What will Ignatieff do after the next Federal Election?

August1991 · July 30, 2009

I asked this before:

So, here's the question to Ignatieff: If he loses, where does he go? What does he do? Diefenbaker, Clark and Churchill stayed in Parliament. Trudeau, Mulroney and Chretien moved to Montreal. Turner went to Toronto.
If Ignatieff loses, will he stay on as a federal Liberal MP in Ottawa on the opposition benches? Will he even stay in Canada?

To his credit, Ignatieff stayed in Canada as an MP - because he expected to become PM.

Trudeau, Mulroney moved to Montreal. Clark, Diefenbaker (IMV, to their credit) stayed in the House of Commons.

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What will Ignatieff do if he loses this federal election?

Edited July 30, 2009 by August1991

madmax · July 30, 2009

Considering he said he would return to his professors job in the US if he lost.... I will take him at his word.

waldo · July 30, 2009

what will Steven Harper do? Oh right... that Fox News gig! :lol:

(apparently, he will play straight-man to Glen Beck)

jdobbin · July 31, 2009

What will Ignatieff do if he loses this federal election?

It depends. If the Liberals make gains and the Tories are still in a minority, I think it is Harper who will be leaving, don't you?

Keepitsimple · August 1, 2009

It depends. If the Liberals make gains and the Tories are still in a minority, I think it is Harper who will be leaving, don't you?

The Liberals have to make gains - they only have 77 seats. I don't think anyone seriously things they will do that badly again. If they don't make gains, they are truly in for a long, long stay in the wilderness. Harper - and Conservatives - would be very happy to maintain a reasonably solid minority - one that requires all 3 opposition parties to topple the government. Harper will only get better and better at managing minorities and at the same time, making Canadians more and more comfortable with Conservative leadership. The media like to play up the Harper's "desperation" to get a majority but he's a pragmatist and knows that majorities are pretty well a thing of the past. Given that, I wouldn't expect Harper to be leaving anytime soon. Ignatieff on the other hand, can't wait forever - he's already in his golden years and I just can't see him spending much more time as a member of a tired opposition party whose best days are behind them.

Edited August 1, 2009 by Keepitsimple

Smallc · August 1, 2009

That's assuming that the Liberal party is tire and that their best days are behind of course...and that's quite an assumption.

Keepitsimple · August 1, 2009

That's assuming that the Liberal party is tire and that their best days are behind of course...and that's quite an assumption.

Actually, you're kind of right (pardon the pun). I should have said their best days "would" be behind them.....because if they don't pick up a considerable number of seats - closer to 100......then their best days would be behind them. Regardless, if the next election does not bring the Liberals at least to the very edge of power, then I just can't see Mr. Ignatieff staying around.

capricorn · August 1, 2009

IMO, the status quo after another election would seal Ignatieff's fate. He was s/elected by the Liberal elite as the saviour of the sinking Liberal ship. If he doesn't deliver it's game over and he will exit politics. Personally, I would like to see Domenic LeBlanc succeed as Liberal leader. A leader from the Atlantic region rather than Ontario or Quebec would be more palatable for many Westerners, and the Liberals need to focus on mending fences with the West. Cow towing to the Alberta oil sands, as lamely attempted by Ignatieff, just won't cut it.

Jerry J. Fortin · August 3, 2009

I think a lot of people will be surprised with the next election results. If Harper doesn't get his act together soon it will be all over for him. Iggy will win, and Harper will have to face his own party.

capricorn · August 3, 2009

If Harper doesn't get his act together soon it will be all over for him.

There's the small matter that Ignatieff and the Liberals need to present a viable alternative to voters. If they don't come up with something other than revamping EI, another election could result in the status quo. Then it is Ignatieff's leadership that would be called into question.

Jerry J. Fortin · August 3, 2009

There's the small matter that Ignatieff and the Liberals need to present a viable alternative to voters. If they don't come up with something other than revamping EI, another election could result in the status quo. Then it is Ignatieff's leadership that would be called into question.

The latest polling show the Liberals ahead, translation Liberal minority government.

punked · August 3, 2009

The latest polling show the Liberals ahead, translation Liberal minority government.

It showed the samething for Dion at this point in his run at leader too but that didn't mean anything. A lot can change over the 35 days of an election.

Jerry J. Fortin · August 3, 2009

It showed the samething for Dion at this point in his run at leader too but that didn't mean anything. A lot can change over the 35 days of an election.

Certainly, but Harper needs a tuneup.

Remiel · August 3, 2009

I would think that if Harper does not manage a majority in the next election, he is toast, kaput. Good bye. And good riddance, too.

The Liberals and Ignatieff on the other hand, I think would be dumb to look around for another new face if Ignatieff does not become PM. So they lost another battle, big deal. Harper endured several losses before becoming PM, and a bunch more as PM. I am not a big fan of the professional sports mindset that says you hire and fire several managers a year in the belief that somewhere out there is somewhere who can make the same guys as before on the same team win.

That said, I am definitely looking towards Ignatieff being PM after the next election.

Jerry J. Fortin · August 3, 2009

I would think that if Harper does not manage a majority in the next election, he is toast, kaput. Good bye. And good riddance, too.
The Liberals and Ignatieff on the other hand, I think would be dumb to look around for another new face if Ignatieff does not become PM. So they lost another battle, big deal. Harper endured several losses before becoming PM, and a bunch more as PM. I am not a big fan of the professional sports mindset that says you hire and fire several managers a year in the belief that somewhere out there is somewhere who can make the same guys as before on the same team win.

That said, I am definitely looking towards Ignatieff being PM after the next election.

I agree.

punked · August 3, 2009

I would think that if Harper does not manage a majority in the next election, he is toast, kaput. Good bye. And good riddance, too.
The Liberals and Ignatieff on the other hand, I think would be dumb to look around for another new face if Ignatieff does not become PM. So they lost another battle, big deal. Harper endured several losses before becoming PM, and a bunch more as PM. I am not a big fan of the professional sports mindset that says you hire and fire several managers a year in the belief that somewhere out there is somewhere who can make the same guys as before on the same team win.

That said, I am definitely looking towards Ignatieff being PM after the next election.

I agree but I think their a lot of people in the Liberal party that want to be leader. Their a lot of Liberals who are and were for someone else as leader because their is so many different factions in that party. So if Ignatieff can't deliver 100 seats I see the knives coming out for his head. If he can deliver that I think the Liberals will keep him around to become the PM someday.

Jerry J. Fortin · August 3, 2009

I agree but I think their a lot of people in the Liberal party that want to be leader. Their a lot of Liberals who are and were for someone else as leader because their is so many different factions in that party. So if Ignatieff can't deliver 100 seats I see the knives coming out for his head. If he can deliver that I think the Liberals will keep him around to become the PM someday.

Fair statement.

jdobbin · August 3, 2009

The Liberals have to make gains - they only have 77 seats. I don't think anyone seriously things they will do that badly again. If they don't make gains, they are truly in for a long, long stay in the wilderness. Harper - and Conservatives - would be very happy to maintain a reasonably solid minority - one that requires all 3 opposition parties to topple the government. Harper will only get better and better at managing minorities and at the same time, making Canadians more and more comfortable with Conservative leadership. The media like to play up the Harper's "desperation" to get a majority but he's a pragmatist and knows that majorities are pretty well a thing of the past. Given that, I wouldn't expect Harper to be leaving anytime soon. Ignatieff on the other hand, can't wait forever - he's already in his golden years and I just can't see him spending much more time as a member of a tired opposition party whose best days are behind them.

I think if Harper can't pull off a majority next election, he won't get support for another election.

Ignatieff has to gain seats or he too will face problems.

Keepitsimple · August 3, 2009

I would think that if Harper does not manage a majority in the next election, he is toast, kaput. Good bye. And good riddance, too.
The Liberals and Ignatieff on the other hand, I think would be dumb to look around for another new face if Ignatieff does not become PM. So they lost another battle, big deal. Harper endured several losses before becoming PM, and a bunch more as PM. I am not a big fan of the professional sports mindset that says you hire and fire several managers a year in the belief that somewhere out there is somewhere who can make the same guys as before on the same team win.

That said, I am definitely looking towards Ignatieff being PM after the next election.

Let's get something straight.....even though I'm a Conservative supporter, it would be a miracle if Harper gets a majority - an absolute miracle. The same applies to the Liberals but moreso right now of course. We've been through all this on other threads - majorities are a thing of the past. Harper is not going anywhere as long as he has a reasonably firm minority. Harper and the Conservatives led the longest serving minority government in Canada's history with only 124 seats (Jan/06 - Oct/08). They now have 143 seats. He's been PM for going on 4 years. Conservatives will be more than happy to keep governing as a minority with seat totals in that range. Both Parliament and the public are learning that they'll have to be patient with minority governments and as a result, it appears that we will see longer serving minorities as more common-place. You can feel it - nobody wants elections - except for some of our more rabid posters. What's wrong with governing with a minority anyway - Canadians seem to like it. It allows us to be fairly independent on the world stage but we have to put water in our wine on social policy......nothing particularly wrong with that.

Edited August 3, 2009 by Keepitsimple

jdobbin · August 3, 2009

Conservatives will be more than happy to keep governing as a minority with seat totals in that range. Both Parliament and the public are learning that they'll have to be patient with minority governments and as a result, it appears that we will see longer serving minorities as more common-place. You can feel it - nobody wants elections - except for some of our more rabid posters. What's wrong with governing with a minority anyway - Canadians seem to like it. It allows us to be fairly independent on the world stage but we have to put water in our wine on social policy......nothing particularly wrong with that.

I don't think Conservatives will be happy. As some pundits have written, they don't seem in the least happy about a minority.

As for the public, they are already tiring of minsorities as well. They don't like it anymore as polls have shown.

Whether that is sufficient in terms of dynamics to make a big change is unknown.

There may not be a big change federally until Duceppe steps down. I don't know if any other BQ leader could hold the party together as well with as little fiancial resources that they have now.

Keepitsimple · August 3, 2009

I don't think Conservatives will be happy. As some pundits have written, they don't seem in the least happy about a minority.

Who cares what some pundits have written......every party would love to have a majority but Harper is a pragmatist - as are most Conservatives. Of course they'll try to get a majority but as I've said, it's just about impossible right now. I agree that if Duceppe retires, more Quebec seats should be in play but the way things are right now, there's no majority coming for anyone soon.

August1991 · August 3, 2009

IMO, the status quo after another election would seal Ignatieff's fate. He was s/elected by the Liberal elite as the saviour of the sinking Liberal ship. If he doesn't deliver it's game over and he will exit politics. Personally, I would like to see Domenic LeBlanc succeed as Liberal leader. A leader from the Atlantic region rather than Ontario or Quebec would be more palatable for many Westerners, and the Liberals need to focus on mending fences with the West. Cow towing to the Alberta oil sands, as lamely attempted by Ignatieff, just won't cut it.

And the way to mend fences with the West is to choose a francophone leader from New Brunswick.

IMHO, the Liberal Party should stop looking for another Trudeau, for a simple fix. It should do what the Republican party in the US is now doing and figure out what it is. Liberals need a decade or so out of power: no limos, no slush funds, no status.

It depends. If the Liberals make gains and the Tories are still in a minority, I think it is Harper who will be leaving, don't you?

Dobbin, the thread is not about Harper - it's about Ignatieff. But I agree with your basic idea. If Ignatieff increases the Liberal seat number significantly, then I think he'll stick around. Dunno.

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I know Liberals/NDP/people who dislike Stephen Harper's cold blue eyes have tried to shift this thread from Ignatieff's political future to a Harper deathwatch. Well, I'll take the bait.

Stephen Harper has successfully lead two minority governments. The first was among the longest in Canadian history and the second may well become a record too. Harper seems to have the talent/skills of an Italian politician.

Edited August 3, 2009 by August1991

Jerry J. Fortin · August 3, 2009

And the way to mend fences with the West is to choose a francophone leader from New Brunswick.
IMHO, the Liberal Party should stop looking for another Trudeau, for a simple fix. It should do what the Republican party in the US is now doing and figure out what it is. Liberals need a decade or so out of power: no limos, no slush funds, no status.

Dobbin, the thread is not about Harper - it's about Ignatieff. But I agree with your basic idea. If Ignatieff increases the Liberal seat number significantly, then I think he'll stick around. Dunno.

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I know Liberals/NDP/people who dislike Stephen Harper's cold blue eyes have tried to shift this thread from Ignatieff's political future to a Harper deathwatch. Well, I'll take the bait.

Stephen Harper has successfully lead two minority governments. The first was among the longest in Canadian history and the second may well become a record too. Harper seems to have the talent/skills of an Italian politician.

If what Harper has done is what you call success, I would hate to see what your idea of a failure is.

jdobbin · August 3, 2009

Who cares what some pundits have written......every party would love to have a majority but Harper is a pragmatist - as are most Conservatives. Of course they'll try to get a majority but as I've said, it's just about impossible right now. I agree that if Duceppe retires, more Quebec seats should be in play but the way things are right now, there's no majority coming for anyone soon.

It is hard not to notice as an observer that the Tories seem a rather sour bunch about governing in a minority.

There are undercurrents within the Conservatives that are ready to move if Harper does not get a majority in the next election. That would be the pragmatic approach. To move beyond what they have to make improvements.

jdobbin · August 3, 2009

And the way to mend fences with the West is to choose a francophone leader from New Brunswick.

For true blue Tories there is no leader a Liberal can have that will make them happy.

IMHO, the Liberal Party should stop looking for another Trudeau, for a simple fix. It should do what the Republican party in the US is now doing and figure out what it is. Liberals need a decade or so out of power: no limos, no slush funds, no status.

You think the Republican party is having that honest debate now? They are going after moderate Republicans now. They let talk radio and TV right wingers do their talking for them.

As for your contention that the Liberals need a decade out of power. Let's be honest: true right wingers believe that the party should be eliminated.

Dobbin, the thread is not about Harper - it's about Ignatieff. But I agree with your basic idea. If Ignatieff increases the Liberal seat number significantly, then I think he'll stick around. Dunno.

This thread is about whatever we want it to be. You want to talk about Ignaieff like he exists in a world without Harper? C'mon.

I know Liberals/NDP/people who dislike Stephen Harper's cold blue eyes have tried to shift this thread from Ignatieff's political future to a Harper deathwatch. Well, I'll take the bait.

That Harper is a cold person?

Stephen Harper has successfully lead two minority governments. The first was among the longest in Canadian history and the second may well become a record too. Harper seems to have the talent/skills of an Italian politician.

You mean he has relationships with teenage girls?