Quote:
Originally Posted by SebC
Whilst I appreciate the civil discussion and that your question is genuine, I can't really answer it. I don't know what the inner strategic leadership of the party is thinking.
What I will say though is that this may be the best time for an election for the Liberals within the next two years (the time frame in which an election must be called). Yes, the more they distance themselves from the sponsorship scandal and the Dion coalition, the better. But at the same time, allowing the comtempt of parliament stuff to fade into obscurity would be doing a huge favor to the Conservatives. Let's also not forget that 2008 was also when Flaherty said that Canada would avoid a recession and thus no stimulus was necessary. As the economy improves, Canadians are more likely to forgive that.
Let me flip your question for you. If the Liberals were to wait longer, do you see their prospects improving, staying the same, or getting worse? That's really what decides whether or not the election makes sense for them, not whether or not they can beat the Conservatives outright.
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I don't think letting the contempt of parliament stuff go by the way side is that bad, because it really looks like a bit of a one-sided teaming up on Harper by the opposition. I'm biased of course, but I just don't see the contempt "issues" as a big deal and I don't think it will gain any traction. At very least, they'll be easily refutable or comparable to issues with past governments from all parties.
Personally, I think the Liberals standing goes up over the next couple years, or at least not down. Use the media to chip away at the negative things Harper's doing, demonstrate your ability to function as a strong capable opposition, rebuild your war chest, and find a new leader to galvanize Canadians for what they'll view as a legit necessary election after 5 years of Harper. Ignatief is not leading the Liberals anywhere. You know it, I know it, and the Liberal party knows it. It really just makes no sense for them to be heading to the polls now.