Looking At Canadian Elections As A Harbinger

[Annie]

Harper should have used the last US election cycle to read the tea leaves. The old days of 'throwing something in to muddy the waters' isn't flying so well with the new media. While even today the numbers actually tuned in are not close to most, those that do pay attention have disproportionate influence, as they understand, can deconstruct, and disseminate the information.

There is also the effects of using other sources, including the MSM to build a case, which is becoming devestating to the old way of playing politics:

http://www.davidwarrenonline.com/index.php?artID=559

 

[Annie]

Harper should have used the last US election cycle to read the tea leaves. The old days of 'throwing something in to muddy the waters' isn't flying so well with the new media. While even today the numbers actually tuned in are not close to most, those that do pay attention have disproportionate influence, as they understand, can deconstruct, and disseminate the information.

There is also the effects of using other sources, including the MSM to build a case, which is becoming devestating to the old way of playing politics:

http://www.davidwarrenonline.com/index.php?artID=559

Interesting too,when was the last time, other than Chavez, that a liberal government won? Yesterday, Portugal went to the right too:

http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2006/01/portugal-abandons-socialists-turns.html

Portugal Abandons Socialists, Turns Right

Cavaco Silva finished well ahead of the two Socialist candidates in the Portuguese Presidential elections, VIDEO HERE.

Portugal voters elect a reform-minded economist as President to help boost the stagnant economy, run by socialists. Cavaco Silva is the first center-right candidate voted into office since 1974.

Silva becomes president of Western Europe's poorest country and understands he has no small task ahead of him:

The politician finished well ahead of the two Socialist candidates, Manuel Alegre and former President and Prime Minister Mario Soares, who came third.

Mr Cavaco Silva is the first centre-right politician to fill the largely ceremonial post of president since Portugal's 1974 revolution.

He told supporters after the results were announced: "The task before us is not small, the work will be long and demanding."

Mr Cavaco Silva vowed to work with the Socialist government, saying: "I know by my own experience the value of cooperation among government bodies."

Mr Soares - the Socialists' official candidate - told supporters: "The results went against my expectations. I accept this defeat with a feeling of mission accomplished."

With the economy stagnating, many of the nine million registered voters want a strong leader like Mr Cavaco Silva, an economist with an austere and some say authoritarian image, says the BBC's Alison Roberts in Lisbon.


President-elect Anibal Cavaco Silva, holding hand of his wife Maria, flashes a victory sign to cheering supporters after winning Portugal's presidential election, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2006, in Lisbon. Cavaco Silva, a reform-minded economist who has pledged to help lead the country out of a slump, collected 50.6 percent of the votes cast, according to official results. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Silva took 50.59 percent of the vote, more than his five socialist opponent's vote totals combined. Silva is the first is the first president elected outside the left since a 1974 military coup toppled a repressive right-wing dictatorship which ruled Portugal for nearly 50 years.

 

[jAZ]

I think you might be right. People won't forever stand for a one-party, absoultely corrupted and absolutely powerful leadership. They will vote them out in favor of even a minority voice evenutally, just for balance.

That said, everything I've read suggests that because the conservatives don't have much in the way of support, they will be forced to govern as centrists at worst, and will likely lose power within 18 months.

 

[Said1]

That said, everything I've read suggests that because the conservatives don't have much in the way of support, they will be forced to govern as centrists at worst, and will likely lose power within 18 months.

The danger of losing power always exists with a minority government, but still, even Harper's platform was anything but conservative. He wants to centralize all kinds of stuff that falls under Provincial jurisdiction, not privatize. He's anything but far right-wing and an extreme Liberal opposition will ensure he won't get carried away. I think that's probably the best outcome, even though I dislike Harper.

Martin also resigned and will not be running for re-election either.

 

[theim]

The danger of losing power always exists with a minority government, but still, even Harper's platform was anything but conservative. He wants to centralize all kinds of stuff that falls under Provincial jurisdiction, not privatize. He's anything but far right-wing and an extreme Liberal opposition will ensure he won't get carried away. I think that's probably the best outcome, even though I dislike Harper.

Martin also resigned and will not be running for re-election either.

You're forgetting the fact that liberals live in a state of mass-schizophrenia. If Harper does anything not in line with liberal theology, they will honestly believe he wants them to be completely returned to state of British colony. It's like our Dems here. I used to think they were just being stupid and petty, but now I honestly think that they are mentally off-balance and truly believe that the PNAC coup is nigh.

 

[Said1]

You're forgetting the fact that liberals live in a state of mass-schizophrenia. If Harper does anything not in line with liberal theology, they will honestly believe he wants them to be completely returned to state of British colony. It's like our Dems here. I used to think they were just being stupid and petty, but now I honestly think that they are mentally off-balance and truly believe that the PNAC coup is nigh.

I don't think so. There are a few issues that could cost him his leadership, but only one or two and even then, he can't push those through without a majority vote within the legislature. No self-respecting Canadain PM does much without conducting a public opinion poll first anyway.

 

[Adam's Apple]

No self-respecting Canadain PM does much without conducting a public opinion poll first anyway.

Do they have the Clintons on staff as political consultants? :funnyface

 

[Said1]

Do they have the Clintons on staff as political consultants? :funnyface

They might. After all, they would need people with experience and they'd probably be out of work. The timing couldn't be better!

This was on the cover of a local indepedant paper. I grabbed about 5 copies and plan to frame one!

The guy above Captain Martin won.