Why The Liberals Were So Badly Beaten

[Cliffy]

The liberals got so badly beaten because the cons had a bigger stick (10 times more cash for their attack ads) and wielded it with more force

 

[Dilettante]

I must agree with your statement. Given the media-intensive nature of modern politics the image of the leader is critical. The swing away from the Liberals was due more to Ignatieff's weak image than anything to do with his policies, and the swing toward the NDP had a great deal to do with the positive image Jack Layton projected during the election. I very much suspect that if all Canadian voters were subjected to a political quiz about the policies of the various political parties very few of them would be able to answer most of the questions accurately. As a result most focus on the leaders. If they like what they see that is where they place their votes.

And I will agree with you Bar Sinister. I suspect that during pre/post election analysis most political pundits tend to over complicate things. Explanations and predictions assume a voting public with knowledge and awareness that just don't gel with the reality. Sure like the hockey fan who only watches during the playoffs, the average citizen pays more attention during election campaigns. However, although each party presents a campaign platform, I suspect a large majority of people who will eventually cast a vote have not read them. I'll go so far as to say (this will get me in trouble) that had Quebecers been questioned prior to entering their respective polling stations a surprising percentage could not have named their riding's NDP candidate who would go on to be elected.

In our busy lives we often resort to having the media do our research for us and we grab tidbits when we can. The media tends to focus on the party leaders and so their influence, be it positive or negative, has become stronger than ever. Every party has some degree of scandal and suspicion attached to it and all platforms have have questionable items in them, but a leader who is trusted and most importantly,liked can work miracles. Harper presented his trademark consistency and got his consistent percentage of public support. Iggy was cerebral about policy when the party needed someone to rally behind and inspired no one. Jack presented a left side platform with few details on how to pay for it but his charm, energy and sincerity inspired Quebecers to such an extent that an unknown flag bearer candidate was able to crush Duceppe under the orange wave.

Sadly, this realizations make it difficult to question the strategic value of personal attack ads so I fear they are here to stay.

 

[Angstrom]

I'm all for continuous improvement but lets avoid the urge for sweeping changes just for potential political edge. Lets not forget that thanks to some responsible policy making in the last couple of decades by governments on both sides and prudent but quite moderate governance by the Conservatives in the most recent years we are doing pretty damned well compared to most countries out there.

However, like the US and many countries in Europe the difficulties created by our aging population will soon be upon us. I'd like the next big thing to be a sound plan that allows us to at least maintain our current level of service if the face of greater demand without costing me 2/3rds of my salary in taxes. Lets hope that least for the short term, sound management will prevail over flash.

Ok I'm going to touch on something important we need to look at as Canadians and the possible consequences of our system. Don't get mad plz just try to imagine yourself in my shoes faced with the possibility of my future and what it may look if it takes a turn for the worst.

My bet is Healthcare in the next 30 years will make a relatively big dent in our pocket books at the very least. Good news for you though is healthcare Calculation is based on your children paying for it. That Plus Globalization continuing to slowly shift more jobs over to cheap labor markets is not a good combination.

you say the Economies is not as bad in Canada then the rest of the world but where nowhere near a booming Economies. We have not had rapid decline like other places but we are in a constent slow decline and its showing no signs of stopping.

If you think your worried about health care, how worried you think I feel about possibly having to pay for it for the rest of my life. Ya I'm not to happy about the prospect ether I'm sure you understand you even said you don't want to be taxed 2/3 more for your service.

So lets look at this from a differently angle.Lets say your right, big changes is definitely not a good idea. I'll go along with it.

I tell you what, Can't beat them join them. (and this is the hard truth about what our goverment could be doing)

By the time I'm done screwing my children's children's children's children's Future I'll get whats mine.

If one day I have to stare into your grandchildren's eye's cause this happened. I swear to God!

(I envy your lives Baby boomers). You really did get the best time slot to be alive on earth. Future Canadians will be looking back at this incredible North American boom you had the pleasure to live in and dream at how good you had it, a time when few law's existed to take away your freedom to do some of the craziest things without a drop of fear at being Policed.

I think its time we shifted the core attention to young parents and helping them succeed in a world where the Odds look stacked against them.

Its our responcibility to pay your medical bill.

 

[Dilettante]

I think all your concerns are valid and may well come to pass if we don't start taking the necessary steps now.

BUT I AM MAD!!! Jeez man I turn 36 on Thursday but your post made me feel so old I had to run check my closet for sweater vests ;-)

 

[Angstrom]

I think all your concerns are valid and may well come to pass if we don't start taking the necessary steps now.

BUT I AM MAD!!! Jeez man I turn 36 on Thursday but your post made me feel so old I had to run check my closet for sweater vests ;-)

Im not much younger then you 5 years give or take.

 

[jgarden]

What's your take on the demise of the Liberals?
I think people have just had enough of their arrogance and self-interest. People have long memories.
Ever since Pierre Trudeau, the Liberals have been disregarding what the Canadian people want and what is good for the country.
Without consulting the public, they gave us:

1) official bilingualism
2) the metric system
3 )the Young Offenders Act
4) inflated and outrageous MP pensions and perks
5) gutted the miitary
6) took billions from health care so they could look like heroes by balancing the budget
7) Adscam
8) Shawinigate
9) Abolished the death penalty
10) Went soft of crime
11) gave prisoners the vote
12) established an unpopular and dangerous refugee system.
13) the gun registry

All this and more, they did without consideration of what the people wanted. Still they are dithering about what happened and how they can build their party. They just aren't getting it!
If any p arty wants to retain popularity, I think they will need to allow more free votes in Parliament. There is no reason why MPs cannot poll their constituents before an important issue is voted on and vote according to the wishes of their constituency. They are supposed to be representing us, after all, not pushing their own agendas.
A simple mailing combined with an on-line survey would be easy to do and not at all costly. Have any of you ever been consulted by your MP as to how you feel about issues?

This OP appears oblivious to the fact that the Conservatives suffered, in much the same manner, when the Party choose to look the other way which resulted in Brian Mulroney relegating them to political "pergatory."

Similarily, it was the animosity between Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin, combined with Shawinigate, that created a legacy that sebsequent leaders haven't been able to overcome!

In addition to "death and taxes" we can all be rest-assured that eventually the Conservative leadership will "screw up" again and provide the Liberals with their opportunity.

What we should all find politically dusturbing about all of this reoccuring problem is that their appears to be no political will or "checks-and balances" to curb the powers of a sitting prime minister when it comes to inflicting major damage on his own political party and the country.