Harper on merger/coalition/cooperation

Tim, not Stephen. Here.

Will any leadership candidate take up the mantle of unity? I doubt it. Despite the polling numbers, the contenders will be wary of being too controversial. Identity politics, they know, are often fraught with peril.

Besides, there ain’t much point in getting dressed up for the dance when you lack a dance partner. Until the leadership of the Liberals and the NDP are prepared to confront reality, together, nothing is ever going to change.

And Stephen Harper, naturally, will continue to win. At this stage, I’d say he’s in good shape until well after 2015. Maybe even 2019.

Depressing for progressives to hear, I know. But until progressives are willing to get their collective heads out of their collective asses, that’s the way it is.


Back in North Van

…with the kids, Nana, Babs and Bjorn. To my great surprise, it’s been a torrential downpour since our arrival. Hill’s open, Shogun closed, old campaign office is now a Subway. Unabomber still there, lowering property values with impunity.

Slocan Valley and family reunion, here we come!


In tomorrow’s Sun today: Trudeau times ten

Liberals being Liberals, we prize one thing above all: Winning.

Now that Bob Rae has figured out that he could never possibly win, Grits are again in search of someone who can.

True, our party’s problems won’t be solved by a simple leadership change.

But getting a popular new leader — a winner — isn’t ever a bad idea, either.

Is Justin Trudeau, the name on every politico’s lips, a winner?

Can he wrench the Liberal Party of Canada out of the past, and put it back on track to governing again?

As a public service, here are 10 Reasons Why Justin Trudeau Is A Winner.