Laytonmania

RNG · April 20, 2011

Layton has the most charisma, no doubt. But he has never really been tested. I keep going back to the fact that Stockwell Day was a great Alberta cabinet minister, a dissaster as a leader, and a great Fed cabinet minister. Paul Martin was the best minister of finance we have ever had, IMO, but a loser as PM. Jack isn't proven.

punked · April 20, 2011

Layton has the most charisma, no doubt. But he has never really been tested. I keep going back to the fact that Stockwell Day was a great Alberta cabinet minister, a dissaster as a leader, and a great Fed cabinet minister. Paul Martin was the best minister of finance we have ever had, IMO, but a loser as PM. Jack isn't proven.

So give him a chance to prove it.

CANADIEN · April 20, 2011

Layton has the most charisma, no doubt. But he has never really been tested. I keep going back to the fact that Stockwell Day was a great Alberta cabinet minister, a dissaster as a leader, and a great Fed cabinet minister. Paul Martin was the best minister of finance we have ever had, IMO, but a loser as PM. Jack isn't proven.

The difference is that Layton is safe. And I am not commenting on his vision for the country. He is safe becuase there is no chance he will become PM.

cybercoma · April 20, 2011

That Jack Layton hasn't been proven isn't a reason not to vote for the NDP. If that were the case then we would be stuck for all eternity with Tories and Grits. Like punked said, it's about time people give him a chance and see what he has to offer.

TimG · April 20, 2011

So give him a chance to prove it.

Not unless he changes parties and learns learns to add.

Molly · April 20, 2011

So give him a chance to prove it.

I don't want to start a thread to ask about this, 'cause that would give it wa-ay too much attention but.... the talking heads keep raving about how great Layton looks, how energized and how healthy- but to me, he looks like the wrath of God. He looks like a very, very sick man.

So, how sick is he really? What's telling the lie- my eyes or the talking heads?

WWWTT · April 20, 2011

I don't want to start a thread to ask about this, 'cause that would give it wa-ay too much attention but.... the talking heads keep raving about how great Layton looks, how energized and how healthy- but to me, he looks like the wrath of God. He looks like a very, very sick man.

So, how sick is he really? What's telling the lie- my eyes or the talking heads?

He actually does look good for his age.

Maybe the signal being sent from your eyes to your brain is getting scrambled?

WWWTT

Benz · April 20, 2011

In the past, what was killing Layton chances is the fear of a Conservative government (whether it is majority or not). Many potential NDP supporters were voting for the Libs to make sure the Conservatives do not win.

Although the same people still fear a Conservative majority, now they are not as much afraid of a Conservative minority. Also, Ignatieff doesn't represent the savior against the "conservative threat".

Same goes in Québec. The lower are the chances of Harper to win a majority, the better are the chances to see a switch from the Bloc to NDP.

It makes the end result less predictable. However, I wouldn't be surprise if Harper wins few points and this sudden NDP's support melt as well, even if it is not a direct move from NDP to CPC.

punked · April 20, 2011

I don't want to start a thread to ask about this, 'cause that would give it wa-ay too much attention but.... the talking heads keep raving about how great Layton looks, how energized and how healthy- but to me, he looks like the wrath of God. He looks like a very, very sick man.

So, how sick is he really? What's telling the lie- my eyes or the talking heads?

I'll tell you what he is having less trouble then Harper getting around and showing up at events. I met him pretty early in the campaign he shook my hand seemed to me he was just fine.

punked · April 20, 2011

Even the German News is falling in love with Layton. The biggest paper there has a huge story on him!!!

http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/leute/0,1518,758132,00.html

punked · April 21, 2011

The Star actually wrote an article about how it is cool to vote NDP.

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/978108--in-quebec-ndp-goes-from-invisible-to-in-vogue

cybercoma · April 21, 2011

It just occurred to me that Layton has been dropping Muclair's name quite a bit lately. Of course he's trying to drum up support in Quebec. However, what do people think about the prospects of Grizzly taking Jack's place? I don't know very much (read: anything) about Mulcair, but do you think Mulcair as the head of the NDP would secure their support or would it hurt them? Hmmm...

Sandy MacNab · April 21, 2011

Leaving party platforms aside, Jack is a better leader than Michael.

Although I disagree with their policies, the NDP are far more ethical and moral than the LPC - and that isn't heaping that much praise on the NDP. How anyone with a the smallest shred of decency can vote Liberal is beyond me.

Sandy MacNab · April 21, 2011

I don't want to start a thread to ask about this, 'cause that would give it wa-ay too much attention but.... the talking heads keep raving about how great Layton looks, how energized and how healthy- but to me, he looks like the wrath of God. He looks like a very, very sick man.

So, how sick is he really? What's telling the lie- my eyes or the talking heads?

During the English debate he appeared to be wearing a lot of makeup. I think he looks really ill; could kick the bucket before the end of the campaign.

WWWTT · April 21, 2011

Layton-mania is now being compared to the conservative sweep of 84 that started in Quebec.

He is definetly got the momentum.

Harper and Ignatieff are reduced to the same stale bickering,helping to swell the NDP ranks in their desperate frantic search for attention.Any attention even for bad behavior even seems as if it would help.

And the spill over affect now seems to be taking hold in Ontario.

NDP minority?

WWWTT

Harry · April 21, 2011

Yea! Finally someone who is representing the average working family in politics in Canada.

Layton pledges more federal food inspectors
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/978114--layton-pledges-more-federal-food-inspectors

Harry · April 21, 2011

NDP theme song:

punked · April 21, 2011

I like this one better.

Edited April 21, 2011 by punked

Benz · April 21, 2011

It just occurred to me that Layton has been dropping Muclair's name quite a bit lately. Of course he's trying to drum up support in Quebec. However, what do people think about the prospects of Grizzly taking Jack's place? I don't know very much (read: anything) about Mulcair, but do you think Mulcair as the head of the NDP would secure their support or would it hurt them? Hmmm...

Mulcair isn't half of what Layton is. NDP doesn't have a bright future if Mulcair is taking his place. Whether you like NDP of not, Layton has this sympatic face. Even a right winger would say, "I hate Layton's policies but I am sure he's a nice guy". Mulcair is just "meh". He didn't impress me much back when he was with the provincial liberals, not much with NDP either.

punked · April 21, 2011

Mulcair isn't half of what Layton is. NDP doesn't have a bright future if Mulcair is taking his place. Whether you like NDP of not, Layton has this sympatic face. Even a right winger would say, "I hate Layton's policies but I am sure he's a nice guy". Mulcair is just "meh". He didn't impress me much back when he was with the provincial liberals, not much with NDP either.

He did a heck of a job in 1995 with the referendum he is one of the unsung heroes at keeping Quebec in Canada. The guy is a heck of an organizer. Jacks shoes are big but Mulcair is no light weight.

Harry · April 21, 2011

It's entirely up to Layton how long he wants to stay, but Mulcair will definitely be in the running to replace Jack when that time comes. The NDP actually does have a democratic process to choose a leader unlike some other parties.

Evening Star · April 21, 2011

Really? I find Mulcair very charismatic and compelling when he speaks. He always strikes me as intelligent, moderate, and reasonable.

Mulcair isn't half of what Layton is. NDP doesn't have a bright future if Mulcair is taking his place. Whether you like NDP of not, Layton has this sympatic face. Even a right winger would say, "I hate Layton's policies but I am sure he's a nice guy". Mulcair is just "meh". He didn't impress me much back when he was with the provincial liberals, not much with NDP either.

WWWTT · April 21, 2011

Really? I find Mulcair very charismatic and compelling when he speaks. He always strikes me as intelligent, moderate, and reasonable.

Sounds like a good team to me.

Once you get people arguing who is the better MP in the NDP fold then eventually others such as Olivia Chow(definetly the best looking) and others come out and this party looks very united and competant to run Canada from coast to coast to coast.

WWWTT