Ignatieff on 'The Current'

[Michael Hardner]

Michael Ignatieff was on CBC Radio's 'The Current' today.

The salient bits were:

1) When asked about his 'reservations' about the coalition he replied only that he wanted to ensure that the coalition aligned with two 'Liberal' principles:

- National unity

- Fiscal responsibility

2) After about 10 minutes of inconsequential questions about the current situation, the host finally asked him about his vision for Canada.

His response was the usual cautious "we'll see" approach, saying he'll listen to Canadians (in reality, since he's a Liberal, this means he'll listen to the focus group results that the Montreal marketing firm they hire produces) and that his vision is for a role for government but not "big government".

I got the distinct impression that we have, in Harper and Ignatieff, political bookends. In other words, I wouldn't bet on the Liberals challenging in January.

I'm interested to know MLW's thoughts on Ignatieff now that he's wearing the crown/dunce cap...

[Poli-Sci Student]

I think he was doing exactly what the Liberal Party needed him to do: Providing a calm, non-radical front. I'll admit that Tremonti could have grilled him a little more, but I don't think radicalism is going to win an election for the Libs, moving a little to the right and being calm but confident will.

[cybercoma]

Considering Ignatieff hasn't really said anything, it's hard to judge him on the last couple weeks. I absolutely agree with his idea of "Multilateralism With Teeth", even though some people object to it. But, save for that, I really have no idea what he stands for.

I like the sounds of "national unity" and "fiscal responsibility", but I'd like to see what his approach to those problems is. I mean, you're not going to have a politician say they support "national division" and "fiscal waste". So, save his platitudes, he hasn't said a thing.

[Poli-Sci Student]

I like the sounds of "national unity" and "fiscal responsibility", but I'd like to see what his approach to those problems is. I mean, you're not going to have a politician say they support "national division" and "fiscal waste". So, save his platitudes, he hasn't said a thing.

At least he's said them, like he's supposed to, haha. It's the first step in any politician's move.

[cybercoma]

At least he's said them, like he's supposed to, haha. It's the first step in any politician's move.

Except for Dion, who was silent about unity and the first word out of his mouth was "tax".

[Mr.Canada]

Before IGantieff is floated in as PM I'd like to hear what the LPC actually stands for and what it's fiscal plan is. So far they are mute on both accounts.

[Smallc]

Before IGantieff is floated in as PM I'd like to hear what the LPC actually stands for and what it's fiscal plan is. So far they are mute on both accounts.

They have said that in order to create a fiscal plan, they have to first see the real state of the books. Until they see the books, they can't really make any decisions.

[Mr.Canada]

They have said that in order to create a fiscal plan, they have to first see the real state of the books. Until they see the books, they can't really make any decisions.

I see. Mr. Harper had a fiscal plan in every election he partook in. Is that due to him being clairvoyant?

[Smallc]

I see. Mr. Harper had a fiscal plan in every election he partook in. Is that due to him being clairvoyant?

The books were in surplus during every election he's taken part in so far.

[Mr.Canada]

The books were in surplus during every election he's taken part in so far.

I see, so every Liberal PM that Harper ran against was open and forthright with showing the people of Canada the books whereas Harper keeps them hidden from public view.

Is this your position?

[Smallc]

Is this your position?

Well, given that economists don't seem to believe the economic statement is correct....

[Mr.Canada]

Well, given that economists don't seem to believe the economic statement is correct....

That doesn't make it false. Perhaps fiscal Tories are good money managers. Perhaps economists are so used to glazing over Liberal books that responsible money management has been so foreign to them that they have a hard time believing it is possible.

It took Harper 10 years to uncover ADscam, I guess every economist kept it to themselves until then.

[Smallc]

Perhaps fiscal Tories are good money managers.

Might be....maybe Harper should hire some?

[Mr.Canada]

Might be....maybe Harper should hire some?

They are already in place. I voted Tory so they speak for me and millions of Canadians. We gave them that power.

[Smallc]

They are already in place. I voted Tory so they speak for me and millions of Canadians. We gave them that power.

So, fiscal conservatives lower taxes, they got that part right. Fiscal conservatives don't drastically increase spending at the same time though I wouldn't think. Other than that though, I'm not really sure what you're talking about above.

[Mr.Canada]

So, fiscal conservatives lower taxes, they got that part right. Fiscal conservatives don't drastically increase spending at the same time though I wouldn't think. Other than that though, I'm not really sure what you're talking about above.

This a minority government so the Tories must include many things against their will or be voted down. It's classic give and take smallc, give and take.

[Smallc]

This a minority government so the Tories must include many things against their will or be voted down.

Maybe. Or maybe they aren't fiscal conservatives at all?

[Mr.Canada]

Maybe. Or maybe they aren't fiscal conservatives at all?

I'm sure we would see them to be quite different when they get a majority. Sound fiscally is what I mean smallc.

[Smallc]

I'm sure we would see them to be quite different when they get a majority.

So then I guess we won't see whether or not your right for a long, long, long, time.

[Mr.Canada]

So then I guess we won't see whether or not your right for a long, long, long, time.

Nah, Canadians are tired of minorities. The Tories will get a majority next time around if the polls stay as they are.

[Smallc]

if the polls stay as they are.

Yeah...that'll happen.

[Mr.Canada]

Yeah...that'll happen.

I believe they will but we'll have to wait and see to know for sure.

[Smallc]

I believe they will but we'll have to wait and see to know for sure.

I don't have to wait. I already know that the polls will change. All of the time.

[Mr.Canada]

I don't have to wait. I already know that the polls will change. All of the time.

Agreed, they sure will. Right now Ignatieff is stealing some Red Tories but I think it'll change back once people get to see the real Ignatieff.

[Smallc]

once people get to see the real Ignatieff.

And you know who that is?