Are Harper and Obama Going to be Buddies?

[bush_cheney2004]

This meeting was a liberal dream. Obama's focus on global warming means Harper has no more excuses for environmental inaction and resulted in his vow to coordinate programs with the Americans. Who would have thunk it, our PM's habit of emulating Bush carries over to the new administration.

They'll do just as much as the Liberals managed to execute for Kyoto.....which is not much at all.

Should be interesting to see Tory reaction to our two "integrated economies" when America nationalizes it's major banks.

More like a train...engine and caboose (or better yet...coal tender).

Edited February 21, 2009 by bush_cheney2004

[Progressive Tory]

Kinda like this great trading part'ner

Oh my gawd, that's hilarious. In the next frame will we see Harper donning a head dress and sneaking a peck?

[Progressive Tory]

wherever the hell he's been holed up for the last three decades.

He's been out making a name for himself on the International stage and winning things like Geminis and Gelder Awards. He's been covering Wars, writing books, making documentaries, teaching tomorrow's leaders, and accepting speaking engagements from prominent groups, not Neo-Con meetings where the garment of choice is a white sheet.

[Progressive Tory]

Never .

Happen.

Harper's support from the Chritian Right is based on making abortion a crime, amoung other things. He keeps promising them that it will happen when he gets a majority.

It's a no-brainer what a Harper Majority would look like, so I'm glad it's now out of his reach.

Of course he does have a majority in one sense. The majority of Canadians can't stand him.

[Progressive Tory]

sssshhhhh - don't let it out... apparently, that Obama Harvard education helps one attain the highest political office in the land... hey now! Doesn't that Ignatieff fellow also have a Harvard education? Stay tuned.

as for a rigorous accounting of Obama’s U.S. Congressional Senate voting record, positions, quotes… read Obama's record and gain some respect.

Ignatieff has a PhD from Harvard. He and Obama will make a great team. Diplomacy and Intelligence. Finally.

[Progressive Tory]

The funding comes from all Arab countries, not just Saudi Arabia. Didn't you forget that Bin Laden is rich, himself? Do you really think that some oil family is funding this? Good God, this is 2009, the CIA knows all.

But are they telling all?

CONSPIRACY OR COINCIDENCE?

"It begins in the 1970's in Houston, Texas, when George W. Bush was just starting out in his family's two businesses of politics and oil. The powerful - and very rich - Bin Laden family helped fund his first venture into oil.

The cozy friendship continued for decades. After a terrorist attack at a barracks in Saudi Arabia which killed 19 Americans, the bin Laden family received a multi-billion dollar contract to re-build. And incredibly, George Bush Sr. was in a business meeting at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Washington on the morning of September 11th with one of Osama Bin Laden's brothers."

George H. W. Bush becomes director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). During his tenure, Bush helps provide training for the Saudi royal family's palace guard, cementing a relationship that proves critical to the Bush family's fortunes. Bush also privatizes various CIA assets, with Bath considered one of the beneficiaries because of his involvement in the aircraft business. Bath will later tell a business associate he works for the CIA and was recruited by Bush Sr. Jim Bath is alleged to be the link between the Bin Laden and Bush families. Salem Bin Laden, older brother to future al Qaeda leader Osama.

[Progressive Tory]

Can I ask you a question? Are you a guy or a girl? A lot of guys are not able to fold their legs the way Obama can. I can't. Its the way the body has been built. Oh yeah, what difference does it make how one folds their legs? Wow...you right wingers and you're fear of Liberals.

You know they have nothing when they have to cite leg crossing as a requirement for a Prime Minister. These days, Harper is mostly finger crossing.

[capricorn]

He and Obama will make a great team. Diplomacy and Intelligence. Finally.

Michael Ignatieff says Barack Obama is "already looking tired,"

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto...TPStory/Comment

That observation by Ignatieff was covered in many articles I have read. In my view, that is not a very complimentary or diplomatic observation to make about the POTUS on the heels of his first foreign visit.

In contrast Harper said Obama appeared relaxed.

Harper said that despite the long list of problems facing the U.S. he was struck by how relaxed Obama appeared.

http://www.recorder.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1444838

It sounds like Harper and Ignatieff had an opposite initial impression of how Obama is faring under the pressure of his office. I wonder which first impression would please Obama the most, diplomatically speaking of course.

[waldo]

interesting take on Obama's visit from the UK Independent's foreign editor... Ignatieff turns on the charm

speaking of the "tired" reference:

Mr Obama and Mr Ignatieff have a lot in common besides their worldview, and mutual attraction. The Canadian opposition leader described President Obama as “an inspiration, because earlier than any other politician he’s discovered how tired we politicians sounded and found a way of re-inspiring people with language – because when you use it beautifully, people hear something true.”

... the article also includes a couple of deserved back-handed swipes at Harper for attempting to isolate Ignatieff from Obama during the visit. Harper = petty!

[capricorn]

From your link, waldo:

Mr Obama and Mr Ignatieff have a lot in common besides their worldview, and mutual attraction.

How in the hell would Doyle know that these two men are mutually attracted? Did he get all this from the photo ops of Obama and Ignatieff at their meeting? And then, the author slipped up when he titled his article.

Canada’s opposition Liberal Party leader has a natural ally in the White House, which is not common

Correct me if I'm wrong but weren't the opposition saying that Harper and Bush were natural allies? Doyle seems to have forgotten this fact in his zeal to aggrandize the connection between Obama and Ignatieff.

Edited February 21, 2009 by capricorn

[bush_cheney2004]

...It sounds like Harper and Ignatieff had an opposite initial impression of how Obama is faring under the pressure of his office. I wonder which first impression would please Obama the most, diplomatically speaking of course.

Could be that is reflects poorly on Ignatieff, who unlike PM Harper, has no idea what the pressures of such an office might be.

"No drama" Obama won't have any need for this kind of poodle.

[bush_cheney2004]

...It sounds like Harper and Ignatieff had an opposite initial impression of how Obama is faring under the pressure of his office. I wonder which first impression would please Obama the most, diplomatically speaking of course.

Could be that is reflects poorly on Ignatieff, who unlike PM Harper, has no idea what the pressures of such an office might be or looks like.

"No drama" Obama won't have any need for this kind of poodle.

[madmax]

Saudi Arabia is an ally of the US. Afghanistan is where the organization, training, etc., is held.

They paid to have the towers torn down? What are you smoking?

Oleg is correct.

[waldo]

Could be that is reflects poorly on Ignatieff, who unlike PM Harper, has no idea what the pressures of such an office might be.

"No drama" Obama won't have any need for this kind of poodle.

hard not to notice your continued use of the poodle reference, occasionally personalized with your association to a Canadian politician, although more typically generalized with your assignment of the term to Canada proper . It would be helpful to shape a bit of timely (not dated) context around your usage - perhaps some practical examples - to really appreciate your meaning/intent. It's also not entirely clear if you're using the poodle reference as pejoratively or as a term of endearment... please advise - thanks.

[bush_cheney2004]

hard not to notice your continued use of the poodle reference, occasionally personalized with your association to a Canadian politician, although more typically generalized with your assignment of the term to Canada proper .

It's not that complicated, as I am gleefully embracing the term "poodle" in the indentical and often used context of the American Bush Administration (e.g. PM Harper or PM Blair) . As they say, turnabout is fair play, so I will have doggy treats at the ready for when Obama is pleased by Ignatieff's on-cue tricks.

It would be helpful to shape a bit of timely (not dated) context around your usage - perhaps some practical examples - to really appreciate your meaning/intent. It's also not entirely clear if you're using the poodle reference as pejoratively or as a term of endearment... please advise - thanks.

Actually, it is both kinds of references. Mr. Ignatieff is very intelligent no doubt, and will make a fine poodle. In the larger context, I fail to see why it would be acceptable for a Bush/Harper but not Obama/Ignatieff dog show. As for timeliness...just stay tuned.

[Oleg Bach]

With big buisness having the power over government to suck public funds out of the tax box and hand it over to themselves shows that we really don't have a government of "the people" - Just as I suspected - it's just a huge private estate - a huge company...and presidents - prime ministers and the such are but actors so dumb that they don't even know that they are actors with no real power - who ever demands the cheque and get it is more powerful than the bureacrat the goes though the formality of being a signator. BC is very astute and pragmatic as far as modern power structures..he understands that they are all "poodles" - 30 years ago I remember a very high ranking banker say - if their poodle pooped on the floor ----"It is not my dog" - such is power...surrogates who when they stumble are dis-owned.

[85RZ500]

Can I ask you a question? Are you a guy or a girl? A lot of guys are not able to fold their legs the way Obama can. I can't. Its the way the body has been built. Oh yeah, what difference does it make how one folds their legs? Wow...you right wingers and you're fear of Liberals.

Right winger?, and fear of Liberals. We supported the Liberal party for decades, the lying, cheating, and social engineering finally got the best of us. Fear them?, we despise them.

And there's a way to act in public, with all his wonderfullness, he should know better.

And it's your, not you're

Edited February 22, 2009 by 85RZ500

[Oleg Bach]

Can I ask you a question? Are you a guy or a girl? A lot of guys are not able to fold their legs the way Obama can. I can't. Its the way the body has been built. Oh yeah, what difference does it make how one folds their legs? Wow...you right wingers and you're fear of Liberals.

My kids say I cross my legs like a girl --- it's not that I have womanly hip joints --- It just works for me and if you say "that's so gay" - well the crossing of legs has nothing to do with that -------------damn - I just broke my heel.

[SocDem]

Right winger?, and fear of Liberals. We supported the Liberal party for decades, the lying, cheating, and social engineering finally got the best of us. Fear them?, we despise them.

And there's a way to act in public, with all his wonderfullness, he should know better.

And it's your, not you're

Now, now, lets not make this a spelling and grammar class. Your use of punctuation really doesn't solidify your postion as the grammar police.

Keep the insults to at least insulting someone's mother, not there spelling.

[85RZ500]

Now, now, lets not make this a spelling and grammar class. Your use of punctuation really doesn't solidify your postion as the grammar police.

Keep the insults to at least insulting someone's mother, not there spelling.

It's their, not there.

[Alta4ever]

You're very ignorant. You're solution to everything is bombing the enemy. Jimmy Carter was in a different place and time. I didn't defend Barack as president, I defended him as a candidate. Read before you respond, please. Barack is not advocating getting too far involved in other people's business, he is just advocating having good relations with them and thats it.

Have you ever thought about why 9/11 happened? It didn't happen because people just hate America for being America. They attacked because the U.S. was getting too involved in other countries' businesses. Its good to have diplomacy, trade, etc. but it ain't right to send our military over to a country that hasn't even provoked us. Obviously, you are going to give the Afghanistan example but thats a centre of the terrorism network that attacked on 9/11.

When did I say Bomb them you are very ignorant, uneducated moron. Please don't try to put your words in my mouth. I am very much aware of the history of the middle east and the people and events that have shaped the last couple of hundred years. I read smelly old leather bound history books, you know the type of thing that people like you seem to gloss over.

Barak isn't gettingto ivovled in other countries, did you not see on the news that he just sent another 17,000 troops to Afganistan?

I doubt you know anything about about dipomacy and trade, it you ever decide to read a history book you will find that dipolmacy is very much like a game of poker, and trade is a part of diplomacy if you have friendly diplomatic relations you also have trade relations. Read a book.

[Alta4ever]

sssshhhhh - don't let it out... apparently, that Obama Harvard education helps one attain the highest political office in the land... hey now! Doesn't that Ignatieff fellow also have a Harvard education? Stay tuned.

as for your continued rehashing of the recent U.S. presidential campaign, that Obama voting record has been so thoroughly scrutinized, it’s a shame you can’t move yourself off the Palin points and actually latch onto some of that free-thinking scrutiny.

- yes, Obama voted ‘Present’ as an Illinois state senator… 129 times out of approximately 4000 votes cast – 3% of his votes. 3%. Of those 129 Present votes, about half are attributed to votes cast with other Democratic senators following Democratic party tactical strategies… along with another grouping of his Present votes that were part of a broad strategy devised by abortion rights advocates to counter anti-abortion bills. Each and every one of those 129 Present votes, the 3% of his total voting history, endured the heavy scrutiny of the Republicans during the U.S. Presidential campaign. And yet… you have the audacity to bring it up again.

- as for a rigorous accounting of Obama’s U.S. Congressional Senate voting record, positions, quotes… read Obama's record and gain some respect.

Yippy skippy a peice of paper from a bunch of stuff shirts that makes him so great and wise, or is it that knows how to tell professors what they want to hear?

I have no respect for him, he is the biggest blow hard to grace the whitehouse since Jimmy Carter.

[Alta4ever]

He's been out making a name for himself on the International stage and winning things like Geminis and Gelder Awards. He's been covering Wars, writing books, making documentaries, teaching tomorrow's leaders, and accepting speaking engagements from prominent groups, not Neo-Con meetings where the garment of choice is a white sheet.

Teaching them to say nothing while talking in circles and throwing hissy fits over losing five minutes of hang time with the in crowd.

[waldo]

sssshhhhh - don't let it out... apparently, that Obama Harvard education helps one attain the highest political office in the land... hey now! Doesn't that Ignatieff fellow also have a Harvard education? Stay tuned.

as for your continued rehashing of the recent U.S. presidential campaign, that Obama voting record has been so thoroughly scrutinized, it’s a shame you can’t move yourself off the Palin points and actually latch onto some of that free-thinking scrutiny.

- yes, Obama voted ‘Present’ as an Illinois state senator… 129 times out of approximately 4000 votes cast – 3% of his votes. 3%. Of those 129 Present votes, about half are attributed to votes cast with other Democratic senators following Democratic party tactical strategies… along with another grouping of his Present votes that were part of a broad strategy devised by abortion rights advocates to counter anti-abortion bills. Each and every one of those 129 Present votes, the 3% of his total voting history, endured the heavy scrutiny of the Republicans during the U.S. Presidential campaign. And yet… you have the audacity to bring it up again.

- as for a rigorous accounting of Obama’s U.S. Congressional Senate voting record, positions, quotes… read Obama's record and gain some respect.

Yippy skippy a peice of paper from a bunch of stuff shirts that makes him so great and wise, or is it that knows how to tell professors what they want to hear?

I have no respect for him, he is the biggest blow hard to grace the whitehouse since Jimmy Carter.

quite the lame comeback on your part Skippy... but at least we've dispensed with your nonsense about Obama's Illinois state senator "Present" voting record and your parroting of the Palin point that he had no substantial political record leading up to the presidential campaign.

Your personal views on Obama seem at odds with the minimal time he's actually been in office, notwithstanding his significant initiatives already taken/underway... you really need a foundation to work from - at this early point in Obama's presidency, it's unclear how you could draw out such a clear assessment - perhaps you could elaborate on the "blow hard" attachment - uhhh, for Obama, not yourself.

[waldo]

hard not to notice your continued use of the poodle reference, occasionally personalized with your association to a Canadian politician, although more typically generalized with your assignment of the term to Canada proper . It would be helpful to shape a bit of timely (not dated) context around your usage - perhaps some practical examples - to really appreciate your meaning/intent. It's also not entirely clear if you're using the poodle reference pejoratively or as a term of endearment... please advise - thanks.

It's not that complicated, as I am gleefully embracing the term "poodle" in the indentical and often used context of the American Bush Administration (e.g. PM Harper or PM Blair) . As they say, turnabout is fair play, so I will have doggy treats at the ready for when Obama is pleased by Ignatieff's on-cue tricks.

.

.

Actually, it is both kinds of references. Mr. Ignatieff is very intelligent no doubt, and will make a fine poodle. In the larger context, I fail to see why it would be acceptable for a Bush/Harper but not Obama/Ignatieff dog show. As for timeliness...just stay tuned.

fine then – yours is a futures gleeful embrace of the poodle term for poodle actions not yet realized… coupled with past situations where you have reservations about disclosing examples that would warrant your continued use of a poodle term you can’t – or won’t – substantiate. Clearly, your repeated use of the poodle term provides you a relief outlet to counter some degree of diminished superiority – whether personal or related to the loss of standing of your country given the Bush debacle.