Whither Layton's NDP?

[August1991]

I read a good article by a federal NDP activist today (Manitoban I think, but unfortunately I can't find the link). The gist of the article was that Layton wants to seek Quebec votes at the expense, if necessary, of blue collar English Canada votes.

I think that's a good criticsm. Layton is an urban politician and the NDP has a modern, cosmopolitan message. The modern Left has dropped Socialism (with a capital S) and has adopted social liberalism. Social liberals live in big cities.

Apparently, Layton has devoted alot of resources to winning votes in Quebec because Layton wants to show that the NDP is a national party of diversity. IOW, the NDP is a party of urban Leftists. This recent by-election seems to show that Layton is right. The NDP has a new niche. Is it a good one?

In the past, the NDP had several safe seats: Unionized workers voted for the NDP, or enough young urban metrosexuals (yums?) chose the NDP for Libertarian reasons.

Layton seems to be seeking more. What's his game? Does Layton want to get bearded seats in Montreal at the expense of Coop seats in Saskatchewan? (BTW, the federal NDP has more seats now in Quebec than in Saskatchewan.)

Is Layton's NDP going urban, sophisticated lululemon? Heck, someone's got to pick off the urban BQ votes. Note to Layton: Drop lululemon. Go Kanuk.

Edited September 21, 2007 by August1991

[kimmy]

Whither Layton's NDP?

You spelt "wither" wrong.

-k

[jdobbin]

I read a good article by a federal NDP activist today (Manitoban I think, but unfortunately I can't find the link). The gist of the article was that Layton wants to seek Quebec votes at the expense, if necessary, of blue collar English Canada votes.

I think that's a good criticsm. Layton is an urban politician and the NDP has a modern, cosmopolitan message. The modern Left has dropped Socialism (with a capital S) and has adopted social liberalism. Social liberals live in big cities.

Apparently, Layton has devoted alot of resources to winning votes in Quebec because Layton wants to show that the NDP is a national party of diversity. IOW, the NDP is a party of urban Leftists. This recent by-election seems to show that Layton is right. The NDP has a new niche. Is it a good one?

One of the reasons Bill Blaikie decided to leave is that he felt he had no where else to go in the party. He and Layton didn't get along that well and many Manitoban members felt that their voice was not been listened to.

The fall-out over the Desjarlais incident was that the NDP lost a safe seat in the north.