Opposition leaders sorely lack tact and diplomacy

[betsy]

Dion could not keep from using and dissing Bush to win votes.

And Layton said he already wrote to Obama about re-negotiating Nafta. When asked what if McCain wins, Layton replied: "I assume it will be challenging."

Although both would undoubtedly wish the Democrats win the election, these two PM-wanna-be, however only show how sorely they lack the tact and diplomacy of a true leader. If either one these two will end up being the Prime Minister, and if the Republicans happen to win the US election....we're off to a rocky start relationship-wise with our nextdoor neighbor. Why would they opt to sour the relationship even before it begins?

Harper, on the other hand, continue to display responsible response. When asked to comment about the US government intervention to Wall Street, if he thinks it is good policy for the US government to have taxpayers pay for the crisis, Harper refrained to make any comment, explaining that the US is in the midst of a federal election and he deemed it inappropriate for him to make any comment.

[Moonbox]

Aside from the gaff by the CPC during the primaries I would totally agree.

With that said, Layton says whatever he wants because he knows he'll never be held accountable for his actions. He's the leader of a national party that he knows pretty much CANNOT be elected and thus he just tries to make as much noise as possible. He's a sensationalist and his campaign relies on nothing but punch-lines and zingers.

Dion is following the Chretien/Trudeau thought that bashing Americans scores points with Canadians. It's a cheap, counter-productive and pointless strategy and the only benefit it provide is an estimated increase in votes.