POLL on the coalition - Liberal, NDP, BQ Supporters only

[BC_chick]

I'm probably ideologically NDP though I've traditionally supported LPC strategically.

I vote coalition... but only if anyone but Dion would be leading it. Given the choice, I'll take Harper over Dion destroying what little is left of the LPC.

Edited December 4, 2008 by BC_chick

[BC_chick]

Against.

Since when? I thought you were for it?

[Michael Hardner]

Back to 50-50. 4 votes for, 4 against.

I wonder if the shoe were on the other foot, would the Conservatives on this board seriously consider voting Liberal to stabilize confederation. I'll admit that it feels strange. I have emailed my MP to let her know my displeasure with this tactic.

It all feels like a giant bluffing game gone wrong.

[Smallc]

Since when? I thought you were for it?

Last night. I already had reservations because of the Bloc. When I saw Dion....I also realized that it could be the death of my party.

[BC_chick]

Last night. I already had reservations because of the Bloc. When I saw Dion....I also realized that it could be the death of my party.

I get the feeling getting Dion to step down is gonna look something like this:

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/12/04/hebron.html

Edited December 4, 2008 by BC_chick

[blueblood]

I get the feeling getting Dion to step down is gonna look something like this:

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/12/04/hebron.html

They managed to can Chretien. Dion I think is far more unpopular as leader. That could be a uniting issue for the Libs!

[BC_chick]

They managed to can Chretien. Dion I think is far more unpopular as leader. That could be a uniting issue for the Libs!

I was actually joking, I was talking about the picture of the guy getting dragged out kicking and screaming in the dirt.

Chretien's departure wasn't THAT bad....

[blueblood]

I was actually joking, I was talking about the picture of the guy getting dragged out kicking and screaming in the dirt.

Chretien's departure wasn't THAT bad....

Now if you can get the Liberal Leadership convention to have a similar attitude to this, your all set.

youtube

[Jack Weber]

Don't support it!

I have voted NDP in th epast.I have voted for the Canadian Action Party when Paul Hellyer was running it.I voted for Mel Hurtig's National Party in '92.

If the Lib's and the NDP had sufficient numbers to topple the CryptoFascists alone,I would have supported it 100%.

The seperatist prop up made it unsupportable.

[Michael Hardner]

5 agin, 4 in favour...

[CanadianBacon]

5 agin, 4 in favour...

5 against and 5 in favour

[Michael Hardner]

Nothing posted today so far.

So among left-of-centre supporters we only have 50% support.

All in all, this was poorly thought out. I think that somebody on the Liberal side figured that it would stick to Dion if anyone and there was nothing to lose. Clearly, however, there was no thought whatsoever to strategy and the CPC's likely responses.

In the next month, Canadians will likely grow more and more impatient with the idea that Dion could be the next PM and what will the Liberals do then ?

[DrGreenthumb]

I don't know if i voted in this one yet but i definitely support it.

[BC_chick]

Nothing posted today so far.

So among left-of-centre supporters we only have 50% support.

Did you count me as a no because I said I would support it them only if it's led by someone other than Dion?

[BC Viking]

Did you count me as a no because I said I would support it them only if it's led by someone other than Dion?

I support the coallition regardless of temperary BQ involvement. Whatever it takes to unseat an ineffective conservative government.

[madmax]

Did you count me as a no because I said I would support it them only if it's led by someone other than Dion?

What about Libby Davies...?

Edited December 5, 2008 by madmax

[Peter F]

card carrying NDP voter. I see nothing wrong with legitimately elected representatives in parliament forming voting alliances to achieve their goals. Thats what a parliamentary system is for.

If a coalation of mp's can muster amongst themselves a majority then they get to form the government. Something Harper and the cons seem to have put aside . The Cons needed a knock on the head with a two-by-four to remind them that they only have a minority of seats in parliament. Therefore I support the coalation.

Edited December 6, 2008 by Peter F

[Smallc]

card carrying NDP voter. I see nothing wrong with legitimately elected representatives in parliament forming voting alliances to achieve their goals. Thats what a parliamentary system is for.

I agree with that assessment. I have two reservations though. They are Stephane Dion...and the fact that I don't believe that you can trust the Bloc.

[Peter F]

I agree with that assessment. I have two reservations though. They are Stephane Dion...and the fact that I don't believe that you can trust the Bloc.

I never liked Stephan either...but others elected him to his position - so it is safe to say they think different. As far as the bloc is concerned I trust them to do what is in their interest to do, just like every other MP in parliament, Lib, con or NDP.

They will lobby for benefits for their own ridings/partys/voters just like every one else. Its thier duty.

[reasonoverpassion]

Poor Stephan--

An academic who did not have ability to play politics. I'm sure he will be happier going back to academic life. Here are some fatal mistakes he made along the way:

(1) Carbon Tax/Green Shift Never campaign on taxation!!

Never say anything about taxes during an election campaign except telling the electorate you will abolish them (Chretien) or lower them (Harper). Did Mulroney campaign on bringing a new tax called the GST? No, he didn't talk about the GST during any election campaign, not one word.

The mere mention of a new tax during an election is a political hari-kari.

(2) You have to project desisive leadership.

Does anyone question the force of the personality of Trudeau, Mulroney, Chretien or Harper? They were able to make their message clear without appearing to flop all over the place. Some people have had Dion has a problem with the English language. Well so did Chretien, in fact it was said he had a problem articulating in both official languages, but he never had a problem making his position on issues known.

Does anyone one remember when Mulroney destroyed Turner, during the debate when Turner was questioned about putting through patronage appointments for Trudeau? Turner: "But I had no option" Mulroney: "You sir had an option, you could have said no"

John Kerry was destroyed by Dubya because he was painted as indesisive. Too much of an "egghead" to take a stand on an issue.

(3) You have to make people like you.

Look at successful politicians: Bill Clinton, Dubya, Chretien, (folksy down to earth types) Trudeau, Obama (powerful intellect , charismatic, good speaker) Mulroney (smooth confident--yes people did like this)

Stephan was never able to make this connection--Steve you also need to watch out for this one! A sweater vest and a handshake for your kid's first day at school doesn't cut it!

[eyeball]

I've either spoiled my ballots or voted Green for the last few federal and provincial elections, mostly because of their committment to proportional representation or to help them increase the money they receive for the votes they get. This last election I tried voting strategically to keep the Conservatives from getting a majority and that meant voting for the NDP party in my riding (I could care less about local candidates). The development of this coalition suits me just fine, so count me in. Mind you I'd cheer even louder if Ottawa suddenly vanished into a sinkhole and disapeared from the face of the Earth forever.