Ignatieff The American

lukin · February 21, 2009

Michael Ignatieff around President Obama reminded me of teenage girls around the Beatles. Now he's going to have his picture with the President shown in Times Square. This is a great use of Liberal money. I'm sure the Americans will be impressed when they see their President in a picture with some guy who thinks he's more important than he actually is.

When Iggy became leader of the LPC, I thought he would be very good. He's really disappointing me. First he tells Obama that Canadians are "concerned" about Omar Khadr. Then he tells Obama that he has a hard time working with the government of his own country. I guess Iggy wants to be the terrorist friendly leader. I once thought I might vote for him, but not after his sit-down with President Obama. Dion may actually be better than Iggy.

http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDi....aspx?e=1445592

Edited February 22, 2009 by Charles Anthony
fixed link

bush_cheney2004 · February 21, 2009

Hmmm....I think we have been directed by our moderator to never refer to Mr. Ignatieff with the informal "Iggy". This is in keeping with this site's desired decorum and respect for people in public office / service.

To your specific point, I will check the Westminster Kennel Club's classification for American Poodle. Such fawning over an American president may break the rules, even for Beatles groupies.

capricorn · February 21, 2009

To your specific point, I will check the Westminster Kennel Club's classification for American Poodle. Such fawning over an American president may break the rules, even for Beatles groupies.

:lol: :lol:

SSD · February 21, 2009

Michael Ignatieff around President Obama reminded me of teenage girls around the Beatles. Now he's going to have his picture with the President shown in Times Square. This is a great use of Liberal money. I'm sure the Americans will be impressed when they see their President in a picture with some guy who thinks he's more important than he actually is.
When Iggy became leader of the LPC, I thought he would be very good. He's really disappointing me. First he tells Obama that Canadians are "concerned" about Omar Khadr. Then he tells Obama that he has a hard time working with the government of his own country. I guess Iggy wants to be the terrorist friendly leader. I once thought I might vote for him, but not after his sit-down with President Obama. Dion may actually be better than Iggy.

http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDi....aspx?e=1445592

He actually IS very good as a leader. Do you think that the media would have cared if Dion had met with Obama. They would brush it off. Because Iggy has a really, really good chance at becoming PM, the media cares. He speaks a Churchillian style, looks dignified, pragmatic, and has had a successfu life outside of politics. I know you'll say he was just a teacher. You're wrong there, he was also a broadcaster, journalist, human rights activist, and author. He's been in places where Harper has only heard about on television. You'll also say that he made his success outside of Canada. You're right there but when you are an intellectual, you need to travel the world and take advantage of opportunities. Ex. there is nothing like the School of Government at Harvard in the world.

He needed to talk about Omar Khadr. Khadr is a Canadian citizen and therefore needs to be protected by our government from inhumane treatment. He also is a child soldier. He may or may not have thrown that supposed grenade but he deserves the rights every Canadian person not yet found guilty deserves. Oh yeah, Canadians ARE concerned for him; just look at the poll numbers. And he has every right complaining about troubles with his own government. It would be irresponsible for him to lie. He obviously isn't complaining but stating something that may have an effect on the U.S./Canada relationship. It is a minority governmetn afterall and he may hint of an election.

His picture in Times Square was done because no news media picked up the story of the Opposition Leader and Obama meeting. This is a statement to the Americans that Ignatieff, the de facto future P.M. of this nation, will be responsible for the Canadian side of this relationship soon enough. We all know that Harper isn't going to be in office for long--at least we can agree on that.

Edited February 21, 2009 by SSD

capricorn · February 21, 2009

When Iggy became leader of the LPC, I thought he would be very good. He's really disappointing me. First he tells Obama that Canadians are "concerned" about Omar Khadr. Then he tells Obama that he has a hard time working with the government of his own country. I guess Iggy wants to be the terrorist friendly leader. I once thought I might vote for him, but not after his sit-down with President Obama. Dion may actually be better than Iggy.

Lukin, I too had high hopes for Ignatieff. For a variety of reasons which I've posted about elsewhere, my hopes were dashed even before Obama's visit.

In trying to force upon Canadians (and Americans for that matter) that he and Obama are kindred spirits, Ignatieff immediately spilled the beans to the MSM on the details of his meeting with the POTUS. On top of that he opined publicly that Obama was "already looking tired". IMO those actions were in bad taste and out of place. Then he pulls this stunt with the Times Square billboard. I really have a hard time imagining Ignatieff representing Canada on the world stage in a manner which would make me proud.

In terms of developing political insight and skills, Ignatieff appears to me to be a slow learner.

SSD · February 22, 2009

Lukin, I too had high hopes for Ignatieff. For a variety of reasons which I've posted about elsewhere, my hopes were dashed even before Obama's visit.
In trying to force upon Canadians (and Americans for that matter) that he and Obama are kindred spirits, Ignatieff immediately spilled the beans to the MSM on the details of his meeting with the POTUS. On top of that he opined publicly that Obama was "already looking tired". IMO those actions were in bad taste and out of place. Then he pulls this stunt with the Times Square billboard. I really have a hard time imagining Ignatieff representing Canada on the world stage in a manner which would make me proud.

In terms of developing political insight and skills, Ignatieff appears to me to be a slow learner.

He was supposed to "spill the beans" on that meeting because it was not a private discussion. Its was a meeting. You didn't justhave Obama and Ignatieff. You had Bob Rae, and some people that came along with Obama. It was a meeting and Ignatieff decided to let people know what they talked about. Much has been said about Ignatieff's "tired" remark. I think its a comment to show how hard Obama is working on this and is a compliment to his work ethic and his responsibility.

His political skills are well honed. Just think about it, in the budget, he put the government on probation. He can't lose. If the economy worsens, he can say its not his budget. If the economy improves, he can claim that the meetings that Brison and McCallum had with Flaherty forced the Conservatives to include measures that would work. Also, he is very successful in appearing to be everybody's best friend. From Quebec to Alberta, he is making sure that while Harper continues with his divisive politics, people will turn to the friendly Liberals. Remember, it was Harper, not Ignatieff, who tried to directly bankrupt his opponents and called the Bloc separatists in one language and sovereignists in the other. What did Harper think? That Quebecers can't understand both?

Leafless · February 22, 2009

His political skills are well honed.

What did Ignatieff ever accomplish or do for Canada?

capricorn · February 22, 2009

He was supposed to "spill the beans" on that meeting because it was not a private discussion.

Considering the issues Ignatieff raised, I think he should have kept the details to himself. Complaining to Obama that there were difficulties working with Harper made him appear petty and whiny. And what a sign of humility that he boasted Obama said he read some of his writing. Ignatieff is full of his own self importance.

Its was a meeting. You didn't justhave Obama and Ignatieff. You had Bob Rae, and some people that came along with Obama.

Had he been smart about it, he would have given a brief outline of the issues raised and let others comment on the details. This would have shown he isn't hogging the spotlight.

Much has been said about Ignatieff's "tired" remark. I think its a comment to show how hard Obama is working on this and is a compliment to his work ethic and his responsibility.

No. It was a comment that left the impression Obama is not holding up well under the stress of the job.

His political skills are well honed.

I respect your opinion SSD. I just don't see things your way.

capricorn · February 22, 2009

What did Ignatieff ever accomplish or do for Canada?

He put Harper on probation...after he gave the green light to Harper's budget.

jdobbin · February 22, 2009

This is a great use of Liberal money.

Sounds like it since it is free.

jdobbin · February 22, 2009

In trying to force upon Canadians (and Americans for that matter) that he and Obama are kindred spirits, Ignatieff immediately spilled the beans to the MSM on the details of his meeting with the POTUS.

You mean just like Harper who had a media interview immediately with the MSM about the details of his meeting with POTUS? Except in this case, it was brilliant, simply brilliant!

Edited February 22, 2009 by jdobbin

capricorn · February 22, 2009

Sounds like it since it is free.

Really. Then this must be wrong.

All in all, the PR coup cost the Liberals $1,100 for U.S distribution, $300 for the high definition picture to give them bragging rights and $500 to distribute the photo to Canadian media outlets.

http://www.winnipegsun.com/news/world/2009...20/8469036.html

Leafless · February 22, 2009

He put Harper on probation...after he gave the green light to Harper's budget.

As unelected leader of the Liberal party Ignatieff should really give second thoughts about who exactly is on probation.

So as an American citizen and one who has been out of the country for twenty-five years how as he served Canadian interest or what as he accomplished as a Canadian citizen to earn the position of leader of the Liberal party?

jdobbin · February 22, 2009

Really. Then this must be wrong.

My comment was that the advertisement in Time Square was free.

Clearly my reply was to that statement.

capricorn · February 22, 2009

You mean just like Harper who had a media interview immediately with the MSM about the details of his meeting with POTUS? Except in this case, it was brilliant, simply brilliant!

Ignatieff gave his media interview from the airport. I believe Air Force One hadn't even left the runway yet. He really does try to stay one step ahead of the PM. Maybe that's why blunders flow so easily out of his mouth.

The problem with Ignatieff is that he thinks he is the Prime Minister. Someone should tell him he must wait his turn.

As for Harper's televised interview, I haven't seen it but the reviews were very positive.

capricorn · February 22, 2009

My comment was that the advertisement in Time Square was free.
Clearly my reply was to that statement.

Had there not been that initial investment, there would not have been a Time Square billboard. It was not free.

jdobbin · February 22, 2009

Ignatieff gave his media interview from the airport. I believe Air Force One hadn't even left the runway yet. He really does try to stay one step ahead of the PM. Maybe that's why blunders flow so easily out of his mouth.

Harper was giving his interview to the CBC while Ignatieff was having his meeting.

The problem with Ignatieff is that he thinks he is the Prime Minister. Someone should tell him he must wait his turn.
As for Harper's televised interview, I haven't seen it but the reviews were very positive.

However, Obama hadn't even left the airport. So very bad in your book.

capricorn · February 22, 2009

So as an American citizen and one who has been out of the country for twenty-five years how as he served Canadian interest or what as he accomplished as a Canadian citizen to earn the position of leader of the Liberal party?

Maybe Rae or LeBlanc could answer that question.

jdobbin · February 22, 2009

Had there not been that initial investment, there would not have been a Time Square billboard. It was not free.

Go back and read what I replied to. The original post was about the Liberals spending to advertise in Times Square. They didn't spend to advertise there. It was free. They spent money to ensure distribution of a picture in Canada only.

Harper and his people spent money all the time while in Opposition to ensure local papers got pictures and newstories from the party.

jdobbin · February 22, 2009

So as an American citizen and one who has been out of the country for twenty-five years how as he served Canadian interest or what as he accomplished as a Canadian citizen to earn the position of leader of the Liberal party?

I thought he was a citizen of Israel.

capricorn · February 22, 2009

Harper was giving his interview to the CBC while Ignatieff was having his meeting.

As it should be. Why wait until Ignatieff had his kick at the can? As Prime Minister, it was Harper's job to fill Canadians in on what transpired between them. With Obamania at fever pitch, the CBC was all too willing to give him airtime ASAP. Ignatieff was so eager to make news, he didn't give himself enough time to think of the consequences of the words that spilled out of his mouth.

Smallc · February 22, 2009

As Prime Minister, it was Harper's job to fill Canadians in on what transpired between them.

And as The Leader of Her Majesties' Loyal Opposition, Mr. Ignatieff had the same obligation. Or do you want to try to continue your double standard?

capricorn · February 22, 2009

Go back and read what I replied to. The original post was about the Liberals spending to advertise in Times Square. They didn't spend to advertise there. It was free. They spent money to ensure distribution of a picture in Canada only.

Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

bush_cheney2004 · February 22, 2009

..... Ignatieff was so eager to make news, he didn't give himself enough time to think of the consequences of the words that spilled out of his mouth.

Yep....Ignatieff is so comfortable with media he didn't think twice about it when it comes to his "home-boy" from Harvard who made good.

Remember when the biggest problem for the Grits was Dion's French citizenship? :lol: