What is Chretien up to?

betsy · November 1, 2007

It was mentioned way back that Chretien can be very spiteful. That spite was the real reason why he tried to block Conrad Black from getting that British title.

But now, looking back at the recent events that happened in the Liberal Party, I wonder if Chretien schemed - out of spite - to sabotage his own political party.

It is said that it was Chretien who pushed for Dion to become leader. Surely, after working with him all these years, he must know that definitely Dion is not leader-material. Just look at all the bloopers and gaffes, all the decisions he's made so far.....I cringe to even imagine that this man would lead a nation.

Then, there was the poor or perfect timing of the tell-all book by Chretien. For a supposedly very intelligent former Prime Minister, surely he must know what the book was going to do to the Party - right after the big defeat in Quebec election.

What was he thinking???? He could've at least delayed the sale of the book at a time when the Liberal Party could withstand its attack on another former leader of the Party (Martin).

Apparently Chretien had kinder words to say about Mulroney than his colleague.

What do you think?

Leafless · November 3, 2007

It is said that it was Chretien who pushed for Dion to become leader. Surely, after working with him all these years, he must know that definitely Dion is not leader-material. Just look at all the bloopers and gaffes, all the decisions he's made so far.....I cringe to even imagine that this man would lead a nation.

Not in Chretiens book.

Dion is a citizen of France and seemingly the one most qualified to defend Francophone concerns.

Dion even reads his speeches in the same manner as Chretien sounding neither French nor English, but rather of some unknown foreign nationality.

Edited November 3, 2007 by Leafless

old_bold&cold · November 3, 2007

I think you are probably correct in thinking that Chretien is spiteful with his book and also that he did torpedo the party before he left. The man Chretien was grooming decided to sit out the last leadership race, and it was probably Chretiens Ide that he do so. This was of course John Manley. While most of the Liberal party would have had some reservations about Manley as Chretiens yes man, they will now see hime as a very strong and significant leader. This will of course allow Chretien to keep a tight leash on him from behin d the scenes. I do feel that it was not by chance that the liberal party is having all these problems and yes I do think that Chretien was the main force behind them. The Martin camp are the ones who are getting the worst of this beating and they will not have the ability to field a candidate to leadership, that would stand a chance of rebuilding the party.

Dion was right from day one expendible and with what is happening now, it may even be that he will be the first party leader to never face an election. I think that all the things happening are really much faster then was predicted, and this has done more harm then expected. Not sure if there is any way to stop it though, now that is has gone this far. But wait and watch for Manley at the next leadership race, and I bet you it will be more of a corranation then a race, and that will suit Chretien just nicely.

Leafless · November 3, 2007

Dion was right from day one expendible and with what is happening now, it may even be that he will be the first party leader to never face an election. I think that all the things happening are really much faster then was predicted, and this has done more harm then expected. Not sure if there is any way to stop it though, now that is has gone this far. But wait and watch for Manley at the next leadership race, and I bet you it will be more of a corranation then a race, and that will suit Chretien just nicely.

The last federal election only 5% of Canadians believe Deputy Prime Minister and new Minister of Finance, John Manley would make the best leader of the federal Liberal Party.

Dion was picked by Mr. Chretien because he had the most federal experience.

In the final hours of voting, however, Ignatieff backers rushed to circulate a recent Carleton University poll that said 42 per cent of Quebecers felt Ignatieff would make the best prime minister, compared to 17 per cent for Dion.

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/features...9d-5f433b5e9751

I think Michael Ignatieff would be in the cards to-day as new Liberal leader in the event Dion is ditched and don't think Mr. Chretien's book had nothing to do with what you are talking about.

betsy · November 4, 2007

The man Chretien was grooming decided to sit out the last leadership race, and it was probably Chretiens Ide that he do so. This was of course John Manley.

I didn't know that part. It gets more interesting.....

Manley was appointed by Harper to be part of the panel that would assess the war in Afghanistan.

Some Liberals are wondering and griping as to why Manley would accept such position knowing that it would give the Conservatives some credible ammunition against criticisms or snipes from the Liberals.

betsy · November 4, 2007

I think Michael Ignatieff would be in the cards to-day as new Liberal leader in the event Dion is ditched and don't think Mr. Chretien's book had nothing to do with what you are talking about.

The journalists pundits were speculating that in the event of a coup attempt, they can't really force Dion to step down. Apparently, Dion is a very stubborn man and is more likely to dig in his heels.

But yes, I think Ignatieff is the popular choice to become the next Liberal leader.

Michael Bluth · November 4, 2007

It was mentioned way back that Chretien can be very spiteful. That spite was the real reason why he tried to block Conrad Black from getting that British title.

That spite is why he held on for a third election - to screw Paul Martin.

That spite is why he passed the election financing law - to screw Paul Martin. Don't think he realized no one in the Liberal Party would be able to get the fundraising machine running again.

That spite is why he 'agreed' to leave office just before Sheila Fraser released her report on Sponsorship to screw Paul Martin.

Not saying Martin didn't deserve it.

Chretien's spitefulness may be the end of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Chretien and Martin both thought they were bigger than the party. If either of them had shown some class the Liberals wouldn't be in the dire straits that they are at the moment.