Will Conservatives Split After Leadership?

[maplesyrup]

All political parties have their differences but this merger seems to have brought together very opposing forces.

Many Harper supporters say if Stronach wins the leadership they are gone, not sure where, but gone.

But what if Harper wins? Will the Stronach & Clement supporters stay, or will they leave to join other parties?

And if they do leave, which other political party will they go to?

[August1991]

As ugly as the name is for the Tories, this thread is a good one.

All political parties have their differences but this merger seems to have brought together very opposing forces.

The modern issue in Western countries (US, France, UK, Canada) is social liberal/conservative and fiscal liberal/conservative. The sixties leftists have mixed up the word "progressive" with these splits confusing everyone. And in Canada, there's more confusion: we have the anti-Liberal party.

The amalgamated CPC is fiscally conservative. Where the problem arises is whether the CPC is socially liberal or socially conservative. In this, the CPC is on the cutting edge of modern western debate. Fundamentally, 'What is freedom?' (For the moment, the CPC leadership candidates seem to be hiding behind the idea of 'parliamentary free votes' and such to stake their 'social' position.)

The sixties, progressive NDP? Fiscally liberal (steal from the rich) and socially liberal (anything goes). Voters in Western countries are starting to wonder what all this means exactly. I don't think voters will be conned anymore by the idea that higher taxes and social freedom are 'progressive'.

Stronach? If she wins, the anti-Liberal will vote will go - geez, where will it go? Bloc? NDP? Green? Nader?

[Pellaken]

if stronach wins, no

if harper wins, yes. they will vote Liberal