Blue Like You

Archive for the ‘Peter Principle’ Category

With only days until the election, the Liberal spin-meisters and media are working in overdrive mode . They don’t want you to see the lack of clothing on their Emperor Dion because they want to get back into power so badly. Desperate to cover up some inconvenient truths, they are now spuriously attacking the Tories with all the hypocritical vehemence they can muster.

Kinsella is already comparing last night’s airing of Dion’s CTV interview meltdown with Jean Chretien’s facial paralysis, but I think that is quite a disingenuous strategy. Chretien’s personal handicap did not affect his razor-sharp understanding and comprehension of anything that was thrown at him. He was able to think on his feet. That is a vital quality in a successful leader.

Funny though how the Liberals had no trouble calling Harper ‘fat’ before he lost so much weight. And they gleefully refer to his ‘cold, steely eyes’ and other nonsense. As Professor John MacKinnon sarcastically notes in today’s Post, perhaps Harper should consider surgery to try to change this apparent physical deformity.

Oh yeah. And according to the Liberal Press, Harper has an empathy deficit. Is this a character flaw? If so, is it fair to attack?

What exactly are the allowable parameters whereby we may make knowledgeable assessments of our future Prime Ministers? Must we run it all by a Human Rights Commission first?

In my opinion, a good leader  listens to those around him, and is open to new ideas. He is flexible when it is prudent to do so. But Stephane Dion has stated time and time again that under no circumstances will he postpone the implementation of the carbon tax if he becomes Prime Minister of Canada. This totally contradicts the messaging from Ignatieff and Rae.

This is not a simple problem of  ‘not being able to hear’ or an inability to comprehend a question in one’s second language. It is evidence of a fundamental disinterest in being a ‘team player’. This man has a vision for Canada, and nothing is going to stop him. Nothing. Not even the input of his ‘Dream Team’.

Greg Weston nailed it in this morning’s Sun:

…Sure, the Dion on the podium today is far better rehearsed than the peevish professor of a month ago.

But all the best speechwriters, image consultants and English coaches do not a national leader make.

Off script, Dion is still the same brainiac mouthful he always he was.

For instance, reporters asked him yesterday to respond to a report that the Harper government has been massively understating the cost of Canada’s participation in the Afghanistan war.

Under a Dion government, he said in part, "Canadians will know exactly where we are and which way does the mismanagement by whom."

Perhaps nothing speaks to Dion’s readiness to be prime minister more than his stubborn refusal to reconsider implementing the Liberal party’s centrepiece "Green Shift" carbon tax, regardless of economic conditions which aren’t exactly perfect at the moment.

This suggests he is either recklessly bullheaded, dangerously naive or totally insincere.

Earlier this week, Michael Ignatieff told the editorial board of La Presse the Liberals won’t abandon the carbon tax because "Dion has based his career on it … but details could be changed."

Yesterday, Iggy issued a clarification saying "we are in complete agreement with our leader."

So you see, it’s not about a personal handicap or physical deformity at all.

It’s about competence. Stephane Dion is the epitome of the Peter Principle.

Stephane Dion - A loyal Canadian, an adequate politician, but not Prime Minister material.

I’ll take those steely, blue eyes anyday.

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Update : And since Raphael doesn’t allow comments anymore, I’ll just have to use my blog to respond to this post - Bzzzt. Sorry Gilles. You Missed The Point: Very well said, Raph. The only thing I would add is that Duceppe is a lot smarter than you give him credit for. He gets it. However, he deliberately allowing himself to appear to be this obtuse for his own partisan purposes.  He is also hoping that Quebecers will only see the event through his narrow interpretation and not think for themselves.

Now I’ve seen everything.

But if he messes up on the world stage, will you still be there to defend him?

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Update: Oh, that’s right Macleans . Shoot the messenger. Brilliant. (Definitely cancelling my subscription.)

Nobody says that about Mike Duffy and gets away with it. Macleans is a despicable magazine.

So this is what it’s come down to - In spite of everyone’s best efforts in the Liberal caucus, Stephane Dion continues to cling to his vision of the Green Shift, and its immediate implementation if he becomes PM.

Even Peter Mansbridge tried to pull him from the abyss, but Dion steadfastly clung to his dream.

Which makes me ask, if the whole Liberal appeal is the team, then who’s going to make the decisions?

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Note: Ironically, I started writing this post before MDL Prime Time tonight. The Liberals really do have a nightmare on their hands now.

The Nightmare gets worse - Globe endorses Harper and Tories! (H/T Sammy)

Well sort of, anyway. It’s the most back-handed compliment I’ve ever read. But we won’t look a gift-horse in the mouth, right?

So now that’s the Globe, The Post, The Record, The Economist…  Who else?

Globe - Dion fumbles CTV interview.

Jonathan Kay - Not Stephane Dion’s finest hour.

Check it out. H/T Sammy.

Prediction: Jack Layton will be moving into Stornoway.

Developing.

SDA’s on it!

Actually, this post says it all.

Update: It’s right at the top of the Blogging Tories site right now!

Stephen Taylor - …Liberal Campaign in Crisis Mode.

Now on National Newswatch and Bourque.

Rather quiet at Liblogs tonight though…

Please watch this video which is featured at Wudrick Blog. I have to echo the concerns in the question posed by Aaron.

If you are seriously thinking about voting Liberal, can you still cheer this man on as Prime Minister of Canada after seeing how he handles himself with questions from students, no less?

I mean, I’m embarrassed and I’m not even a Liberal!

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Update: Holy Puffin Droppings!  Well, Warren phrased it differently, but check out the latest Nanos numbers!!!

(Thanks to Paulsstuff as well, in comments.)

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Dion is prolife?

From The Star : Dion stumbled when he identified himself as "pro-life." An aide later clarified that he meant to say "pro-choice."

H/T Take that, eh?

I can’t wait for the debates.

Stephen Taylor has a YouTube clip posted in which Andrew Telegdi states the following:

"…In fact I have even cooperated with Elizabeth May on immigration and citizenship issues. and I agree with her that job #1 is to elect Stephen Harper as Prime Minister …"

Note the chuckles in the audience and then applause. Telegdi seem oblivious to his mistake.

The Record reports that "during the second hour, he clarified his position and said "to his horror" he was told by one of his workers about his comment."

But wasn’t Telegdi reading from his notes? So he either inadvertently substituted Harper’s name for Dion’s when reading or it was actually written that way.

In any case, I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised that some Liberal candidates are getting confused, when their leader is having so many problems himself.

The other side of this is if Telegdi actually meant to say that he and Elizabeth May agree that their #1 job is to elect Stephane Dion as PM, then doesn’t that legitimize the concerns of Jack Layton and Stephen Harper regarding the leadership debates - i.e. that there would be two Pro-Liberal candidates?

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Update: The Telegdi camp has posted a YouTube clip as an explanation (H/T Newstalk 570.)

So Telegdi really meant to say that job one is to elect Stephane Dion as Prime Minister. Is that Elizabeth May’s top priority as well? If so, where does Stephane Dion stand on the seal hunt, and how does Premier Danny Williams reconcile all of this in his ABC campaign?

More information: I have located the official Liberal party stand on the seal hunt, which is that they support it. This is a fundamental contrast with Elizabeth May’s stance on the issue. Therefore, how can Elizabeth May support Stephane Dion for Prime Minister if he is in favour of the hunt, and she is 100% against it?

Warren Kinsella lists the Grits under the "Loser" category today:

"…now the Grits are seeing why some of us were appalled that they signed a non-aggression pact with Ms. May. She’s stealing votes from you, fellas! She was ALWAYS going to steal votes from you, for Pete’s sake!"

Now what do you say to that, Mr. Telegdi?

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More Liberal YouTube embarrassment at Wudrick Blog.

OMMAG - Collusion.

Dust My Broom - Green Party Leader Elizabeth May: Vote for anyone who will ‘Stop Harper.’

Political Staples - Who had September 24 in the pool?

Is it possible that Jack Layton could become the next Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition? A few months ago this might have seemed like a crazy idea, but now the possibility begins to loom large on the horizon.

Jack started the whole thing himself with his initial strategy to take over Stephen Harper’s job, but as discussed a few weeks ago we all know where he really hopes to be living after the election. The NDP leader wrote off  Stephane Dion right off the bat as a potential opponent requiring his attention and effort.

That plan seems to be paying off.  Polling numbers are showing that Jack Layton has passed Stephane Dion on the issue of leadership.

In fact, the Hill Times quotes a pollster as observing that the race between Layton and Dion for second place as being the most fascinating aspect of this election (H/T National Newswatch):

"…The most interesting issue in the campaign I don’t think is whether the Conservatives can lose, because I don’t think they can," said Conrad Winn of polling firm Compas. I think the most interesting issue is the battle between the NDP and the Liberals. It’s extremely rare for the NDP to have an opportunity to place second nationally. The Liberals gave the NDP that opportunity by choosing the least prepossessing of their four leadership candidates as leader. The NDP won’t have this chance in the next election…This is probably the only chance of two generations of a breakthrough for the NDP …"

Indeed, the Conservative strategists are beginning to grasp the reality that Jack Layton could be their real opponent and are planning to adjust the campaign accordingly.

Reports like this regarding the Liberal Green Shift plan will not help Stephane Dion’s efforts. (One wonders if the those who endorsed his plan are having second thoughts. Click on "Find Out What People are Saying". )

Of course, it’s still early days in this election, but the thought of having the NDP as the Official Opposition is a rather startling one to comprehend. If it actually occurs, then the Liberal Party will really need to do a thorough house-cleaning from the top down.

Moving out of Stornoway will just be the beginning.

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Update: Please vote at the Poll Page - Which party will form the next Official Opposition in Canada?

Maybe I should put up another poll taking bets on how big that kitchen table will be that Jack moves into Stornoway?

Check out who’s featured today at Jack’s Newswatch , Daily Blogger! Thanks, Jack.

Afternoon Update: Poll suggests Conservative lead softening - CBC. The left can breathe easy again!

Tuesday Update: Canada’s Liberals headed for third place finish:poll.

What are your thoughts on Mr. Dion disclosing his ‘hearing disability’ on the campaign trail? Why now?

Did the thought just occur to him out of the blue?  Apparently he first disclosed the condition to Jane Taber on Sunday, and then told the media in general on Monday. (Duff to to Roger Smith on Monday’s MDL ).Why?

Reader May has a great summary of her thoughts on the subject from the previous post:

May Says:
September 8th, 2008 at 10:32 pm

Re: Dion’s claimed hearing problem:

I’m sorry; I find this extremely difficult to believe for the following reasons:

1. If this were true we would have found out long before now: Dion’s English has long been a discussion topic and it would be logical and politically expedient to have given this explanation a year ago. Saying it now makes it seem like he is trying to gain sympathy.

2. If he had a medical condition, he would know its name.

3. People with hearing problems almost have an accent; a “fuzziness” or lack of sharpness in their speech. I do not hear this with Mr. Dion.

4. Dion is not the only one who speaks English in this manner. Maxime Bernier; for example; speaks English poorly in a manner almost identical to Mr. Dion. I find them both almost impossible to understand. To the best of my knowledge Bernier has no hearing problem.

5. There has never been any complaint about Dion’s command of French. If he had a hearing problem he would have speech difficulties in any language.

Finally; hypothetically supposing this is true it doesn’t change the problem: To be Prime Minister you must be able to effectively communicate in both languages.

Exactly. And to flesh out point #1, it’s very strange to me that Jason Cherniak knew about this for ages, but not Michael Ignatieff!

…Asked why he only spoke up about the problem now, during an election campaign, Dion said he doesn’t know why and said he shouldn’t have.

Quoi?

Deputy Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff told CTV’s Canada AM on Monday that he wasn’t aware of the hearing problem but said Dion has made his objectives for the country more than clear to him…

I don’t doubt that Dion has a hearing problem, but I question the timing of the revelation.

And there is a remedy for the cocktail party problem. It is called a hearing aid. Modern ones are amazing. They are fitted with tiny microchips that can be adjusted according to the social setting. I strongly suggest that Mr. Dion look into it.

- Also please see A Step to the Right.

…that Stephane Dion mentioned her company’s website in his kickoff speech to the Federal election campaign, right? National exposure after all… [sarc off]

For future reference, it’s THE Green Shift for you Mr. Bean, and Green Shift for the company who’s owner is filing for an injunction against your party .

And that’s the last bit of help I’m giving you.

Gaffe #1 and counting.

(Please see Monday update at end)

(Oh, o.k. just one more hint. Don’t accuse the Government of "sitting on their hands". That one could come back to haunt you.)

O.K. Just one more. It’s "Richer, fairer, Greener ", not "Richer, fairer, richer ".

Didn’t you check the script, Stephane?

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Update: Please check out Angelo Persichilli - Best to bomb the other party’s weakest link (Star).

And via Wilson’s comment at Christian Conservative, we have this juicy tidbit - Note on the new Liberal website, the name being used now
” The Liberal Green Shift” .

Will Jennifer Wright be o.k. with this further revision of the Green Shift? Stay tuned…

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Monday Update: Well, it seems that the CTV translator made a mistake and it has now been corrected. Mr. Dion did actually say "The Green Shift", but it was translated as Green Shift.  However, CTV has now changed their web page to reflect the correct translation.

Which all goes to show that you can’t always trust MSM, and neither should bloggers.

I just finished reviewing the beginning of yesterday’s ‘Question Period’, which I had fortunately recorded. Lloyd Robertson and Lisa LaFlamme clearly chastize Dion for saying "Green Shift", and Lisa calls it the first gaffe of the Liberal Party in this campaign. Strange that that segment is not available on the CTV website…

BIG UPDATE: LIBERALS HAVE A NEW WRIT EXPENSE: PAYING FOR ‘GREEN SHIFT’ - Steve janke

Stephane Dion will have to kick off the Federal election campaign with a bus, because his fuel-sucking jet is not quite ready.

For some reason, the LPC just didn’t get it done again.

Things appear to be in chaos already. They hadn’t prepared enough ahead of time to have a cleaner jet ready, the way the CPC and NDP have done. Stephen Taylor and Steve Janke have the details.

And he said it was going to be a ‘Clean campaign’.

Hah!

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8:45 am Update : The Writ has been dropped.

Press conference in front of Rideau Hall. Harper is asked about the warm, fuzzy family-oriented ads (sounded as if it was David Akin who asked).

Harper’s response was amazingly candid and genuine. I hope to find the exact wording soon on the net, because I don’t want to do it an injustice. He didn’t duck the question. He answered it head-on and honestly. (Note: Not surprisingly, Kady O’Malley has quite a different take on things.)

Another question about the timing of this election. Harper’s translated response was something to the effect that the population must decide who has the mandate - the government or the opposition? Well said.

CTV has a great election page up, BTW. Try the little quiz on the right. It’s lots of fun for political junkies and useful for any undecided Canadian voter.

9:30 update : Dion’s on now. He says the Government sat on their hands??? C’mon Stephane!

Duceppe’s up now and playing the Bush card. *snore*

More live-blogging at the National Post.

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Monday Update: Don Martin - Liberal campaign shows all the signs of poverty, poor planning.