Evidently there is a growing rift between Ignatieff and his caucus on supporting the Prime Minister Afghanistan. According to liberal activist Jane Taber, Ignatieff has instructed his MPs not to talk to the media on this matter. Isn't that the same kind of "fascism" that that the left loves accusing our Prime Minister of? Ignatieff has to either keep as firm a grip as possible or attempt to placate the anti-war segment of his "big red tent". There has to be a cost to Iggy walking out on (and therefor killing) Gerard Kennedy's "conscientious objectors" bill. Did anyone else noticed that Iggy took the Foreign Affairs portfolio away from Ujjal Dosangh? Ujjal seemed pretty happy in that job during torture-gate.
What's odd is that Bob Rae seems to share a very similar opinion to Ignatieff on the Afghanistan mission. The MPs who are upset are many of the lightweights. Jane Taber relies on her access to the Liberal caucus to "set the agenda" at the Globe and Mail.
I have noticed the toned down rhetoric from the leadership in the last two weeks. They are not prepared to fight a national campaign that would require loans and a line of credit that would reach nearly twenty million.
ReplyDeleteThe Bus Tour was not successful, crowds did not materialize or did funding improve. I posted a drop of over $ 600k vs 2009 for Q3. Almost 1,700 less donors as well.
Nearly 60% of leaning Liberal voters think a new leader is needed. Dion has better leadership numbers the party support earned 26.3% in 2008. QC and ATL saw a modest increase, but Ontario-West declined.
Anyone believe QC, NB, NFLD will lift the Liberals in 2010-2011?
The point is being driven home when Layton is getting more air time due to the fact that he is taking a position on an issue.
ReplyDeleteIggy is tanking because he won't take a position, or when he does he has to recant later, the position he takes is a "me-too" position, or its one like this that the majority of his caucus and the party leftwing base is dead set against.
If you actually hold power, taking a position your party might oppose can be forgiven, doing it while in opposition can result in lower support when it counts, say like during a by-election.
The test will come if the NDP or the Bloc decide to table a motion on this and then you get to see who is part of the blu-lib caucus.
"The Liberal Caucus is revolting"..... Yes they are...yes they are.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I couldn't resist.