Harper stumbles in Newfoundland

[madmax]

There is a CP release suggesting that Stephen Harper has his dates wrong.

But I have read this and I don't agree with the article.

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/AL...c357DfyHHXNJsvg

During a funding announcement Thursday in Cupids, N.L., Harper told a crowd of about 100 that Canada became whole when the province joined the country 59 years ago.

Moments later, he said: "So when Newfoundland finally joined together with us in Confederation in 1867, we all say it was like a family reunion."

Newfoundland did not join Canada until 1949 after a very close referendum.

I think it is more of a grammar error, (And I ought to know, if you read my posts) then a slip of the tongue or mistaken factual error.

Confederation was in 1867, so when you are making a statement such as when NFLD joined with "Us in 1867", it was most likely to have been referring to them joining us at a later date, and not mistaking the date.

However, the media likes a "gaffe" (eh Stanfield), and no wonder politicians have to be carefully scripted, where as the public likes politicians who aren't.

Regardless, Confederation is still a hot topic in NFLD and if portrayed as ignorant, Harper will not help the CPC on the Rock. Whereas Danny Williams has made it known he will be in Ontario promoting the LPC over the CPC in the Next election.

So,

Was it a gaffe, or was Harper actually mistaken about the year NFLD joined Canada?

[Peter F]

Was it a gaffe, or was Harper actually mistaken about the year NFLD joined Canada?

Harper told a crowd of about 100 that Canada became whole when the province joined the country 59 years ago.

Moments later, he said: (etc)

2008 - 59 = ...ummmm...(opens windows calculator)... 1949.

so yes, it appears to be a gaffe and not complete historical ignorance. I wish I could gloat but I cant in this case since there is nothing to gloat over. Its a simple mistake.

[Rovik]

However, the media likes a "gaffe" (eh Stanfield), and no wonder politicians have to be carefully scripted, where as the public likes politicians who aren't.

Regardless, Confederation is still a hot topic in NFLD and if portrayed as ignorant, Harper will not help the CPC on the Rock. Whereas Danny Williams has made it known he will be in Ontario promoting the LPC over the CPC in the Next election.

Can you quote where he would exclusively promote the LPC because as far as I know, he supports the ABC philosophy...Anyone But Conservatives which means the NDP, Greens and yes the LPC, (but again not the LPC exclusively.)

[madmax]

Can you quote where he would exclusively promote the LPC because as far as I know, he supports the ABC philosophy...Anyone But Conservatives which means the NDP, Greens and yes the LPC, (but again not the LPC exclusively.)

Well you might have something there. I reread some of the articles. He is helping LPC , but nothing in it suggests that it is exclusively LPC.

http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/443616

Edited August 19, 2008 by madmax

[FTA Lawyer]

Is this really a matter capable of debate amongst reasonable people?

Other than sensationalist media types, does anyone really think that our Prime Minister doesn't know that Nfld. did not sign up in 1867?

As an appellate lawyer who reads loads of transcripts of other people speaking in court, I think I can spot a completely meaningless blooper...and that's what this was.

FTA