Harper's future

[newbie]

If Harper gets in, presuming a minority, what will he need to do to ensure longevity? What issues would be problem areas or areas of compromise in securing non-confidence votes? I would be interested in hearing from the right how Harper might overcome the image of him "sleeping with the enemy," an enemy he onced denounced.

[Canuck E Stan]

If Harper gets in, presuming a minority, what will he need to do to ensure longevity? What issues would be problem areas or areas of compromise in securing non-confidence votes? I would be interested in hearing from the right how Harper might overcome the image of him "sleeping with the enemy," an enemy he onced denounced.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If Martin gets in,presuming a minority,what will he need to do to ensure longevity?

What issues would be problem areas or areas of compromise in securing unity? I would be interested in hearing from the left how Martin might overcome the image of him "causing the separtist to vote for separtion" a group he tried to buy with advertising money given to his own party.

[newbie]

If Harper gets in, presuming a minority, what will he need to do to ensure longevity? What issues would be problem areas or areas of compromise in securing non-confidence votes? I would be interested in hearing from the right how Harper might overcome the image of him "sleeping with the enemy," an enemy he onced denounced.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If Martin gets in,presuming a minority,what will he need to do to ensure longevity?

What issues would be problem areas or areas of compromise in securing unity? I would be interested in hearing from the left how Martin might overcome the image of him "causing the separtist to vote for separtion" a group he tried to buy with advertising money given to his own party.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Anwering a question with a question? Well, to answer you he has already proven he can work with the Bloc and NDP. As far as Quebec overall, obviously he has his work cut out for him. In all likelihood, he probably won't be able to recover from Gomery. His successor might have a better chance.

[BQSupporter]

What the man could barely work with his lackys in the NDP.

Martin can not work with the Bloc and the Bloc will NEVER work with Martin or any Liberal government that is against the interest of Quebec.

If Martin finals in this election and gets a very weak minority then he's gone. Lets not kid ourselves.

You can hear the knives beginning to sharpen inside Liberal HQ. The Chretienites are ready to pounce.

[Montgomery Burns]

If Harper gets in, presuming a minority, what will he need to do to ensure longevity? What issues would be problem areas or areas of compromise in securing non-confidence votes? I would be interested in hearing from the right how Harper might overcome the image of him "sleeping with the enemy," an enemy he onced denounced.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If Martin gets in,presuming a minority,what will he need to do to ensure longevity?

What issues would be problem areas or areas of compromise in securing unity? I would be interested in hearing from the left how Martin might overcome the image of him "causing the separtist to vote for separtion" a group he tried to buy with advertising money given to his own party.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You just pwned Newbie.

Ouch.

[newbie]

What the man could barely work with his lackys in the NDP.

Martin can not work with the Bloc and the Bloc will NEVER work with Martin or any Liberal government that is against the interest of Quebec.

If Martin finals in this election and gets a very weak minority then he's gone. Lets not kid ourselves.

You can hear the knives beginning to sharpen inside Liberal HQ. The Chretienites are ready to pounce.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't necessarily disagree. But my point was he was able to secure their support for same sex legislation. I'm not kidding myself either. I realize his days are numbered. But I would like someone to answer my original question.

[BQSupporter]

Harper knows he's not going to win and this will be his final campaign so he is given it all he's got.

Its not his fault that Onatrio is to silly to understand that it is the Liberal Party that is the risk to national unity.

But they will be in for a rude awaken when the do realize it and its too late.

Once Quebec is free the CPC will be able to be much more competitve with the Liberals.

[speaker]

BQSupporter Posted Today, 12:17 AM

Harper knows he's not going to win and this will be his final campaign so he is given it all he's got.

Its not his fault that Onatrio is to silly to understand that it is the Liberal Party that is the risk to national unity.

But they will be in for a rude awaken when the do realize it and its too late.

Once Quebec is free the CPC will be able to be much more competitve with the Liberals.

Interesting post, I had thought that the BQ was the risk to national Unity. Although I can see that corruption might be the bigger risk, from whatever party gets in.

I also thought that the Liberals would be the first in line to support the conservatives since the two are the closest match of any in the House.

But from your post I get the impression that the BQ might support the Conservatives up to the point of separation. Did I misunderstand your thoughts

[scribblet]

Harper knows he's not going to win and this will be his final campaign so he is given it all he's got.

Its not his fault that Onatrio is to silly to understand that it is the Liberal Party that is the risk to national unity.

But they will be in for a rude awaken when the do realize it and its too late.

Once Quebec is free the CPC will be able to be much more competitve with the Liberals.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't think he knows that at all, IMHO they are trying to keep the libs on the defensive rather than the other way around. I think a liberal win is a greater threat to unity than the CPC, as it could effect both Quebec and Alberta. Another mninority will be a tough one, there's no way the electorate would tolerate another election too soon, they will have to try and work together. Right now, I'm not sure how or what it would take to keep a minority government together.

Either way, I'm guessing that unless either one of them comes up with an improvement in their party standings, they will step aside.

[tml12]

Harper knows he's not going to win and this will be his final campaign so he is given it all he's got.

Its not his fault that Onatrio is to silly to understand that it is the Liberal Party that is the risk to national unity.

But they will be in for a rude awaken when the do realize it and its too late.

Once Quebec is free the CPC will be able to be much more competitve with the Liberals.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't think he knows that at all, IMHO they are trying to keep the libs on the defensive rather than the other way around. I think a liberal win is a greater threat to unity than the CPC, as it could effect both Quebec and Alberta. Another mninority will be a tough one, there's no way the electorate would tolerate another election too soon, they will have to try and work together. Right now, I'm not sure how or what it would take to keep a minority government together.

Either way, I'm guessing that unless either one of them comes up with an improvement in their party standings, they will step aside.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I wouldn't mind seeing the Conservatives in a minority. I think Martin, though, would be a much better PM in a majority. I think he would be able to make the tough decisions. A minority government makes a humbling idiot out of people.

[sharkman]

The problem with Martin making the tough decisions for me is, he's a consensus builder, and you need someone who is decisive at times. For all his faults, Chretien could do that.

[normanchateau]

If Harper gets in, presuming a minority, what will he need to do to ensure longevity? What issues would be problem areas or areas of compromise in securing non-confidence votes? I would be interested in hearing from the right how Harper might overcome the image of him "sleeping with the enemy," an enemy he onced denounced.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good questions Newbie and judging by the fact that not a single CPC supporter has answered your questions despite the large if not overwhelming number of CPC supporters on this board, I suspect CPC supporters view them as rhetorical. Even in their wildest dreams, CPC supporters don't anticipate longevity in a CPC minority.

Given that he quit the Reform Party because of his inability to get along with Preston Manning, given the string of Harper advisors who resigned this summer and given his inability to retain Belinda Stronach, Keith Martin and others, compromise might not be one of his strengths.

[BQSupporter]

Actually to be honest the BQ would perfer a Liberal Majority for are own future purposes.

But if Harper some how manages to get a minority the BQ would support him issue by issue, especially when it comes to digging up more Liberal corruption and crimes we can use during an election and referendum and keep his government in office until elections in Quebec in 2007.

[tweedledee]

Actually to be honest the BQ would perfer a Liberal Majority for are own future purposes.

But if Harper some how manages to get a minority the BQ would support him issue by issue, especially when it comes to digging up more Liberal corruption and crimes we can use during an election and referendum and keep his government in office until elections in Quebec in 2007.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree, the BQ would find it advantagous. The CPC has a good chance of getting a minority, Harper has done well in uniting a party, bringing the more radicals into line and modifiying his and the party's position.

Good forum here by the way, diverse and not too many rude posters. Good stuff.

[tml12]

Actually to be honest the BQ would perfer a Liberal Majority for are own future purposes.

But if Harper some how manages to get a minority the BQ would support him issue by issue, especially when it comes to digging up more Liberal corruption and crimes we can use during an election and referendum and keep his government in office until elections in Quebec in 2007.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree, the BQ would find it advantagous. The CPC has a good chance of getting a minority, Harper has done well in uniting a party, bringing the more radicals into line and modifiying his and the party's position.

Good forum here by the way, diverse and not too many rude posters. Good stuff.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Frankly the BQ is so happy they could care less.

But I really think they could use a Conservative minority most to their advantage...especially with no seats in Quebec.

[Leafless]

newbie

You wrote- " If Harper gets in presuming a minority, what will he need to do to ensure longevity?" "And how might he overcome the image of sleeping with the enemy?"

Iam not sure how 'sleeping with the enemy is relevent, since it was the Liberals that created the enemy.

One way of ensuring longevity I suppose would be to use the Liberals winning formula, promises, promises , promises with few taken seriously.

[Vancouver King]

The problem with Martin making the tough decisions for me is, he's a consensus builder, and you need someone who is decisive at times.  For all his faults, Chretien could do that.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The single biggest unanswered political question in the country is this:

What happened to the man of steel, that determined deficit slayer, year after year cutting pork and useless spending, a stalwart fiscal conservative who commanded national respect, even from his enemies including his own boss?

How did this towering presence become Mr. Dithers?

[shoop]

Québec has a history of backing the winner. I am not saying anything about a massive breakthrough for the CPC in Québec, but hell even Joe Clark won two seats in 1979. If the writing is on the wall that Harper is going to win power, I expect the people in at least one Québec riding to elect a guaranteed cabinet minister.

I agree, the BQ would find it advantagous.  The CPC has a good chance of getting a minority, Harper has done well in uniting a party, bringing the more radicals into line and modifiying his and the party's position. 

Good forum here by the way, diverse and not too many rude posters.  Good stuff.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Vancouver King]

If Harper gets in, presuming a minority, what will he need to do to ensure longevity? What issues would be problem areas or areas of compromise in securing non-confidence votes? I would be interested in hearing from the right how Harper might overcome the image of him "sleeping with the enemy," an enemy he onced denounced.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Longevity? There is little hope he can garner cooperation from NDP or Bloc unless he succums to expediency, ie. In exchange for allowing the Bloc to appear on the podium at every international meeting (G7, Kyoto etc.) his vulnerable position will only allow his caucus time to draft a tentative budget loaded with giveaways and generic treats and use it as an election tool to head immediately back to voters in another election.

Who knows though, with a taste of foreign affairs responsibility - an eventual trapping of sovereignty - Duceppe might be so drunk with new influence he could sustain Harper for years.

[shoop]

It is quite reasonable to expect that a Harper government could last at least as long, if not a little longer, than this minority Liberal government. Here are two solid reasons why.

1. Let's say there are thoughts of putting the CPC 'out of its misery' early. That could lead to three federal elections in a four year span. Will any voters want that?

2. If *enough* voters side with the CPC to give them government, *enough* voters will want to give them the time to at least show what they could do with power. The Liberals had plenty of time to show what they could do with power...

Longevity? There is little hope he can garner cooperation from NDP or Bloc unless he succums to expediency, ie. In exchange for allowing the Bloc to appear on the podium at every international meeting (G7, Kyoto etc.) his vulnerable position will only allow his caucus  time to draft a tentative budget loaded with giveaways and generic treats and use it as an election tool to head immediately back to voters in another election.

Who knows though, with a taste of foreign affairs responsibility - an eventual trapping of sovereignty - Duceppe might be so drunk with new influence he could sustain Harper for years.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[tml12]

It is quite reasonable to expect that a Harper government could last at least as long, if not a little longer, than this minority Liberal government. Here are two solid reasons why.

1. Let's say there are thoughts of putting the CPC 'out of its misery' early. That could lead to three federal elections in a four year span. Will any voters want that?

2. If *enough* voters side with the CPC to give them government, *enough* voters will want to give them the time to at least show what they could do with power. The Liberals had plenty of time to show what they could do with power...

Longevity? There is little hope he can garner cooperation from NDP or Bloc unless he succums to expediency, ie. In exchange for allowing the Bloc to appear on the podium at every international meeting (G7, Kyoto etc.) his vulnerable position will only allow his caucus  time to draft a tentative budget loaded with giveaways and generic treats and use it as an election tool to head immediately back to voters in another election.

Who knows though, with a taste of foreign affairs responsibility - an eventual trapping of sovereignty - Duceppe might be so drunk with new influence he could sustain Harper for years.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

CPC will also have time because of a new Liberal leadership race, plus the Bloc will side with any provincial rights motions.

[shoop]

Good point. Will it be a coronation for Ignatieff (if he wins his riding) or will somebody else emerge?

CPC will also have time because of a new Liberal leadership race, plus the Bloc will side with any provincial rights motions.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Vancouver King]

It is quite reasonable to expect that a Harper government could last at least as long, if not a little longer, than this minority Liberal government. Here are two solid reasons why.

1. Let's say there are thoughts of putting the CPC 'out of its misery' early. That could lead to three federal elections in a four year span. Will any voters want that?

2. If *enough* voters side with the CPC to give them government, *enough* voters will want to give them the time to at least show what they could do with power. The Liberals had plenty of time to show what they could do with power...

Longevity? There is little hope he can garner cooperation from NDP or Bloc unless he succums to expediency, ie. In exchange for allowing the Bloc to appear on the podium at every international meeting (G7, Kyoto etc.) his vulnerable position will only allow his caucus  time to draft a tentative budget loaded with giveaways and generic treats and use it as an election tool to head immediately back to voters in another election.

Who knows though, with a taste of foreign affairs responsibility - an eventual trapping of sovereignty - Duceppe might be so drunk with new influence he could sustain Harper for years.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

CPC will also have time because of a new Liberal leadership race, plus the Bloc will side with any provincial rights motions.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

True. Harper could live with 10 official nations within a loose framework called Canada. Besides provincial rights there are other areas of potential eye to eye contact: personal/corporate tax cuts, areas of health care agreement (remember Quebec leads the nation in private health care delivery).

The downside of all this potential cooperation with the Bloc is that it gives the new Liberal leader a very big stick to bloody the Tories.

[normanchateau]

The downside of all this potential cooperation with the Bloc is that it gives the new Liberal leader a very big stick to bloody the Tories.

Downside?

With a new leader in place and social/religious conservative Harper desperately relying on the radical BQ to prop him up as PM in return for Mulroney-style handouts to Quebec, the Liberals will forget Martin as quickly as they forgot Chretien, and will go on to form a majority.

Upside is that Canadians finally get a majority government again and CPC will have to wait a little longer to get a palatable leader or better still, transform into the PCs.

[shoop]

Please. Martin's credibility is gone. All he's got left is another minority, *IF* he is lucky, and a spot in the history books as the second least successful leader of the Liberals in the last 100 years. Thank God for John Turner.

The downside of all this potential cooperation with the Bloc is that it gives the new Liberal leader a very big stick to bloody the Tories.