Thursday, March 27, 2008

Analyzing the 'attack dog' tactics

I think Wilson's nailed it in Comments at Return of the Trust Tory:

...But it is fun to watch McGuinty racked over the hot coals.
If Dalton (and Kinsella) had his eye on replacing Dion, the CPC are getting their punches in early.
Double delicious is that McGuinty is trying to spend his way out of hard times, just like Bob Rae did. and the comparison is made at every opportunity the CPC gets (or creates).

And judging from the reaction at the blog of the Kicking-Ass Master himself, it's having the desired effect.


As always, looking way ahead at the big picture...

17 comments:

Clive said...

I think that's part of it... but also Flaherty is setting up a major political advantage if this parliament lasts into 2009. By then McShifty's tax and spend approach will be starting to fail, Ontario will be sinking fast and Flaherty will be able to say 'we told you so".

Anonymous said...

Flaherty may have been sniping at McGuinty, but I think with the Ontario budget, McGuinty KO'd Dion by ignoring and pulling the rug out from under Green Dion by demonstrating McGuinty wasn't listening to anything Dion has been preaching about global warming, which one assumes means he doesn't believe in it.
If he believed in global warming, the least McGuinty could have done was apologized that he didn't have the where with all to help save the planet at this time, and he owed it to Ontario taxpayers, to warn them that unfortunately, they should just prepare themselves to meet their maker.

Lord Kitchener's Own said...

Totally off topic Joanne, but did you see this:
"Ontario ombudsman to probe Elton John controversy"?

First Sudbury, then Kitchener?

Joanne (True Blue) said...

LKO - I know! I saw that too. This thing still has legs. lol!

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Clive, I think you're right. That's part of it too, no doubt.

Anonymous, you said "Flaherty may have been sniping at McGuinty, but I think with the Ontario budget, McGuinty KO'd Dion by ignoring and pulling the rug out from under Green Dion by demonstrating McGuinty wasn't listening to anything Dion has been preaching about global warming, which one assumes means he doesn't believe in it."

Right on. I trust you saw Lorrie Goldstein's column yesterday?

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Oh and BTW, spare me the make-up sex, please!

Anonymous said...

TangoJuliette sez:

OFF - TOPIC Part Deaux!

Elton John? John Chretien and Shawinigate et al, are issues being taken before the SCOC, as well. Something to do with the Nat5ional Post, and reporters rights.

Quaint, n'est pas?

tj

ref. Tuesday Post.

t.e.&o.e.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

T.J. - Yeah, that was in yesterday's Post, I believe. Hard to decipher exactly what's going on there, except that I agree with them that it's crucial not to be forced to give up your source.

And yet. There's David Akin rumoured to be moving on to CanWest. Go figure.

Anonymous said...

Here's the best part Joanne. The press release I just read says that Harper and McGuinty have agreed to work in partnership on a three-step plan.

On first blush the Liberal MSM are going to try to play the divide and conquer card on this. Graham Richardson on CTV already did when he questioned whether this is a sign that Harper was not happy with Flaherty and his berating of McGuinty and his economics over the past weeks.

BUT, what this truly is, IS a case of the Harper government's brilliant strategy of setting McGuinty up using the old "good cop , bad cop" routine.

Good cop - Harper
Bad cop - Flaherty

McGuinty(and Kinsella) snit and do what they do.

In rides the good cop like the old white knight showing that he can be a builder in Ontario and voila the conservatives have the desired effect. Looks good for the Harper gov't, of which Flaherty is still one.

It's all in the book(s).

Anonymous said...

anonymous wrote: "If he believed in global warming, the least McGuinty could have done was apologized...."

Actually, Dalton's government is at the forefront of saving the planet with its sponsorship of the FLICK OFF program, and its support for Earth Hour:

Premier McGuinty's message: "Earth Hour is a tremendous global event and Ontario is proud to participate in it. From 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. on March 29, 2008 many Ontario government buildings will turn off non-emergency lights to reduce energy use. All 67 000 Ontario public servants are encouraged to turn off their lights at home. I encourage all Ontario communities to join Earth Hour. Every single light makes a difference."

Premier McGuinty, you're my hero, cuz you're so smart and cool!

Joanne (True Blue) said...

BUT, what this truly is, IS a case of the Harper government's brilliant strategy of setting McGuinty up using the old "good cop , bad cop" routine.

Good cop - Harper
Bad cop - Flaherty


You've got it!

Joanne (True Blue) said...

67,000 public servants????

Hey, that could make a difference right there!!!

Anonymous said...

67,000 public servants will have to go much farther in saving the planet than merely turning off the lights.

Here's a suggestion....a muzzle.

Unknown said...

The budget analysis in The Post had some truly scary numbers. Net manufacturing jobs in Ontario for the last 12 months are down 26,600. Net public sector jobs over teh same period (including nurses, police, teachers, as well as civil 'service')are up 114,000. In other words, less wealth creators, more wealth annihilators. Are a lot of you conservatives still happy you sat out the last election over school choice?

Joanne (True Blue) said...

I'm not sure if they sat home or voted Green, Greg, but it was a mistake nonetheless.

And speaking of a bloated public sector...

Anonymous said...

also check the latest list of those public servants in the $100K club

Joanne (True Blue) said...

also check the latest list of those public servants in the $100K club

I know. Unbelievable.

What concerns me is how is this burgeoning public sector going to be sustained with manufacturing tanking?

In the real world (private sector) the union mentality has caused a lot of companies to close up and move elsewhere.

The public sector still feels entitled to its entitlements, and weak-spined governments give in to their incessant demands - especially the McGuinty Liberals. So where will it end?