The Americanization of Canadian Politics

[SpankyMcFarland]

Other than my orange team's short stint as opposition, when exactly have we had a viable choice between team blue and red?

We are not much better, let's face it. We have had some rebranding and mergers.

[cybercoma]

FPTP incentivizes two party systems.

[McQuaid]

Years ago, I had a chat with an American friend. We were discussing American presidential elections and specifically the election of 1988 when Dukakis lost. (Remember the head in the tank ad... )

In 1989 or 1990, Dukakis, ex-Democratic Presidential candidate, ex-Governor of Massachusetts, was in Canada, Ottawa or Toronto, and on the front pages of Canadian newspapers. And I recall, my American friend said: "You Canadians don't understand America. In America, he's a loser. He lost. No one cares about Dukakis. In Canada, when you have an election, the other guy doesn't lose. He leads the opposition. He's still important. But in America, he's a loser."

======

To his credit, Stéphane Dion remained in the House as an MP. So did John Diefenbaker. Michael Ignatieff was a tourist. I reckon Mulroney, Chretien and Martin Jnr have large egos - such is the Americanization of Canadian federal politics.

Harper? If I were Stephen Harper, I would keep my seat in the House of Commons - like Winston Churchill did.

I agree. Harper should sake active for the sake of the party. Besides he is too young to retire. What is he doing now anyway?