Stephane Dion wins!
- Thread starter Tonington
- Start date
I watched the entire broadcast tonight, man Dion needs a new barber and a new suit. I'm just glad it wasn't Iggy or Rae. Exhale out.
I can find him a good one for only $250.
, though don't rely on me for any hair issues.
He's been repeating since the beginning of the campaign that he wants to make Canada a leader and a model in environmental issues...
Dion will be attacking Harper on his escapist attitude towards the environment while Harper will attacking the Dion on the puny Liberal accomplishments towards Kyoto and the environment.
Interesting.
I like Dion, but he is way too far left for me.
He will do well in Quebec, unfortunately, if the Liberals win, this means Canada will continue to be ruled by Quebecois, as it has been for 35 of the last 39 years.
The CPC IMHO, needs to forget Quebec, and turn towards the ROC for support.
Perhaps it is time to retract the legislation garaunteeing Quebec 75 seats.............
Stiill, Dion is an honest, upstanding man. It could be much worse.
I like Dion, but he is way too far left for me.
He will do well in Quebec, unfortunately, if the Liberals win, this means Canada will continue to be ruled by Quebecois, as it has been for 35 of the last 39 years.
The CPC IMHO, needs to forget Quebec, and turn towards the ROC for support.
Perhaps it is time to retract the legislation garaunteeing Quebec 75 seats.............
Stiill, Dion is an honest, upstanding man. It could be much worse.
Absolutely. I cannot envision someone who refers to Bill 101 as a "Great Canadian Law" ever becoming the next Prime Minister of Canada. Supporting a law that is both divisive and segregationist is bad for business.
S-lone so the cycle of Fiberal versus Conservatard (not sure if I got that slur correct) is renewed. Oh joy.ukeright:
LOL Kreskin Deon looks like he sleeps in his suits and to be honest he's gonna need to do something drastic with those five strands of hair on the top of his head. I'm in mourning I wanted Dryden to win, Sassy kicks the dog.
ukeright: LOL Kreskin Deon looks like he sleeps in his suits and to be honest he's gonna need to do something drastic with those five strands of hair on the top of his head. I'm in mourning I wanted Dryden to win, Sassy kicks the dog.
S-lone so the cycle of Fiberal versus Conservatard (not sure if I got that slur correct) is renewed. Oh joy.
LOL Kreskin Deon looks like he sleeps in his suits and to be honest he's gonna need to do something drastic with those five strands of hair on the top of his head. I'm in mourning I wanted Dryden to win, Sassy kicks the dog.
You got it right Sassy... I am fearing a cyclical and repetitive debate on that issue... I hope I'm wrong though...
S-lone so the cycle of Fiberal versus Conservatard (not sure if I got that slur correct) is renewed. Oh joy.
LOL Kreskin Deon looks like he sleeps in his suits and to be honest he's gonna need to do something drastic with those five strands of hair on the top of his head. I'm in mourning I wanted Dryden to win, Sassy kicks the dog.
And just what is wrong with five strands of hair on top of a head? :laughing7::grin:
I'm not sure how I feel about Stéphane Dion yet. Like most people, I didn't think he had much of a chance until today. My first reaction was that I'm just glad it wasn't Ignatieff. He struck me from the outset as a monster of arrogance and condescension on a scale we haven't seen since Trudeau, and an interview I saw of him by a tv reporter in which he talked down to the poor guy like he was an underachieving schoolboy went a long way to convincing me he's far surpassed Pierre Elliot Himself in the arrogant condescension department.
Yep Dex sorta like the man at the helm of Canada-- Harper, or is that Herr Harper who doesn't allow those duely elected to speak lest they offend most of Canada. I can't blame him for duck taping the mouths of the Cons, it's not like they have anything most of us haven't heard before. LIES and more damn LIES.
Sorry Juan I didn't mean to offend men with five strands of hair, will I get more demerits points against me for this because I can edit my post to say ten strands of hair. Really I can, can't I?
Sorry Juan I didn't mean to offend men with five strands of hair, will I get more demerits points against me for this because I can edit my post to say ten strands of hair. Really I can, can't I?
Well, i think either he, kennedy or ignatieff were the three best choices. To say that I am glad that Rae is not the leader would be understating it. As a Liberal supporter in Alberta, I think I despised the idea of Rae as leader more than the idea of ANOTHER Quebec potetntial PM....
Now with that said, if the best person qualified wins the job, who cares where they come from.
But while i like Dion, i thought both Kennedy and Ignatieff were better candidates with fresher ideas. If Kennedy had better French, he would have been the best candidate above all else. So my support of Dion is more to do with the fact that Kennedy is backing him. And should Kennedy win an election and be a prominant member of his team, than i truly beleive inroads in the West with the Liberal Party could be made.
So for me, sure, Dion is a good guy. I will support him anyways. But I can't wait for the day down the road when I hopefully get the chance to choose between say Gerard Kennedy on the one hand and maybe his key supporter, Justin Trudeau on the other....??? hmmmm.
Now with that said, if the best person qualified wins the job, who cares where they come from.
But while i like Dion, i thought both Kennedy and Ignatieff were better candidates with fresher ideas. If Kennedy had better French, he would have been the best candidate above all else. So my support of Dion is more to do with the fact that Kennedy is backing him. And should Kennedy win an election and be a prominant member of his team, than i truly beleive inroads in the West with the Liberal Party could be made.
So for me, sure, Dion is a good guy. I will support him anyways. But I can't wait for the day down the road when I hopefully get the chance to choose between say Gerard Kennedy on the one hand and maybe his key supporter, Justin Trudeau on the other....??? hmmmm.
Actually, Dion is very decent. My only concern with him was image department. Listening to Sassylassie and Kreskin, it’s obviously not my imaginings.
I’m relieved that Ignatieff didn’t make it, but compared to all the other contenders he had the most charisma and a commanding presence about him. I’ll also give him points on the ability to be very well spoken. Yes, I can say these things now that he’s lost. I’ll be honest.
Yeah, people can be won over with the style, or the, “I think I could have a beer with that guy” syndrome (so I’ve heard). Though I guess I shouldn’t worry. In comparison, Harper really doesn’t seem like the guy you would want a beer with. Unless you wish to be bored to death. Then again, I don’t know if he makes for a fun drunk given all that pent up inhibition. Next thing you know, he’s wearing the lampshade over the beer holder hat and daring everyone to take him to a strip club. Who knows? Although that is usually the first guy you end up taking home before he pees in one of your flower pots.
Yeah, I guess we’ll see soon enough how well Dion can play to the gallery. but as far as his character and political views, he’s decent.
I’m relieved that Ignatieff didn’t make it, but compared to all the other contenders he had the most charisma and a commanding presence about him. I’ll also give him points on the ability to be very well spoken. Yes, I can say these things now that he’s lost. I’ll be honest.
Yeah, people can be won over with the style, or the, “I think I could have a beer with that guy” syndrome (so I’ve heard). Though I guess I shouldn’t worry. In comparison, Harper really doesn’t seem like the guy you would want a beer with. Unless you wish to be bored to death. Then again, I don’t know if he makes for a fun drunk given all that pent up inhibition. Next thing you know, he’s wearing the lampshade over the beer holder hat and daring everyone to take him to a strip club. Who knows? Although that is usually the first guy you end up taking home before he pees in one of your flower pots.
Yeah, I guess we’ll see soon enough how well Dion can play to the gallery. but as far as his character and political views, he’s decent.
I actually think Ignatieff was quite good. While trying to decide which delegate to support, i read up on all the people's web sites on their stands. I did like Dion's ideas well. I really liked Kennedy's vision. But secretly, i was most impressed with Ignatieff's policies. It was well thought out. It was comprehensive. It was definately a "new" Liberal approach...one which the Liberals should seriously start taking.
And there is no denying he is charismatic, well spoken, and can certainly rise a crowd.
But he had no chance, despite being the front runner.
One is that while his style of speech was awesome, it was light on substance. And people will only be impressed with sweeping statements for so long.
Secondly, you cannot fight the Liberal establishment scene no matter how hard you try.
And there is no denying he is charismatic, well spoken, and can certainly rise a crowd.
But he had no chance, despite being the front runner.
One is that while his style of speech was awesome, it was light on substance. And people will only be impressed with sweeping statements for so long.
Secondly, you cannot fight the Liberal establishment scene no matter how hard you try.
Go for a beer...
I'd have several brews with Harper, he's writing a book on the history of hockey. He is definitely in tune with the average Joe Canadian.
I thought Dion was rather strange in his interviews early in the leadership race, he seemed to be sincere enough though was certainly not comfortable in front of a camera. I think he'll be easy prey for Harper. Being from Quebec however, will bolster the Lieberal support. Oh well. :laughing7:
I'd have several brews with Harper, he's writing a book on the history of hockey. He is definitely in tune with the average Joe Canadian.
I thought Dion was rather strange in his interviews early in the leadership race, he seemed to be sincere enough though was certainly not comfortable in front of a camera. I think he'll be easy prey for Harper. Being from Quebec however, will bolster the Lieberal support. Oh well. :laughing7:
Oh yeah... the book on hockey. Well that changes everything now does it? We must vote for him now. zzzzzzzzzz. ..huh, wha? Harp-er oh scored a goal when?
Harper ole bud. Have another drink. y'And another...
Why Dion?
I've been following the leadership contest from the early days of Martha Hall-Findlay and John Godfrey. Stephane is one of the best candidates to win, in the intrest of the party and Canada.
I think its only fair to address the issues that Dion should work on first.
As it was spoken of earlier,
1. His image. Yes, I agree it should change. However, on a scale of importance in terms of image and policy, I would put policy first please. I would prefer a Prime Minister with a questionable image and proper policies than a good looking P.M. with worse policies. This is not to say anything about Harper yet, all I am saying is that Image is an issue, but not as important as other factors.
2. His lack of English oral skills. He doesn't speak english properly. This can be a problem. Once again, he has some ideas that are really worth hearing, yet if he cannot convey them to the right audience effectively, it will be of no use in the elections. This can be one of the main reasons for his lack of support. I remember speaking to a liberal delegate from Toronto, an Ignatieff supporter. We talked and I asked him why not Dion, and he said well Dion is great, but I dont think hes an energetic speaker and that he can keep a crowd going for long in English. I would like to outline something there, Dion has great ideas, but he cant purvey them in English as well, and this is one of his sad flaws. Unfortunately, he will not attract such a crowd as, maybe Ignatieff. Once again, its sad becuase he has some great ideas, and such image issues affects his success. As an analogy, the book cover may not look so pleasing, but the content is much more promising. Thats a question Canadians need to reflect on, would they rather reject him because of the book cover, or accept him becuase of the rich book content? The good news is, he is getting better. I remember the day when he launched his campaign and he spoke in 98% french, and now he is getting better. Using the language more often will enrich his vocabulary, and with time he should be able to get better, hopefully by the next election.
Now why Stephane is good for the job.
1. While many say his campaign was one-pointed and focused on the environment only, I think he made his policies clear from day one, with his three pillar approach. This approach included the environment, but was not limited to the environment. This may not be the only three factors for political success but, after reading his platform, it is some three great factors for political success in Canada. I don't think any other recent liberal leader had such a clear yet simple policy platform for their leadership bids. Yes, many of the key issues were outlined, but many of the past conventions were coronation ceremonies for the respective leaders. Stephane seems to encompass all the policies that he finds important into the three pillar approach. Environment is just a part of this, not all. He has always stressed the three pillar approach, I have seen all the debates and many of his speeches. It is wrong to say that it was concentrated solely on the environment, but it was an influential part of the policy platform, as was with the other candidates. While many leadership candidates were engaged in scandals with their leadership bid and their past, and were playing politics, Stephane did manage to start his campaign with this three pillar approach. I must say that Stephanes policies and campaign platform was simple, transparent and not single pointed, but pointed in three directions, the three pillar approach.
2. Many people called Stephane a nerd. Why? Becuase he is less charasmatic and more devoted to his work. When Chretien called him to defend national unity in 1996, he did what he was asked to, when Martin asked him to help as environment minister, he also devoted his time to it and was/is very passionate about it. He worked very hard on anything he was assigned to. That is just how Stephane is, he was not as involved in the internal party politics, or external, but more towards the actual job. Even when Stephen Harpers office consulted him for this Quebec as a Nation issue, he helped despite the partisan issues. This is rare, but there are possibly a few in every party. This is precisely what makes Stephanes policies simple and approachable for the three pillar approach, hes a hard working intellectual with political experience.
3. Stephane managed to unassociate himself from the Martin- Chretien corruption. What is admirable about Stephane is that although he was part of the Chretien and Martin cabinet, he was not apart of this "culture of entitlement" as is with many of the other cabinet ministers. I respect Stephane for this. He has the intellect and used it for the purpose of doing what he was asked for, he did not socially play politics and join this liberal corruption image, he was working. He is a hard worker and his actions in the past combined with his apparent image is probably why people called him a nerd. However, if we are stereotyping, I trust a nerd more than a popular jock, because chances are the nerd knows what to do, as Stephane has proved. In the beggining, I must admit, I did not like Stephane. I thought he was boring and I was really enchanted by Ignatieffs speaking skills and the whole propagation of the Trudeau remake. However, as the race continued on, the frontrunner was faced with a lot of problems and mistakes. Unfortunately, it was probably becuase of his lack of experince in the political field, and the liberals cannot afford that in a federal election if they want a bite at success. I understand that many of Ignatieffs talks on torture and Iraq were misinterpreted, but the one speech I read on him saying how the United States allowed him to grow in a way that Canada never allowed made me question his beilefs. He has a way of swaying individuals with is speech, as Peter Newman says, he has the manners of a prince but the mind of a chess master. I think that he really did beileve in himself as an American during his years of living there, he made himself at home. This was one of the reasons why I feared Ignatieff, as was consistent with many Canadians. I realized that Stephane had more potential as leader with his knowledge and commitment, and he has also payed his dues to the party and the country with his work. The controversy of Ignatieff was not what the party needs to win, however Ignatieff has many good qualities. Stephane was able to lead the party with his hard working skills but he didnt have as many high profile supporters as did Rae and Ignatieff. Thats politics, the guy with the connections and proper organizers do have the better chance and more endorsements. Rae and Ignatieff have high profile Martin and Chretien supporters, and as politics works, they had the better chance of winning, and this defeats the whole purpose of renewal, especially for the liberal party. Dion and Kennedy were able for renewal and less party division than Rae-Ignatieff. Volpe made a point and he said that the old liberal backroom boys are hiding behind new faces, and those faces are obvious. Rae and Ignatieff had the most high profile supporters compared to Dion, and those I thought that privaledge would take precedence over quality and a real second look, but I was really wrong. The delegates chose the Kennedy-Dion duo over the Rae-Ignatieff. This was a clear message to the backroom boys, that they are not controlling things anymore, but the real delegates are choosing, and what a choice. Many journalists have said that Dion is underestimated and has real potential for the party.
I think all the candidates had their strengths and their weaknesses, and Stephane was one of the more unlikely, but best candidates to lead the party. However, Stephane is the leader and I think we can all agree that it would be less controversial than Bob Rae or Michael Ignatieff as leader, with much more mixed responses.
Good Luck Stephane Dion!
I've been following the leadership contest from the early days of Martha Hall-Findlay and John Godfrey. Stephane is one of the best candidates to win, in the intrest of the party and Canada.
I think its only fair to address the issues that Dion should work on first.
As it was spoken of earlier,
1. His image. Yes, I agree it should change. However, on a scale of importance in terms of image and policy, I would put policy first please. I would prefer a Prime Minister with a questionable image and proper policies than a good looking P.M. with worse policies. This is not to say anything about Harper yet, all I am saying is that Image is an issue, but not as important as other factors.
2. His lack of English oral skills. He doesn't speak english properly. This can be a problem. Once again, he has some ideas that are really worth hearing, yet if he cannot convey them to the right audience effectively, it will be of no use in the elections. This can be one of the main reasons for his lack of support. I remember speaking to a liberal delegate from Toronto, an Ignatieff supporter. We talked and I asked him why not Dion, and he said well Dion is great, but I dont think hes an energetic speaker and that he can keep a crowd going for long in English. I would like to outline something there, Dion has great ideas, but he cant purvey them in English as well, and this is one of his sad flaws. Unfortunately, he will not attract such a crowd as, maybe Ignatieff. Once again, its sad becuase he has some great ideas, and such image issues affects his success. As an analogy, the book cover may not look so pleasing, but the content is much more promising. Thats a question Canadians need to reflect on, would they rather reject him because of the book cover, or accept him becuase of the rich book content? The good news is, he is getting better. I remember the day when he launched his campaign and he spoke in 98% french, and now he is getting better. Using the language more often will enrich his vocabulary, and with time he should be able to get better, hopefully by the next election.
Now why Stephane is good for the job.
1. While many say his campaign was one-pointed and focused on the environment only, I think he made his policies clear from day one, with his three pillar approach. This approach included the environment, but was not limited to the environment. This may not be the only three factors for political success but, after reading his platform, it is some three great factors for political success in Canada. I don't think any other recent liberal leader had such a clear yet simple policy platform for their leadership bids. Yes, many of the key issues were outlined, but many of the past conventions were coronation ceremonies for the respective leaders. Stephane seems to encompass all the policies that he finds important into the three pillar approach. Environment is just a part of this, not all. He has always stressed the three pillar approach, I have seen all the debates and many of his speeches. It is wrong to say that it was concentrated solely on the environment, but it was an influential part of the policy platform, as was with the other candidates. While many leadership candidates were engaged in scandals with their leadership bid and their past, and were playing politics, Stephane did manage to start his campaign with this three pillar approach. I must say that Stephanes policies and campaign platform was simple, transparent and not single pointed, but pointed in three directions, the three pillar approach.
2. Many people called Stephane a nerd. Why? Becuase he is less charasmatic and more devoted to his work. When Chretien called him to defend national unity in 1996, he did what he was asked to, when Martin asked him to help as environment minister, he also devoted his time to it and was/is very passionate about it. He worked very hard on anything he was assigned to. That is just how Stephane is, he was not as involved in the internal party politics, or external, but more towards the actual job. Even when Stephen Harpers office consulted him for this Quebec as a Nation issue, he helped despite the partisan issues. This is rare, but there are possibly a few in every party. This is precisely what makes Stephanes policies simple and approachable for the three pillar approach, hes a hard working intellectual with political experience.
3. Stephane managed to unassociate himself from the Martin- Chretien corruption. What is admirable about Stephane is that although he was part of the Chretien and Martin cabinet, he was not apart of this "culture of entitlement" as is with many of the other cabinet ministers. I respect Stephane for this. He has the intellect and used it for the purpose of doing what he was asked for, he did not socially play politics and join this liberal corruption image, he was working. He is a hard worker and his actions in the past combined with his apparent image is probably why people called him a nerd. However, if we are stereotyping, I trust a nerd more than a popular jock, because chances are the nerd knows what to do, as Stephane has proved. In the beggining, I must admit, I did not like Stephane. I thought he was boring and I was really enchanted by Ignatieffs speaking skills and the whole propagation of the Trudeau remake. However, as the race continued on, the frontrunner was faced with a lot of problems and mistakes. Unfortunately, it was probably becuase of his lack of experince in the political field, and the liberals cannot afford that in a federal election if they want a bite at success. I understand that many of Ignatieffs talks on torture and Iraq were misinterpreted, but the one speech I read on him saying how the United States allowed him to grow in a way that Canada never allowed made me question his beilefs. He has a way of swaying individuals with is speech, as Peter Newman says, he has the manners of a prince but the mind of a chess master. I think that he really did beileve in himself as an American during his years of living there, he made himself at home. This was one of the reasons why I feared Ignatieff, as was consistent with many Canadians. I realized that Stephane had more potential as leader with his knowledge and commitment, and he has also payed his dues to the party and the country with his work. The controversy of Ignatieff was not what the party needs to win, however Ignatieff has many good qualities. Stephane was able to lead the party with his hard working skills but he didnt have as many high profile supporters as did Rae and Ignatieff. Thats politics, the guy with the connections and proper organizers do have the better chance and more endorsements. Rae and Ignatieff have high profile Martin and Chretien supporters, and as politics works, they had the better chance of winning, and this defeats the whole purpose of renewal, especially for the liberal party. Dion and Kennedy were able for renewal and less party division than Rae-Ignatieff. Volpe made a point and he said that the old liberal backroom boys are hiding behind new faces, and those faces are obvious. Rae and Ignatieff had the most high profile supporters compared to Dion, and those I thought that privaledge would take precedence over quality and a real second look, but I was really wrong. The delegates chose the Kennedy-Dion duo over the Rae-Ignatieff. This was a clear message to the backroom boys, that they are not controlling things anymore, but the real delegates are choosing, and what a choice. Many journalists have said that Dion is underestimated and has real potential for the party.
I think all the candidates had their strengths and their weaknesses, and Stephane was one of the more unlikely, but best candidates to lead the party. However, Stephane is the leader and I think we can all agree that it would be less controversial than Bob Rae or Michael Ignatieff as leader, with much more mixed responses.
Good Luck Stephane Dion!