Jack Layton has run the best campaign

[Harry]

A very good omen for Monday nite.

Final thoughts on the campaign

Jack Layton has run the best campaign of all the contenders. He is focused and open in his approach, whereas Stephen Harper has been focused but not open, and Michael Ignatieff the opposite. Layton epitomizes leadership, and the best of what it is to be Canadian: to remain stoic and optimistic during crises (his health), to continue to fight for what he believes in, and to actually put forth a vision of the Canada that I grew up in, and make me believe it is still possible. He’s the only leader who capitalizes on hope, not fear.

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/letters/article/983279--final-thoughts-on-the-campaign

[August1991]

A very good omen for Monday nite.

Welcome back, MapleSyrup!

It's reassuring to know that you still hate Harper, and use omens as a measure of success. I also like your propensity to create threads.

[whisper]But a piece of advice. Make your new thread titles less partisan.

Edited May 1, 2011 by August1991

[nittanylionstorm07]

Welcome back, MapleSyrup!

It's reassuring to know that you still hate Harper, and use omens as a measure of success. I also like your propensity to create threads.

[whisper]But a piece of advice. Make your new thread titles less partisan.

Jack Layton murders babies and eats them with hershey's syrup.

Sound better?

[Shady]

Welcome back, MapleSyrup!

Great observation! Even though it's been 7 years, the tune hasn't changed!

These election results confirm all the polling which has shown the NDP seriously rising in popularity, and with this kind of momentum, is a very good omen for the NDP going into the federal election campaign.

How'd that serious NDP rise in popularity work out?

[CANADIEN]

The NDP has managed, in the past few weeks, to almost double its polling number across the country. In Quebec, despite having a second rate group of candidates, they have managed to poll higher than the Bloc. They MUST have been doing something right.

[Shady]

The NDP has managed, in the past few weeks, to almost double its polling number across the country. In Quebec, despite having a second rate group of candidates, they have managed to poll higher than the Bloc. They MUST have been doing something right.

I would say the answer would be yes. If your premise were true. But it's not.

In Atlantic Canada, they began the campaign at 20% and are now at 23%. Far from doubling their numbers.

In Ontario, they began at 18%, and are now at 28%. Not doubling.

In the Praries they began at 13%, and are now at 18%. Not even close to doubling.

In BC, they began at 26%, and are not at 34%. Again, not even close to doubling.

Quebec is the only province were your premise holds up.

Nationally, they began the campaign at 18-19%. Right now their at 29%. So again, your premise fails. Stop trying to drum up a false NDP narrative. Their overwhelming increase in support comes from the anti-immigrant, anti-Canada, and the anti-inter provincial health care agreement Quebec electorate. And the only thing they're doing "right" is making promises our country can't afford. In fact, Jack "John" Layton is still dodging media questions regarding his massive spending increases, and his fuzzy math associated with them.

[CANADIEN]

I would say the answer would be yes. If your premise were true. But it's not.

From 18% to over 30% is many of the recent polls is pretty close to doubling in my book. While the conservative polling is virtually unchanged from the score they got in the last election. Whatever they did, it worked. Mind you, I think it was mostly a result of not being the other parties.

Edited May 1, 2011 by CANADIEN

[Posc Student]

Layton has run a good campaign, I think he had some luck because of Ignatieff and Harper though.

It's amazing that in the begining Layton's campaign was horrible. Him and his rallies had little media attention and when the rallies were mentioned by the media it seemed like they often pointed out that they were only attracting small crowds. Quebec has saved him though.

Ignatieff has also run a good campaign even if it never connected with voters. His campaign has actually been more consistent than Layton's when you consider the media attention he has gotten (which has been very positive for someone who wasn't exactly known for positive media attention) and the good number of people showing up to rallies.

Harper's campaign hasn't been great but it obviously has worked out okay for him. Being more positive may have guaranteed him his majority, though it's not out of the picture yet. While it has had its controversies I think he purposedly made sure the campaign didn't get too much attention.

Did Duceppe and May stop campaigning?

[CANADIEN]

Layton has run a good campaign, I think he had some luck because of Ignatieff and Harper though.

It's amazing that in the begining Layton's campaign was horrible. Him and his rallies had little media attention and when the rallies were mentioned by the media it seemed like they often pointed out that they were only attracting small crowds. Quebec has saved him though.

Ignatieff has also run a good campaign even if it never connected with voters. His campaign has actually been more consistent than Layton's when you consider the media attention he has gotten (which has been very positive for someone who wasn't exactly known for positive media attention) and the good number of people showing up to rallies.

Harper's campaign hasn't been great but it obviously has worked out okay for him. Being more positive may have guaranteed him his majority, though it's not out of the picture yet. While it has had its controversies I think he purposedly made sure the campaign didn't get too much attention.

Did Duceppe and May stop campaigning?

Duceppe didn't stop campaigning. People in Quebec stopped listening. different. And Layton had the good luck that people turned to him and realized there was an option other than the Bloc. Considering some of the candidates he has, and the fact know very well some of them are not HoC materials, he is very lucky indeed. Not to deny the fact he took advantage of the opportunity.

As far Harper... If by a good campaign you mean that he didn't lose much votes... indeed he had a good campaign. Although he was hitting more than 40% two weeks ago. I'll call it a failure though because this was his last chance at a majority, and he is unlikely to get it. I don't think he will be around by the time of the next election, and it may actually be good thing for his party.

And Ignatieff. The number of people at his rallies is more a testament to the quality of the Liberal organization than to him. He has proven to be a better campaigner than expected, but it was still not good enough.

Edited May 1, 2011 by CANADIEN

[Harry]

Jack's OK, but the coalition of losers, Harper and Ignatieff are both duds and need to go.

That Jack, he's the mack 2 Despite the nutty policies, the polls say people love Layton. Why not? He's a hell of a guy

They back Jack.

Jack's got the knack. The others? They yak, but they lack.

There you go: Some really (really) bad poetry, designed to neatly sum up Election 2011. There'll be lots of much smarter political analysis this weekend, but I'm sticking to my pithy rhyming couplets.

Whether he captures the keys to 24 Sussex or not, the NDP's Jack Layton is the winner of this campaign, hands down. Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff have lost. Why, you ask?

There are lots of reasons: Harper ran a lousy, uninspiring campaign. Ignatieff pushed for an election when he should have pulled. Both men are seen as conservative and conservative-lite, and the country is apparently fed up with policies that are nasty, brutish and short-sighted.

But the main reason why Layton will make history Monday night? The best explanation for why he is going to be leader of Her Majesty's loyal Opposition - or maybe even her prime minister?

Because Jack is the most likeable leader, that's why. He's a HOAG.

I've written about my "Hell Of A Guy" theory in these pages before. As the political cliche goes, you can picture yourself at a tailgate party with Jack, swigging Buds, telling lies about the ones that got away. Steve-o and Iggy, you just can't. Standing behind a podium in an early-morning university class, giving you a lousy mark because you spelled "Milton Friedman" wrong in an essay, sure. But HOAGs? Nope.

http://www.torontosu...ck-hes-the-mack

Edited May 1, 2011 by Harry

[Posc Student]

And Ignatieff. The number of people at his rallies is more a testament to the quality of the Liberal organization than to him. He has proven to be a better campaigner than expected, but it was still not good enough.

I don't believe in 2008 they had an easy time getting big crowds, I can't really remember but I thought I've heard that mentioned. It's too bad because Dion had more of a vision for what he wanted Canada to be then Ignatieff.

[CANADIEN]

Jack's OK, but the coalition of losers, Harper, Ignatieff and Duceppe are all duds and need to go.

That Jack, he's the mack 2 Despite the nutty policies, the polls say people love Layton. Why not? Hes a hell of a guy

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/04/29/that-jack-hes-the-mack

Good article. Who sums up things pretty well. Just enough Canadians have come to the conclusion that Harper is a political bully, Ignatieff a boring university professor, and Duceppe an overplayed 8-track tape. Some will argue that the portrayal is unfair, but that's how more and more Canadian see them, and quite frankly it's their own doing.

Edited May 1, 2011 by CANADIEN

[Posc Student]

Because Jack is the most likeable leader, that's why. He's a HOAG.

Is that really a good enough reason to make someone Prime Minister?

[Harry]

Yea, let's choose someone who is miserable.

Another terrible day for Harper on the campaign trail

John Ivison: Why are Harper supporters heckling the media?

Quite why the press conference needed to be held in front of a hostile crowd is not clear, unless it was an attempt to intimidate journalists. Other parties hold the presser in a separate room after the event.

Party spindoctors suggest Mr. Harper likes the visuals of being surrounded by supporters but it lends the appearance of a lynch mob when the inevitable happens. One suspects the visuals of this morning’s episode will be replayed on newscasts across the country and confirm many people’s impressions of the Conservative Party as the home of anger, intolerance and blind partisanship.

The Tories message control is a genuinely worrying aspect of a government that, in many other ways, is best qualified to lead this country. As WT Stanbury, professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia, wrote in the Hill Times in 2009: “The wall of selective silence and control shrouds the entire government and undermines the free flow of information citizens could normally expect.” He called it “the most extreme example of court government in Canada’s history”.

If the Conservatives do win majority on Monday, it would seem likely that much of the day to day rancour in Parliament would be reduced, as losing parties rebuilt and the government concentrated more on governing than on re-election. There would be less control over MPs and committees might actually be let loose to do good work.

But there is not likely to be any thaw in relations between the Prime Minister and the press gallery. More likely, Mr. Harper will see it as payback time for having had to endure humiliating incidents like the Richmond Hill auto shop.

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/04/30/john-ivison-why-are-harper-supporters-heckling-the-media/

[Posc Student]

I like a leader with personality but I'd much rather someone who is able to run the country competently.

[CANADIEN]

I like a leader with personality but I'd much rather someone who is able to run the country competently.

Running the country competantly includes investing public funds wisely (no reckless spending), being open, and inspiring hope instead of pushing the fear button. Harper has not been up to the task, and he will not be even with a majority.

[Harry]

Jack Layton - The Comeback Kid

Cane and able — Layton's humanity hits right note: observers

But the pundits all underestimated the Tao of Jack and his Walking Stick — the crutch that has become a Churchillian-like symbol brandished with increased frequency in Layton's public battles against his political enemies.

"It looked like the beginning of the end of his political career," said Ottawa communications specialist Barry McLoughlin. "We saw two things happen to him back to back, that showed his humanity. We saw him on our screens looking gaunt, older, frail and very vulnerable."

Then, adds McLoughlin, Layton suddenly connected with Canadians in a deeper way.

"He struck an emotional chord just by the way he faced up to his setbacks and went about his work. He appeared in the House of Commons after his hip surgery and showed he was a fighter. People developed an emotional relationship with him that wasn't there before."

Something similar happened between Quebecers and Lucien Bouchard when the former Bloc Quebecois leader contracted flesh-eating disease in 1994, added McLoughlin.

"It's not about the cane," he said, "but about the humanity it shows."

http://www.canada.com/news/decision-canada/Cane+able+Layton+humanity+hits+right+note+observers/4692038/story.html

[Topaz]

Jack doesn't know if he's the opposition, or has a minority or a majority. A majority may be good for Jack but if he gets a minority, and with Harper in opposition, he won't be able to keep all the promises. Depending were the NDP are after the election, this could not be a good thing for them, if in a minority, but maybe good for the country, and old Harper's threats of the NDP control on Canada's economy, will be at his hands and not Jacks.

[YEGmann]

Jack doesn't know if he's the opposition, or has a minority or a majority. A majority may be good for Jack but if he gets a minority, and with Harper in opposition, he won't be able to keep all the promises. Depending were the NDP are after the election, this could not be a good thing for them, if in a minority, but maybe good for the country, and old Harper's threats of the NDP control on Canada's economy, will be at his hands and not Jacks.

Layton will be lucky to approach to the Liberals in the seat count. No way he will be even close to minority.

[ToadBrother]

Layton will be lucky to approach to the Liberals in the seat count. No way he will be even close to minority.

Huh? I agree that a minority is completely out of reach, but they'll leave the Liberals in the dust. The NDP is going to be the Official Opposition.

[YEGmann]

Huh? I agree that a minority is completely out of reach, but they'll leave the Liberals in the dust. The NDP is going to be the Official Opposition.

You know pretty well that the pre-election poll percentage is different from the post-election seat distribution.

The NDP being marginally the Official Opposition is probable. But if this happens, the margin will be very small.

The Liberals will receive many seats as will Bloc Quebecois. Yes, they will lose 10 - 20 seats each. The NPD will likely surpass the BQ, but Liberals? I doubt it.

[Shady]

Jack Layton - The Comeback Kid

Another great observation maplesyrup! Perhaps it's an omen, right?

[Guest peterb]

Velvet Touch – A Community Clinic – Who Knew???

Olivia Chow was quick to release a written statement, that husband Jack Layton indeed did attend a “registered massage clinic” and she was well aware of it and he “needed a massage” late in the evening.

Jack Layton, later at a rally in Burnaby, was quick to point out and clarify Olivia’s comment, that in fact it was a “community clinic” (Velvet Touch) where he obtained his services. In trying to protect his political career, and in tune with the NDP philosophy, he felt it very important to stress it was a “community clinic” not to be confused with a private clinic. It was essential in the middle of this election, to inform Canadians, in order to solicit their support, he wouldn’t be caught dead at a private clinic, where illegal, underage, Asian sex workers, would be employed by rip off artists, in the Canadian health care field – it would have to be a community clinic he patronizes – there should be no confusion. A good leader leads by example.

I wonder if Canadians becoming more aware of the fine details of the NDP health care platform and of Layton’s expansion of health care services to include these “community clinics”, help explain the surge in support for the NDP in this current election. Does anybody in the main street media have a better explanation for the NDP surge and why are they reluctant to discuss this NDP expansion of Canada’s health services?

Why and how could the Toronto city police confuse a community clinic with a bawdy house?

[CANADIEN]

Velvet Touch – A Community Clinic – Who Knew???

Olivia Chow was quick to release a written statement, that husband Jack Layton indeed did attend a “registered massage clinic” and she was well aware of it and he “needed a massage” late in the evening.

Jack Layton, later at a rally in Burnaby, was quick to point out and clarify Olivia’s comment, that in fact it was a “community clinic” (Velvet Touch) where he obtained his services. In trying to protect his political career, and in tune with the NDP philosophy, he felt it very important to stress it was a “community clinic” not to be confused with a private clinic. It was essential in the middle of this election, to inform Canadians, in order to solicit their support, he wouldn’t be caught dead at a private clinic, where illegal, underage, Asian sex workers, would be employed by rip off artists, in the Canadian health care field – it would have to be a community clinic he patronizes – there should be no confusion. A good leader leads by example.

I wonder if Canadians becoming more aware of the fine details of the NDP health care platform and of Layton’s expansion of health care services to include these “community clinics”, help explain the surge in support for the NDP in this current election. Does anybody in the main street media have a better explanation for the NDP surge and why are they reluctant to discuss this NDP expansion of Canada’s health services?

Why and how could the Toronto city police confuse a community clinic with a bawdy house?

And when I thought the whole thing couldn't sink lower towards the status of a flea circus. Stop the presses, man the barricades, let's protect Canada against the Russkie hordes. The second coming of Joseph Statilne said the non-event took place at a... community clic. The horror.