In which I speculate what could lift Canada from its present state of political paralysis:
How many times in the past five years have you heard this one: The Conservative Party enjoys a small lead over the Liberal Party according to a recent federal poll.
It isn’t just a political stalemate anymore, since the chess metaphor implies an understanding of the impossibility of completion, leaving no alternative but to abandon the game. Yet in Canada we continue, day in and day out, moving the king back and forth between the same two squares.
If Canadians were disengaged in politics before this impasse, it’s difficult to quantify how apathetic the past half-decade of minority governance has made us. No matter what happens, or what anybody says or does, nothing can seem to shake the country from this paralysis.
The important part here is that I’m not recommending a woman be chosen over more qualified candidates, as might be inferred from my suggestion. Nor am I saying that women only vote for other women. But I do wonder if there’s a “Christy Clark” for the federal Conservative Party.
You must be watching a different game than I. What I see is a steady retreat by the opposition as the government advances its causes and principles. I must give credit to PM Harper for this and the slow methodical approach he is taking. The last thing any country needs is rapid sweeping changes as they inevitably result in chaos and intrusive government.
problem is – when the Tories ran Kim Campbell, they were reduced to 2 seats ! – women voters stayed away in droves – partly Muldoon fatigue, but ……………
Also, we have noted, over the last 50 years or so, the Tories often garnered more votes than the latest polling would suggest (up to 5%) perhaps due to conservative voters tending not to respond to those same surveys
Slow and easy, as Joe says, should do the trick
Paralysis?
The political punditry and political parties are unhappy because they don’t have access or a majority.
Last time I checked we are doing much better than OECD. Rates are low, 92% are employed, we have used last few budgets to make upgrades, repairs on roads, bridges, water and have increased transfers from Ottawa to provinces in Education, Health and Social Services.
Pardon me if I am not worried those on Parliament Hill hate going to work under new management.
Christy Clark? You are kidding right?
Just pick a female name and she will do?
WOW!!! Ignorance truly is bliss.
Well, as I said above, I’m not saying any female will do. I’m saying you need somebody who appeals more to the female vote.
Personally I don’t trust Clark because of her involvement with BC Rail and the unanswered questions.
Great idea. Now if only we can find a Canadian version of Margaret Thatcher.
What sane Conservative female would want to be a politician? The female baby boomers don’t trust Harper because he’s out of touch with issues that effect their lives, like elder care and rationed healthcare and lack of affordable housing/nurshing homes for the elderly. Do something about those issues and he’ll get the female vote.
Dirt,
thanks for the comical Liberal talking points. Conservative men/women are not consumed with the financial burden of taking care of their family.
You sound like a liberal that travels south on a regular basis and wants a bigger nanny state to warehouse your parents so you work on your tan.
Well, I guess if you’re comfortable with the status quo…
Agreed that we’re watching a different game. I don’t see any advancement of principle. Cite an example.
Adrian, I usually like your columns, even if I don’t always agree.
But seriously, you are basically advocating an affirmative action prime-ministership based on the premise that women don’t like Mr. Harper, so we have to pander to this.
Never mind issues of record, experience, ideology, performance under pressure….
Two ovaries and they deserve a serious look.
Wow. Just. Wow.
No. I didn’t suggest anything of the sort. I suggested it’s a ripe time for a woman to take charge of the Conservative leadership. It’s not such a far-fetched idea either.
Obviously the candidate would need to possess the same kind of record, experience and ideas we’d expect from any leader.
But do I think a male candidate should be overlooked because a female one is presented? Of course not. That would be ridiculous.
I merely assert Harper doesn’t appeal to female voter demographic, an assertion that seems to be backed up in every poll since 2006.
“Personally I don’t trust Clark because of her involvement with BC Rail and the unanswered questions”
So why bring her name up ? Was Christie Clark really the best example you could think of ?But then perhaps you simply agree with Mme Hervieux-Payette.
http://bcblue.wordpress.com/2010/12/29/nutbar-liberal-sen-gives-another-reason-to-abolish-senate/
Obvious, aint it? She bumps the Liberal poll numbers by 20-freakin-percent.
Yeah, that must be it. After all, I’m a trained MSM journalist now.