Election '06 - The home stretch

[Shawnski]

(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:

"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."

Mr. Harper has traveled to Italy, Holland, Great Britain, Ireland, Greece, the U.S., and Mexico.

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.

[Shawnski]

Enthusiastic rally for Martin, whom came across as quite strong in this one.

But his statements were sometimes, once again, just plain false. Look at the agreements Martin said Harper would walk away from... for example the agreement with municipalities. Where does he get that? In the CPC platform itself, it says:

Maintain the funding for the New Deal for Cities and Communities and fully implement the transfer of the equivalent of five cents per litre of gasoline to cities and communities by 2009-10 for municipal infrastructure.

And on walking away from the Aboriginal Accord:

The CPC platform says:

Accept the targets agreed upon at the recent Meeting of First Ministers and National Aboriginal Leaders,

and work with first ministers and national aboriginal leaders on achieving these targets.

Having listened to Martin throughout this campaign, I have really been disappointed in how he approached it. He has clearly been "groomed from birth" to be a polititian... and it shows.. badly. Bye Paul.

[Shawnski]

Nor sure anyone is following this thread, or even if they give a damn, but Harper's rally that I previously mention just started to replay again (less the intro...)

http://www.cpac.ca/asx/cpac2e.asx

[browna]

Decent summary wrap up of the basics of the local candidates, and, the national party policies/promies in the Herald today too.

[Shawnski]

I have to apologize.. THAT was the Windsor rally! The Winnipeg one is JUST starting.

Edit... guess I got my "Win"s mixed up. And on that, funny he picked those two cities today..... subconcious aspect to it?

[MarchHare]

I guess this is as good a thread as any to post this.

Being a Liberal on this forum is (I imagine) much like being a fan of the Oilers or Canucks; the majority of the posters don't share your views, and it can sometimes be a hostile environment.

This election campaign I admit has been a bit of a struggle to me. While I still agree with the platform of the Liberals, they've run a terrible campaign and I think they need some time in opposition to clean house and change leaders. Martin was an outstanding minister of finance -- probably the best this country has ever had -- but as a PM he's been a disappointment. So tomorrow I will be holding my nose and voting Liberal, knowing full-well that the CPC candidate in my riding (Jim Prentice) is going to win by a landslide anyway. Why do I still support the Liberals, even though I'm unhappy with some of the things they've done? Because I have looked at both the Conservative platform and numerous comments made by their potential MPs, and decided that they as a party do not reflect my views as a voter. I am unhappy with the Liberals, true, but I cannot bring myself to vote for either the CPC or the NDP.

Now, some members of this forum (whom I will not name) have looked at my position and called me all sorts of names, such as "sheep", "zombie", "idiot", and worse, even though they themselves had the exact same position I have now toward the 2004 American election. These people admitted being unhappy with some of the things Bush had done, but worried about Kerry even more. That was a perfectly reasonable position, they maintained, even though apparently it doesn't work that way for Canadian elections when the roles are reversed.

On the other hand, there have been some Conservative posters here who have risen above the namecalling and provided interesting discussion and stimulating debate. Rather than saying I was stupid for supporting the Liberals, these people would engage me in debating the issues. Specifically, I can remember participating in some great threads with Shawnski and Cube Inmate. So even though we'll be voting differently tomorrow, cheers to you guys.

[Canada 02]

I'm watching the Winnipeg rally now. Still a far cry from Trudeau or Mulroney in terms of charisma, but this might be the most passionate and emotionally charged I've seen Harper. He's come a long way from the stumbling umms and awws speaches he use to give.

[Aegypticus]

Wow, that was a great speech. I like the part about childcare. "I say we already have millions of childcare experts across this country, and their names are mom and dad." Great line. Go Harper!

[Shawnski]

That is a very clear and concise post March. And I appreciate the recognition within. At CP, I have set a few people on ignore. It seems ironic that almost every one is a poster that supports my thoughts (cheering the Flames). Although we do not follow the same political thought process, the last thing I ever would expect to do is throw that ignore switch on you. The discussion has been very good, and you have found some items that I had not uncovered. I hope the reciprocal effect has also occurred. It makes us both more informed.

Yesterday, I turned 40. Four freakin' zero. For almost all my life, the PM that has held a majority has been a multi-millionaire lawyer from Quebec. Another election vote looms tomorrow that apparently will see that string go unchanged. Pitty.

[transplant99]

While I still agree with the platform of the Liberals,

Which parts specifically?

Because i find it absolutely stunning that anyone can actually believe ANYTHING that Martin says...which makes their platform as useful as breasts on a bull.

He has lied, been caught lieing with previous promises unfullfilled, his cabinet has been caught covering up things that were declared illegal, the gun registry that was supposed to cut down on gun deaths hasn't etc etc etc....i simply do not understand what part of the Liberal "platform" that you think might be put into action on the behalf of Canadians, and not the Liberal party, that makes your important vote one they deserve.

I have to believe it's no more than...they aren't the Cons...which is fine and a respectable stand. To say that the Libs offer anything worthwhile that WILL be followed through on is just a joke though.

[transplant99]

Yesterday, I turned 40. Four freakin' zero.

Welcome to the "what the hell is a prostate" club dude.

Happy birthday.

[Shawnski]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Welcome to the "what the hell is a prostate" club dude.

Happy birthday.

Thanks T99. As I have been gone through my Dad's prostate cancer issue for the last 15 years, I do understand it. Just not looking forward to getting the finger!!!

And I thought getting one on Deerfoot made me upset....

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by Shawnski

For almost all my life, the PM that has held a majority has been a multi-millionaire lawyer from Quebec. Another election vote looms tomorrow that apparently will see that string go unchanged. Pitty.

You think Martin will win?

[Shawnski]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

You think Martin will win?

No, but it won't be a majority (check what I said in what you quoted.)

Trudeau, Mulroney and Chretien.

Since I was two, these three have held majority governments for every minute except for various periods of transition (about 26 months total before Martin started).

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by Shawnski

No, but it won't be a majority (check what I said in what you quoted.)

Trudeau, Mulroney and Chretien.

Since I was two, these three have held majority governments for every minute except for various periods of transition (about 26 months total before Martin started).

Oops! Seems very clear now that you pointed it out. I was focused on who will win as opposed to the majority win. I feel as dumb as a liberal voter

[Shawnski]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

Oops! Seems very clear now that you pointed it out. I was focused on who will win as opposed to the majority win. I feel as dumb as a liberal voter

No, not dumb, not at all. Just misunderstanding the facts or misreading information. Something I fear too many will do this election.

[Canada 02]

Well, hopefully the liberal voters see my smily, winky face and don't characterize me as misinformed on the issues. I, like many here, am excited for what this election means. I'm watching CBC Newsworld and CTV Newsnet more than I'm watching TSN or HNIC. I've downloaded the federalist party platforms and reviewed each to the point were I could play Canadian Political Jeopardy. And I agree with you - all voters should familiarize themselves with the details of each party platform before they step into the voting booth

[Sparks]

Looking forward to voting Liberal. I think it's pretty clear that we will end up with some flavour of Conservative government, which to me is a very scary prospect (as discussed in other threads), but at least it will give the Liberals the shake up that they desperately need.

[Shawnski]

Originally Posted by Sparks

Looking forward to voting Liberal. I think it's pretty clear that we will end up with some flavour of Conservative government, which to me is a very scary prospect (as discussed in other threads), but at least it will give the Liberals the shake up that they desperately need.

Well Sparks, perhaps you can enlighten us why you feel scared? How much have you followed this election? How many speeches have you heard? How many articles and weblogs have your read? Where do you get your information?

I am very curious about your scared comment.

[Shawnski]

Some one call the cops... we have a hit and run here... suspect is known by the handle "sparks"....