Progressive Tory Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 I guess the topic will be started at some point today. The visit will be brief and probably won't accomplish much, but what will the relationship between Harper and Obama be? Besides short. You can downplay Obama's popularity if you want, but public opinion is important, and Canadians love him, as do I. Again, not blindly, but he represents hope after eight years of terror. Are Harper and Obama going to be buddies? "Obama is charismatic and charming, whereas Harper has made a career on his lack of personality. Obama reaches across party lines, where Harper had to cause a constitutional crisis before deciding to play nice with the opposition." They may have a few things in common, but fundamentally the two are the exact opposites. A recent poll included the question "who would you rather have meet Obama?" 51% said Ignatieff and only 31% Harper. As one poster puts it: "The fact that Obama waited for Ignatieff's signal about the fate of the government is an embarrassment for Harper." Another story today is Ignatieff and the fact that his visit has been cut to 10 minutes. Was this a political trick of Harper's? Who knows, but we now know that Ignatieff has close personal friends in Obama's administration. Ignatieff expects longer meeting with Obama "The meeting was initially supposed to be 30 minutes. Ignatieff, who has close friends in Obama's administration, hinted it may have been the Prime Minister's Office that influenced the time of the meeting." This will go well for Ignatieff next election, with so many Canadians in love with the new president, and expect Obama and Iggy to have a mutual respect and close relationship. It's all about perception. Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
Hydraboss Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 PT, are you jdobbin's mother or something? Iggy is an opportunistic leech. He comes back to Canada when he sees an opening to collect a public pension, and you are trying to equate him to "the god-like Obama"? Harper is meeting with him as the leader of a country. Iggy is meeting with him so he can put it in his memoirs. Where's Jack's meeting? Where's Gilles'? What about Stelmach (god knows he has more clout than the almost-Liberal leader, even though he's an idiot). Quote "racist, intolerant, small-minded bigot" - AND APPARENTLY A SOCIALIST (2010) (2015)Economic Left/Right: 8.38 3.38 Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: 3.13 -1.23
capricorn Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 Who knows if they'll hit it off. Some journalists think no, some think yes. In personal terms, there should be excellent chemistry between these two guys. In generational terms, they belong to the same baby-boomer cohort. Harper was born in 1959, Obama in 1961. They both come from modest backgrounds, where their mothers were the most important influence in their lives. They both saw themselves as agents of change, both made audacious reaches for power at a young age, and both have grasped the brass ring.Never mind that Obama is a liberal Democrat and Harper is a right-of-centre Conservative. Both have taken parties of chronic losers and made them winners. That's the starting point between them. And in any event, the left in the U.S. can be to the right of centre in Canada. Obama wants to double U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan, while Harper has promised to pull Canada out of the country by 2011. Obama would never support legislation or constitutional amendment to legalize same-sex marriage in the U.S., while Harper called a free vote on it in Canada, and dropped his opposition when a parliamentary resolution backed the courts. http://www.montrealgazette.com/Business/Ob...1886/story.html Ignatieff didn't want to sound like "a dog in a manger" when he quibbled about the allotted length of his exchange with Obama but in doing so he came across as whiny and petty. He noted that when Harper was leader of the opposition in 2004, he had a "good and extended meeting" with then-president George W. Bush."I will expect no less, and I'm sure I will receive no less," said Ignatieff. "The Americans have certainly been very co-operative and helpful." --- "What I don't want to do is sound like a dog in a manger about this," he added. "This is a great moment for our two countries to spend time together. I'm looking forward to an exchange with the president, and I hope he looks forward to an exchange with me." http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/stor...218?hub=QPeriod He also makes a big deal of his connections to Washington, boasting he can pick up the phone and gain direct access to some players in the White House. He must be miffed that Harper can pick up the phone and get direct access to the President. Ignatieff has to grasp the fact that he is not the Prime Minister. He is the leader of the official opposition, a position he was appointed to and not elected. Quote "We always want the best man to win an election. Unfortunately, he never runs." Will Rogers
jdobbin Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 PT, are you jdobbin's mother or something? Iggy is an opportunistic leech. He comes back to Canada when he sees an opening to collect a public pension, and you are trying to equate him to "the god-like Obama"? How do I figure in your personalizing? As for Ignatieff looking for a public pension, what tripe. Unlike Harper, Ignatieff has taken a major paycut to be leader and would still be looking at very little money as PM compared to where he was at. Harper is meeting with him as the leader of a country. Iggy is meeting with him so he can put it in his memoirs. Where's Jack's meeting? Where's Gilles'? What about Stelmach (god knows he has more clout than the almost-Liberal leader, even though he's an idiot). Think Ignatieff is looking for as much time as Harper was afforded when he was Opposition leader. What was Harper meeting back then with the President? For his memoirs? Or was it standard practice to meet with the PM and the Official Opposition leader? Quote
guyser Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 "They both come from modest backgrounds, " Too funny. Quote
bush_cheney2004 Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 (edited) ...You can downplay Obama's popularity if you want, but public opinion is important, and Canadians love him, as do I. Again, not blindly, but he represents hope after eight years of terror. Good...then Canadians won't mind continuing to get the short end of the stick. ...Another story today is Ignatieff and the fact that his visit has been cut to 10 minutes. Was this a political trick of Harper's? Who knows, but we now know that Ignatieff has close personal friends in Obama's administration. Just another reason Canada will buy American? All of the sudden being a poodle has become fashionable again. Edited February 19, 2009 by bush_cheney2004 Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
M.Dancer Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 Just another reason Canada will buy American? We (me and the Mrs.) are in the market. I think we are going with Korean. Quote RIGHT of SOME, LEFT of OTHERS If it is a choice between them and us, I choose us
bush_cheney2004 Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 (edited) We (me and the Mrs.) are in the market. I think we are going with Korean. Nothing wrong with that....non-union, right-to-work folks in Montgomery, Alabama appreciate your business. Edited February 19, 2009 by bush_cheney2004 Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
Vancouver King Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 We (me and the Mrs.) are in the market. I think we are going with Korean. That says it all. The bottom is falling out of the Canadian economy and you have decided to buy Korean. You continue to be part of the problem. Quote When the people have no tyrant, their public opinion becomes one. ...... Lord Lytton
bush_cheney2004 Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 That says it all. The bottom is falling out of the Canadian economy and you have decided to buy Korean. You continue to be part of the problem. ...but President Obama is not Canadian either. Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
M.Dancer Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 That says it all. The bottom is falling out of the Canadian economy and you have decided to buy Korean. You continue to be part of the problem. Yes it does say it all. But I'm not the problem cause the custumer is never wrong. What is wrong is the prices that the big 3 expect people to pay (not to mention that absolute horrendous websites that they employ: they are hard to navigate, use misdirection and cause frustration) Why on earth would someone pay $5,000 to 10,000 more for the same basic product? Hyundai is offering the 2009 Tuscon L for $18,995 with 0% financing for 48 months....of the big three the nearest offer was 24K at 4%. Anyway you would be happy to know even with a well made Korean vehicle, Canadians still make money... Quote RIGHT of SOME, LEFT of OTHERS If it is a choice between them and us, I choose us
guyser Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 That says it all. The bottom is falling out of the Canadian economy and you have decided to buy Korean. You continue to be part of the problem. Canuck Bulgogi sucks though. Gotta go with the best. Quote
bush_cheney2004 Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 ...Hyundai is offering the 2009 Tuscon L for $18,995 with 0% financing for 48 months....of the big three the nearest offer was 24K at 4%. Hell, it gets better than that. Hyundai will buy back any newly purchased vehicle if employment is lost (within one year). I would like a new Genesis myself...... Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
madmax Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 Hell, it gets better than that. Hyundai will buy back any newly purchased vehicle if employment is lost (within one year). I would like a new Genesis myself...... Planning on losing your job??? Quote
bush_cheney2004 Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 Planning on losing your job??? That is my job...losing it happens on a regular basis...then I just get another gig. I'm an overpaid software consultant! Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
madmax Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 That is my job...losing it happens on a regular basis...then I just get another gig.I'm an overpaid software consultant! Once you get the Geneis let me know when you lose your job. I like low mileage vehicles. Quote
Progressive Tory Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Posted February 19, 2009 PT, are you jdobbin's mother or something? Iggy is an opportunistic leech. He comes back to Canada when he sees an opening to collect a public pension, and you are trying to equate him to "the god-like Obama"? He came back to Canada for several reasons. He was encouraged to run for public office. His education and life experience makes public office a natural progression. It sure isn't for the money. Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
Progressive Tory Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Posted February 19, 2009 Think Ignatieff is looking for as much time as Harper was afforded when he was Opposition leader. What was Harper meeting back then with the President? For his memoirs? Or was it standard practice to meet with the PM and the Official Opposition leader? I had company today so only saw bits and pieces of the visit, but I think it went quite well. Obama is such a great statesman. His natural charisma and charm, are so engaging. Finally some intelligence in the oval office. I'm glad Ignatieff will be aligned with him and not 'Mr. Stupid'. Harper did well today though, from what I saw. How Obama will view it personally I don't know, but it looked like they were getting along OK. Why didn't Jack Layton or Gilles Duceppe get to see him? Or is that normal? Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
Smallc Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 Harper did well today though, from what I saw. I have to agree with you. I was actually very proud about the image that he was projecting to the world. There are certainly things I don't like about him, but he's very well spoken and very competent. I may not always like what he does, and when he lies, but he can put on a very good face when representing Canada. Quote
Argus Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 You can downplay Obama's popularity if you want, but public opinion is important, and Canadians love him, as do I. Again, not blindly, but he represents hope after eight years of terror. Your adoration of Obama is as blind as any I have ever seen. The adoring throngs which turned out to worship Hitler have nothing on you. I think you'd literally kiss the ground he walked upon if you could get close enough, then dig it up, bring it home and put it in your tub so you could bathe with it. If Obama told you to go out and kill blonde people you'd snatch your carving knife from the rack and be running out onto the street before you he finished speaking. Quote "A liberal is someone who claims to be open to all points of view — and then is surprised and offended to find there are other points of view.” William F Buckley
Progressive Tory Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Posted February 19, 2009 Ignatieff has to grasp the fact that he is not the Prime Minister. He is the leader of the official opposition, a position he was appointed to and not elected. Harper is not an elected Prime Minister either. We don't elect PMs in this country. Both are elected MPs, chosen by their Party to lead. It is normal for the leader of the Opposition and the Governor General to get an audience with leaders of other countries. Ignatieff and Obama have more in common in terms of education, life experience and political views. Despite that I think that Harper conducted himself well today. He needed a shining moment. I thought it was nice that Obama even took a bit of time for shopping. "Obama’s motorcade stopped long enough for him to buy a BeaverTail, some cookies at a pastry shop and a silk scarf for his wife Michelle. He was also reportedly looking for a snow globe for one of his daughters." Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
Argus Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 Obama's visit was a pain in the ass. They were closing roads down over an hour before the great man whizzed down them. They even closed down roads which passed over or under ,or crossed the ones he intended - eventually - to drive down - with a 50 car entourage. While Obama was buying his cookies downtown there were cops blocking off a major on-ramp near where I work, and they'd been blocking it off for over an hour in ancitipation of him coming that way. Quote "A liberal is someone who claims to be open to all points of view — and then is surprised and offended to find there are other points of view.” William F Buckley
madmax Posted February 19, 2009 Report Posted February 19, 2009 Obama's visit was a pain in the ass. They were closing roads down over an hour before the great man whizzed down them. They even closed down roads which passed over or under ,or crossed the ones he intended - eventually - to drive down - with a 50 car entourage. While Obama was buying his cookies downtown there were cops blocking off a major on-ramp near where I work, Whinge Buckett whiney person. A prima donna who likes to whine and complain a lot. Quote
Progressive Tory Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Posted February 19, 2009 Your adoration of Obama is as blind as any I have ever seen. The adoring throngs which turned out to worship Hitler have nothing on you. I think you'd literally kiss the ground he walked upon if you could get close enough, then dig it up, bring it home and put it in your tub so you could bathe with it. Like most Canadians, I think he is a refreshing change from George Bush. Canada’s love affair with Barack Obama "We love him, with an asterisk. The broad-band smile, the Lincolnesque bearing, the sense of the man as an avatar of multiculturalism—it all makes Barack Obama the perfect U.S. president in the eyes of Canadians. Heaven knows we’ve been waiting.... When Angus Reid Strategies quizzed Canadians last week on behalf of Maclean’s, the lines practically glowed with excitement." I'm not part of a throng that would have adored Hitler, but when Bush finally left the oval office, I was part of a throng with shoes in hand ready to give him a send off. It was glorious. Hallelujah! I never thought I would see a Black President in my lifetime, and the fact that he is also intellegent, charismatic and compassionate .... did I mention intelligent? BONUS! Quote "For all our modesty and self-deprecation, we’re a people who dream great dreams. And then roll up our sleeves and turn them into realities." - Michael Ignatieff "I would not want the Prime Minister to think that he could simply fail in the House of Commons as a route to another General Election. That's not the way our system works." Stephen Harper.
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