“It would be a mistake to give up any province, any region, any riding,” he(Dion) said, noting that a wave of support could cause many ridings that currently seem unwinnable to fall into the Liberal column.
However, asked if that assertion means the Liberals will run a candidate against Green party Leader Elizabeth May, Dion clammed up, saying he had nothing to announce.
Speculation is rife that Dion and May, who intends to run against Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay in Central Nova, are cooking a deal to work together in some ridings, including hers.
“I will not deny what is already in the news ... that there are talks between us,” Dion said.
“When it will happen, if it’s happening, it will be open and transparent.”
Besides the obvious contradiction here, something else bothers me. This whole strategy somewhat undermines the democratic process, doesn't it? If you deliberately run a "weak" Liberal candidate in Central Nova, for example, does that not somehow influence a constituent's ability to make an informed decision and choice?
And, if this is a morally and legally acceptable maneuver, what is stopping the NDP and Conservatives from doing the same thing in a strong leftist riding in hopes of reducing the number of Liberals elected, which would be a win-win for both the Tories and the Dippers?
Just asking.
12 comments:
Dion is not happy violating democracy with his parachute candidates, he feels it's his right to influence the make-up of the race and hopefully(in his mind)
the out-come.
This will backfire and May will be sent to political oblivion.
The Libs desperation is sending them so far left that democracy has become as foreign to them as it was to Stalin
I guess cocky Elizabeth isn't so sure she can win the riding. She needs help.
I don't think the Libs will even run a candidate there. Elizabeth will be their "appointed" candidate.
I would love to see her lose, and badly. The way she badmouths Harper made me lose a lot of respect for her. With her it's still Conservatives bad, Liberals good. Sickening.
It looks like Dion's trip across Canada did not achieve the results he wanted. I don't think that sending other Liberal MPs across Canada will make any difference.
Regarding Elizabeth May, she is going to lose and lose big in Peter McKay's riding. Even if the Liberals do not run a strong candidate, it is not going to make a difference.
I'd say that transparent adequately describes Dion.
Not that he wants to be either open or transparent in any real way.
Just that he's such a shallow and incompetent fool.
Why doesn't Elizabeth May run for the US Senate, since her country of birth (the US) is the leading world emitter of GHGs AND her country of birth did not sign Kyoto, neither under Pres. Clinton/VP Gore nor under Bush/Cheney?
Our country emits only 2.1% of the world's GHGs, compared to her country's 25%. She'd save the world if she ran in the country to the south.
As a bonus, I wouldn't have to listen to her as often, because she's the darling of the media right now. Two radio stations here often have her on haranguing PM Harper.
Why doesn't Elizabeth May run for the US Senate, since her country of birth (the US) is the leading world emitter of GHGs AND her country of birth did not sign Kyoto,
Boy, there's a great idea, Gabby! I wonder how we can encourage her to move south...
"I wonder how we can encourage her to move south..."
Elizabeth May(be not) is getting far too much media attention to convince her to move south of her own accord.
Perhaps she'll consider moving to Kyoto ? That's all she ever talks about.
This has to do with Federal politics, so it's not quite OT, Joanne. In case no one has heard, Angus Reid Strategies has a poll out showing a 17-point Tory lead, 39% to 22%(!!). The only fly in the ointment, so to speak, is in the Maritimes, where the Liberals are still out in front, and where Dion is still personally preferred over Harper.
And, in case some of our Liberal friends pour cold water on it because it is an online survey, take a gander at this news release by the same firm. They seemed to have been the most accurate in predicting the results of the Quebec election with respect to popular vote.
Thanks, Brian. Very encouraging news. I tend to be somewhat skeptical of polls in general, but the trend is definitely favourable.
Please don't hestitate to change topic, or introduce a new thread because that way we all keep on top of new developments.
Speaking of polls, Angus Reid asked Canadians the question Who would make the best Prime Minister? 41% of respondents chose Prime Minister Stephen Harper, while only 17% chose Liberal leader, Stephane Dion.
Angus-Reid poll
From the article:
[snip]
Stephen Harper holds the upper hand as the preferred head of government in Canada, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 41 per cent of respondents believe Harper would make the best prime minister, while 17 per cent select Liberal leader Stéphane Dion.
[/snip]
…
[snip]
While 40 per cent of respondents approve of Harper’s performance as prime minister, only 18 per cent feel the same way about Dion’s job as opposition leader. A quarter of respondents say their opinion of Harper improved over the past month, compared with 11 per cent for Dion.
[/snip]
Thanks, Tony.
I suppose the big question is will Dion 'grow' into the job? Or is he a hopeless example of the 'Peter Principle'?
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