idiot? Is there a double-standard at work here? As for that what about err continually ignoring the name of the Official Opposition? Seriously, he has repeatedly used "Reform/Alliance/Conservative party". THREE TIMES in one post. How is that any different? It is understandable how members of the Conservative Party of Canada who take offense to that name. If the rules are to be applied so be it. If the board is to be free of attacks, then let's all play nice. I have spoken to Greg on PM about some of these issues. I understand where he is coming from. I hope he can see that it is only natural to pose these questions. If he wants to keep the debate civil and respectable let's crack down on the insults to party names as well. I am not aiming to be barred a la mirror. Seriously hope my voice is heard though. Greg, if you are gonna bar me, at least be fair and give shakeyhands the boot as well.

So you insult me for using a name given to Martin by one of the most presitgious magazines in the world? Hmmm, good old Liberal fair play at work.

random story So Desjarlais has quit the caucus. Much less influence for the CCF/NDP/NDs in the house. Current standings. Liberals 133 (including speaker) CPC 98 BQ 54 ND/NDP/CCF 18 Independents 4 Open 1 (Cadman) 154 votes are needed to defeat the government. Could Harper and Duceppe get two of the four independents onside? Desjarlais is definitely running again as an independent. Kilgour and Bennett aren't running period. Anybody know O'Brien's plans? All pretty academic. The CPC won't force an election now because a Christmas election isn't good for anybody. BUT it does force PM Dithers to keep to his word, no weaseling out by trying to wait for the FINAL OFFICIAL REPORT of Justice Gomery.

From Jim Travers' article in today's Star. Shades of the 1984 election here. Harper can go after Martin for not doing his job as Finance Minister. When Martin replies "I had no choice" it will work as well for him as it did for John Turner. Poor, poor Mr. Dithers....

Why won't Jacko breathe a word about legalizing pot? Pulling outta NATO? Lowering the voting age to 16? Those corporate 'tax cuts' he won by bending over for Mr. Dithers in the spring? Because he is an ineffective leader - who has been portrayed as doing a good job by the sad, sad, sad CBC. Never thought you worked a unionized job. Your childish rantings and ignorant putdowns are symptoms of someone unlikely to be able to hold a long-term, or responsible, position of any kind.

Jacko's instincts are pretty bad. He supported the Libs for a pittance in spending and tax cuts the Liberals reneged on. When the reneged he shoulda pulled the plug outta principle. Then again, Jacko would have to have principles...

Tommy Douglas and Ed Broadbent were reasonable, sensible leaders of the CCF/NDP/NDs. They deserved the support of the population that they received. Layton panders to the silver-spoon socialists, ala Naomi Klein, who are out of touch with the MAJORITY of Canadians. Please don't ascribe to me opinions I haven't stated jerk.

boy the leader of the CCF/NDP/NDs (doesn't that make me cool by naming all the previous incarnations of the party you support?) To be exact he said "If these Liberals want to get to work on issues like those I've mentioned, we'll be there to get things done. But if not, Mr. Martin should understand he better not count on the NDP's support in the weeks to come." PS why do you think Harper will 'be obliging' and what will you do when proven wrong? oh yeah, make fun of the previous names of his party after finishing your minimum wage job. good on you buddy!

Put up or shut up, it's quite simple. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Shady, he won't because he can't. Dude is an absolute joke. His posts make no sense...

So Jacko is talking tough. The Liberals better not take the NDs support for granted ... or else! Or else what? Force an election in the middle of the Christmas holidays? Thankfully the CPC and the BQ aren't onside with that one. Guess Jacko gets to talk tough and pander to the converted without really doing anything. Some random link.