Whispering in the Wind (WITW 88) August 19, 2015
Two weeks ago the political discussion in Canada was all
about the leadership debate and whether any of the prospective leader candidates
has what it takes to be prime minister. This
last week the political gossip was all about the Mike Duffy trial and the
appearance of Stephen Harper’s former chief of staff, Nigel Wright. As to my impressions on the leadership
debate, I have mixed feelings on the performance of the four leaders: Stephen
Harper was unable to defend his disappointing record on what can only be
described as a sputtering economy. In
the leadership debate, the prime minister did not shine as a particularly good
manager of Canada’s economic circumstance.
Put another way, Mr. Harper misjudged the global political economy and has
yet to present a plan to make Canada more sustainable and viable. Thomas Mulcair appeared nervous at the
beginning of the debate and unable to take advantage of his party’s success in the
national polling, and particularly Rachel Notley’s NDP win in Alberta. Mr. Mulcair’s stance on what constitutes a
Quebec separation mandate and his party’s wish to abolish Canada’s Senate will
haunt his chances to form a national government on October 19. Justin Trudeau outperformed both the
prime minister and the opposition leader.
Mr. Trudeau’s position on the Senate and Quebec separation will bode
well for him in any future debates, especially those in Quebec. In my view Mr. Trudeau demonstrated
confidence and spunk in the debate and that means he is a contender. What Mr. Trudeau has to do in his campaign
for the country’s top political job is to show leadership of an experienced
team of politicians and take his collegial, “consensus building” gloves off
when sparring with his political opponents. Elizabeth May has always (almost always) shown class and
intelligence when dealing with the political issues being faced, unfortunately
the Green Party which she leads has been branded as being a single issue party. Nevertheless Elizabeth May could become an
important force should the October 19 election generate a minority government
(of course she will have to win her seat on Vancouver Island as well).
The Mike
Duffy Factor – Explosive!
Election Day is still two months off and Canadians are still
thinking and doing things related to the summer months. At the same time, people like me are spending
time assessing the ever changing political landscape and trying to determine
what will resonate with the public on Election Day. My assessment, the Mike Duffy trial will
decide for many of the undecided. After
a two month recess, the Mike Duffy trial resumed deliberations last week with
Stephen Harper’s former chief of staff, Nigel Wright testifying. While Mr. Wright’s testimony is still
underway (and with other witnesses yet to testify), it is becoming clear; the
Duffy Trial has become a hodgepodge of inconsistencies, lies and contradictions,
along with interference and cover-ups.
Surprisingly the accusations are not necessarily being directed at Mike
Duffy. In the end and I don’t see it
going any other way, the trial will lead to disaster for some, embarrassment
for others. As to the impact on the
election, I think it prudent to leave summary conclusions for a few weeks and
after the trial has concluded – as to Stephen Harper’s reaction on what has
been presented, he views the apparent facts differently?
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