(Edit, for fairness, watch Martin on CPAC here live before you read the rest of this post.
http://www.cpac.ca/asx/cpac2e.asx) Update... Martin's speech is over.
As we come down to the day we Canadians get have our say in federal politics, the party leaders are doing their best to win our votes. I must say, I have never followed an election so closely in my life, and this one has been, and continues to be quite interesting.
The one thing that I can say, without question, is you really do need to follow it as closely as possible, in order to see the forrest from the trees, so to speak. I believe you ultimately will feel better about your vote if you do. Far too often, you hear callers to talkshows regurgitating soundbites that are just not true, or have been clarified (by all parties.) The media's various takes on speeches or whatnot can be quite hilarious, when compared to how one views those same speeches themselves.
I have not seen Martin's speech today, but yesterday's was hilarious. At one rally, a particularly enthusiastic supporter kept yelling out several things like "No to Harper" etc, some quite lengthy. Martin took it in stride, and even commented that this guy was "smart". OK, here is where the fun begins. This same person does one of his long winded interuptions, saying Harper has never been out of Canada. Belinda, or someone beside her advised Martin that Harper had never been out of North American.
Martin now smells blood. He goes on a lengthy stint about this, quite heated and emotional. Strongest part of his speech perhaps.
Problem is, it isn't true... and this quote might help:
Quote:
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"Stephen Harper hasn't left the country? I was just told that apparently he said he'd been to Mexico but he'd never left continental North America," he said, apparently forgetting that Mr. Harper had traveled with him on the prime ministerial jet to veterans' ceremonies in Italy, Holland, and Ireland. "Well, I find that unbelievable. It is such an opening that I don't know how to take advantage of it."
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Quote:
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Mr. Harper has traveled to Italy, Holland, Great Britain, Ireland, Greece, the U.S., and Mexico.
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Martin can't even remember that all the party leaders went over to Europe together? Ouch... haven't seen any news reports on it except here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl.../BNStory/Front
Now, on the other hand, I just watched Harper at his Winnipeg rally. Now I do support him, and think he will make a good PM.
But even I was floored at this one. As he walks into the room, to a roar of the crowd, and a very cool soundtrack playing in the background with guitar riffs and a solid beat. The energy was incredible.
Harper must have felt it because he gave a very solid, and unquestionably Prime Ministerial speech. More passionate than I have ever seen. I hope CPAC repeats it soon.
And as I post this, CPAC is playing Martin's speech. You can see it here:
http://www.cpac.ca/asx/cpac2e.asx . Should be an interesting comparison.