Should Harper govern like a majority?

[betsy]

Oliver Craig aired an advice to Harper, that he should govern like he has the majority. Keep his focus on his platform and stick to his principles and not to compromise his policy. He further criticised that Martin compromised everything.

Do you agree with Craig? Is it wise to rule like as if he has the majority?

[geoffrey]

Oliver Craig aired an advice to Harper, that he should govern like he has the majority. Keep his focus on his platform and stick to his principles and not to compromise his policy. He further criticised that Martin compromised everything.

Do you agree with Craig? Is it wise to rule like as if he has the majority?

Rule like a minority, but don't whore yourself to the Bloc or NDP. My advice to Harper.

[I Miss Trudeau]

Oliver Craig aired an advice to Harper, that he should govern like he has the majority. Keep his focus on his platform and stick to his principles and not to compromise his policy. He further criticised that Martin compromised everything.

Do you agree with Craig? Is it wise to rule like as if he has the majority?

Sure, if he wants to have all of his grandstanding about Liberal arrogrance thrown back in his face, followed shortly thereafter by being thrown out of 24 sussex.

[Hicksey]

Oliver Craig aired an advice to Harper, that he should govern like he has the majority. Keep his focus on his platform and stick to his principles and not to compromise his policy. He further criticised that Martin compromised everything.

Do you agree with Craig? Is it wise to rule like as if he has the majority?

Rule like a minority, but don't whore yourself to the Bloc or NDP. My advice to Harper.

Good advice, geoffrey.

[fellowtraveller]

Yes, he should govern like a majority, minus the arrogance.

He has a golden opportnity to ram through his legislation, a relatively narrow window. The other parties do not want another election, and he should press that advantage until he no longer can. If nothing else, it will give a record of achievement to point at when he inevitably falls.

[Hicksey]

Yes, he should govern like a majority, minus the arrogance.

He has a golden opportnity to ram through his legislation, a relatively narrow window. The other parties do not want another election, and he should press that advantage until he no longer can. If nothing else, it will give a record of achievement to point at when he inevitably falls.

I think you may have a good plan except that I think for Harper to get his majority I think he needs to call an election instead of waiting to see which confidence issue he'll fall on.

[fellowtraveller]

If he is good and fortunate, Harper will be able to do just that - pick the time of his demise. But firsdt he must accomplish as mcuh as possible, and the time is now.

[betsy]

I only have a very vague idea how things are done, so I'll just read your replies.

[Canuck E Stan]

Joe Clark said he would govern like he had a majority......you remember Joe, the Prime Minister we had for 9 months.

Maybe Craig said the same thing because he wants another election sooner than later.

[lenwick]

The last thing we want is a election Harper has a lot that needed doing the other party's will support him for a while.Its up to Harper how he plays the game and when he pulls the plug

[theloniusfleabag]

In my opinion, Harper has to tread lightly, avoiding contoversial things that would require him to 'whore himself' to the Bloc and NDP. The Accountability Act is a good one, no one would dare oppose it (unless it is too far out there), but he can't stop there. If accountability is the only thing he set up, the Liberals could swiing back and say "See, elect us again and we can't be corrupt". The health care issue, if addressed properly, is another one that the other parties would have difficulty opposing, especially if it is seen to be working. Moderate tax cuts, which may stimulate the economy, would also play well. If he plays this card right, those that oppose a mild income tax cut would look like the bad guys in the eyes of the electorate.

He has only promised to cut the GST by 1% immediately, who knows if it would pass. This might be the stickiest issue.

[gerryhatrick]

Oliver Craig aired an advice to Harper, that he should govern like he has the majority. Keep his focus on his platform and stick to his principles and not to compromise his policy. He further criticised that Martin compromised everything.

Do you agree with Craig? Is it wise to rule like as if he has the majority?

Not being a supporter of Harper, I very much hope he does rule like he has a majority.

He was elected on Liberal corruption, not his platform. I can't wait to see the same sex marriage vote!

My prediction is another election within 18 months. People are already wondering WTF is up with Harper (shaking his kids hands....gratuitous anti-americanism) and that's after just one speach! Liberals will have done thier "time out" in the eyes of the public, and the election will become one of merits. So far, it looks like a sock puppet could defeat Harper if the issue becomes merit.

[geoffrey]

Oliver Craig aired an advice to Harper, that he should govern like he has the majority. Keep his focus on his platform and stick to his principles and not to compromise his policy. He further criticised that Martin compromised everything.

Do you agree with Craig? Is it wise to rule like as if he has the majority?

Not being a supporter of Harper, I very much hope he does rule like he has a majority.

He was elected on Liberal corruption, not his platform. I can't wait to see the same sex marriage vote!

My prediction is another election within 18 months. People are already wondering WTF is up with Harper (shaking his kids hands....gratuitous anti-americanism) and that's after just one speach! Liberals will have done thier "time out" in the eyes of the public, and the election will become one of merits. So far, it looks like a sock puppet could defeat Harper if the issue becomes merit.

Can you tell me specifically what the Liberals have done for me in the last 13 years?

Oh right... I haven't seen a damned thing.

[JMH]

Oliver Craig aired an advice to Harper, that he should govern like he has the majority. Keep his focus on his platform and stick to his principles and not to compromise his policy. He further criticised that Martin compromised everything.

Do you agree with Craig? Is it wise to rule like as if he has the majority?

I feel that it would be unwise for Mr. Harper to do so.

The majority of Canadians desire the status quo..........with the inclusion of honesty and fiscal results.

This course, would allow more Canadians to trust his leadership and prop-up his "centrist" following (most of us).

If this occurs, the small "ultra" right wing cling-ons will disappear, and the moderates will prevail.

Given the latest information concerning the Liberal leadership race, I see no other path for Mr. Harper to follow.

Mr. Mckenna's(sp) disinterest in a run for Prime Minister leaves the Liberal Party very, very weak to say the least; Volpe , Brison, Stronach........you've got to be kidding me.

Personally, my greatest worry is that PM Harper will hang himself with an overtly "Pro American" stance.

Canada is in a very unique position right now (oil and gas), and short term victories with softwood and so on would be counterproductive. We have more OIL than the Saudis ever had, and we have 30-40 years to leverage that resource for gains before it becomes worthless.

It's now... Canadas time. If matters are handled properly, we could become one of the weathiest nations on earth.............wealth means influence..............and finally as a nation, we could share our values, CANADIAN VALUES with any country in need......If they wished! No bombs, No B.S.. The Canadian Way. The right way. Think of the possibilities! :

[tml12]

Oliver Craig aired an advice to Harper, that he should govern like he has the majority. Keep his focus on his platform and stick to his principles and not to compromise his policy. He further criticised that Martin compromised everything.

Do you agree with Craig? Is it wise to rule like as if he has the majority?

I feel that it would be unwise for Mr. Harper to do so.

The majority of Canadians desire the status quo..........with the inclusion of honesty and fiscal results.

This course, would allow more Canadians to trust his leadership and prop-up his "centrist" following (most of us).

If this occurs, the small "ultra" right wing cling-ons will disappear, and the moderates will prevail.

Given the latest information concerning the Liberal leadership race, I see no other path for Mr. Harper to follow.

Mr. Mckenna's(sp) disinterest in a run for Prime Minister leaves the Liberal Party very, very weak to say the least; Volpe , Brison, Stronach........you've got to be kidding me.

Personally, my greatest worry is that PM Harper will hang himself with an overtly "Pro American" stance.

Canada is in a very unique position right now (oil and gas), and short term victories with softwood and so on would be counterproductive. We have more OIL than the Saudis ever had, and we have 30-40 years to leverage that resource for gains before it becomes worthless.

It's now... Canadas time. If matters are handled properly, we could become one of the weathiest nations on earth.............wealth means influence..............and finally as a nation, we could share our values, CANADIAN VALUES with any country in need......If they wished! No bombs, No B.S.. The Canadian Way. The right way. Think of the possibilities! :

The "Canadian" way, more often than not, is the American way with lots of denial and more than a but if repugnance...

[cybercoma]

People elected the Conservatives because they want change in parliament, they want to see things happen. If Harper were to dawdle and drag his feet, voters will see more of the same that they've tried to vote out. In my opinion, it would be wise for Harper to lead as though he has a majority, when the other parties prevent him from doing his work as Prime Minister he can throw that back in their faces come election time. I imagine voters would be angry with the Liberals and NDP trying to block the Conservatives attempts to legislate the changes they've talked about.

So, yes....I think he should lead as though he has a majority.

[JMH]

People elected the Conservatives because they want change in parliament, they want to see things happen. If Harper were to dawdle and drag his feet, voters will see more of the same that they've tried to vote out. In my opinion, it would be wise for Harper to lead as though he has a majority, when the other parties prevent him from doing his work as Prime Minister he can throw that back in their faces come election time. I imagine voters would be angry with the Liberals and NDP trying to block the Conservatives attempts to legislate the changes they've talked about.

So, yes....I think he should lead as though he has a majority.

I understand your thoughts and agree somewhat.

That being said, Harpers government is a very Lean minority. Personaly, I've met few people that were "wanting things to happen" as opposed to "not wanting silly things to happen".

Mr. Harper could find himself in another election in 6-18 months if he gets wonkey.

The economy is excellent, all is well and very little needs to be done in the immediate sense to my thinking.

[shoop]

I would say Trudeau's win in 1972 (Two seats more than the Tories) was a lot leaner.

That one even lasted 20 months.

How wonky would he Harper have to get?

That being said, Harpers government is a very Lean minority. Personaly, I've met few people that were "wanting things to happen" as opposed to "not wanting silly things to happen".

Mr. Harper could find himself in another election in 6-18 months if he gets wonkey.

The economy is excellent, all is well and very little needs to be done in the immediate sense to my thinking.

[JMH]

I would say Trudeau's win in 1972 (Two seats more than the Tories) was a lot leaner.

That one even lasted 20 months.

How wonky would he Harper have to get?

That being said, Harpers government is a very Lean minority. Personaly, I've met few people that were "wanting things to happen" as opposed to "not wanting silly things to happen".

Mr. Harper could find himself in another election in 6-18 months if he gets wonkey.

The economy is excellent, all is well and very little needs to be done in the immediate sense to my thinking.

Comparing Trudeu and Harper in any way is similar to.........well ..........nothing.

Charisma is not Mr. Harpers strong suit. Policy may be. I hope like your self.

[Boru]

People elected the Conservatives because they want change in parliament, they want to see things happen. If Harper were to dawdle and drag his feet, voters will see more of the same that they've tried to vote out. In my opinion, it would be wise for Harper to lead as though he has a majority, when the other parties prevent him from doing his work as Prime Minister he can throw that back in their faces come election time. I imagine voters would be angry with the Liberals and NDP trying to block the Conservatives attempts to legislate the changes they've talked about.

So, yes....I think he should lead as though he has a majority.

If people elected the Conservatives for drastic change, they would have given him a majority.

[Boru]

People elected the Conservatives because they want change in parliament, they want to see things happen. If Harper were to dawdle and drag his feet, voters will see more of the same that they've tried to vote out. In my opinion, it would be wise for Harper to lead as though he has a majority, when the other parties prevent him from doing his work as Prime Minister he can throw that back in their faces come election time. I imagine voters would be angry with the Liberals and NDP trying to block the Conservatives attempts to legislate the changes they've talked about.

So, yes....I think he should lead as though he has a majority.

If people elected the Conservatives for drastic change, they would have given him a majority.

Unfortunately, the Conservatives have no natural partner to help them ram through legislation. By comparison, Trudeau did, so there really is nothing similar about those two men and their situations.

[speaker]

I think you can relax about that one, the liberals are naturals for the conservatives. They don't want to tick off the voters, they don't want an election anytime soon and their policies such as they are, are close enough to the cp's that their consciences, such as they are, won't bother them.

[cybercoma]

People elected the Conservatives because they want change in parliament, they want to see things happen. If Harper were to dawdle and drag his feet, voters will see more of the same that they've tried to vote out. In my opinion, it would be wise for Harper to lead as though he has a majority, when the other parties prevent him from doing his work as Prime Minister he can throw that back in their faces come election time. I imagine voters would be angry with the Liberals and NDP trying to block the Conservatives attempts to legislate the changes they've talked about.

So, yes....I think he should lead as though he has a majority.

I understand your thoughts and agree somewhat.

That being said, Harpers government is a very Lean minority. Personaly, I've met few people that were "wanting things to happen" as opposed to "not wanting silly things to happen".

Mr. Harper could find himself in another election in 6-18 months if he gets wonkey.

The economy is excellent, all is well and very little needs to be done in the immediate sense to my thinking.

Very little needs to be done with the economy. There is a lot that needs to be done as far as federal accountability and provincial responsibility. A lot needs to be done about our overtaxation which has lead to surpluses year after year. We need to work on other nations testing our resolve when it comes to our sovereignty over our arctic territory. I believe these and the other 5 priorities Harper set forth are what his support base of voters are expecting from him.

If he doesn't deliver, particularly what Quebec voters expect, then he will not get re-elected. On the same token, if the other parties jam up parliament and prevent him from making the changes he promised, they too will suffer in the next elections.

There won't be an election in 6-8 months and I think you already know that. The Liberal Party has to find someone willing to lead the sinking ship. Once they do, that person has to rebuild the boat after the beating it took during this campaign. They're in debt and need to pull themselves out before they can run another campaign. With the Liberals out of commission and voters unsure about the quality of a new leader until he or she has been around for awhile, the other parties would be granting the conservatives a majority victory if they forced an election anytime soon.

I don't think you'll see another election for at least 2-3 years and in that case the party considering taking down the Conservatives would be best served waiting until the accountability act forces the election after 4 years. Without a damning scandal, they'll look like they're just trying to be obstructive and if our government looks ineffectual as a minority, the voters will certainly elect a Conservative majority.

My prediction is that the Federal Accountability Act gets passed and we see an election in 4 years. Anything sooner will lead to a Conservative majority. The threat of this will make other MPs think twice about voting down Conservative bills. The Conservatives should definitly act like a majority government and paint the other parties as trying to protect their "entitlements" when they try to stop them.

[cybercoma]

People elected the Conservatives because they want change in parliament, they want to see things happen. If Harper were to dawdle and drag his feet, voters will see more of the same that they've tried to vote out. In my opinion, it would be wise for Harper to lead as though he has a majority, when the other parties prevent him from doing his work as Prime Minister he can throw that back in their faces come election time. I imagine voters would be angry with the Liberals and NDP trying to block the Conservatives attempts to legislate the changes they've talked about.

So, yes....I think he should lead as though he has a majority.

If people elected the Conservatives for drastic change, they would have given him a majority.

No one said anything about "drastic" change, don't put words on my keyboard.

[cybercoma]

I think you can relax about that one, the liberals are naturals for the conservatives. They don't want to tick off the voters, they don't want an election anytime soon and their policies such as they are, are close enough to the cp's that their consciences, such as they are, won't bother them.

This is exactly true. You'll see the Liberals trying to suck up to voters by helping to pass through things like the Federal Accountability Act, "HEY LOOK! WE'RE REFORMED! VOTE FOR US NEXT ELECTION!".