McParland: The frustration and fumbling of Stephane Dion (1)
Posted on 03 October 2008 by Jack
Well into the cat fight we were told was to be a debate among party leaders Thursday night, Jack Layton turned to Stephane Dion and fired the shot that could spell the end of Mr. Dion’s political career.The Liberal leader had 43 chances to vote down Stephen Harper’s government and didn’t seize a single one of them, Mr. Layton pointed out.
“If you can’t do the job of a leader of the opposition, I don’t know why you are running to be prime minister,” the NDP leader said, leaving Mr. Dion blinking and speechless.
It hurt so much because it was true. In two and a half years Mr. Dion rejected every opportunity he had to bring down the Tories, even while muttering dark threats about his ability to do so. On many an occasion Mr. Layton promised to back him up, making clear he was ready for an election at the drop of a hat. He taunted the Liberals with their regular shows of timidity, accusing them of propping up the Tories out of an absence of spine. In the end it was the Tories who shut down their own government.
Mr. Dion didn’t have a response. He spent much of the night looking frustrated, even incoherent, a victim of his inability to find the right words in his second language, which remains a serious weakness despite close to two years on the job. He also doesn’t have the taste for blood that is second nature to his rivals. While Stephen Harper seemed strangely passive on Wednesday , the odd man out as Mr. Dion and Gilles Duceppe chattered away in better French, Mr. Dion was the one who often appeared superfluous in the English version, politely waiting his turn and then having little to add.
Popularity: 25% [?]
October 3rd, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Last evening’s debate was frankly an embarassment to Canada and no doubt PMSH as well. Other than PMSH the rest of the imbecils around the table conducted themselves like a bunch of jackels trying to take down a strong healthy water buffalo. Yapping and snarling, darting in and out, nipping, a minor trickle of blood here and there but not having what it takes to really injure let alone finish it off. When the attack finally peters out, the pack runs off still making a lot of racket of bravado, but with empty stomachs.
October 3rd, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Really good analogy BTDT, we had been thinking of nasty children and a responsible adult. I like yours better.
Pat
October 3rd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I agree, Right on BTDT.
I am wondering why there is no mention today in the MSM of Dion stating he will axe the income splitting for seniors. Another hidden agenda of the MSM.
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Dion was simply painful to watch. I wanted to hand the guy a tissue half the time.
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
I almost feel sorry for Dion!
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I still think that Duceppe shouldnt even be at the table as he only represents Quebec and therefore could never be PM.
His whole evening consisted of whining for more for Keubec even though he hates Canada. If I had my way, would have him charged with Treason.
http://www.languagefairness.ca/
October 3rd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
It never ceases to amaze me that people can’t see the obvious choice before them. It happen when the whole world could see that George W. Bush was wrong for the USA and the world, yet Americans voted for him twice. As a returning Canadian, it stands out a mile just how corrupt and manipulative the Harper government is with Canadians. And even though Dion is not strong in debate he is the strongest leader when it comes to policy and bringing good government to Canada. This is mind boggling just how gullible Canadians are. You threw out Mulroney because you realized you made the wrong choice. From me to you - DON’T DO IT AGAIN. Elect the forward thinking ideas of the Liberal Party.
October 3rd, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Bob Roy — Reverse what you said and most of us here would agree with you. But, if you have been out of the country you have no idea at all - Nada! It was the Liberal party who was corrupt (literally — check out the details of the sponsorship scandal and the lost millions) and manipulative (not keeping promises).
No, most of us here want a majority “conservative” government because there is no hidden agenda there. Harper is not Bush — inspite of the obsession from the left.
October 3rd, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Americans are stupid and Canadians are gullible fools huh? Boy somebody sure pissed in your cornflakes back there in the ’states’.
October 3rd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
“Boy somebody sure pissed in your cornflakes back there in the ’states’.”
I’m pissing myself laughing. Bob must be an Obama voter.
October 3rd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
On the income splitting for seniors that Dion stated he would cancel during the debate.
Mike Duffy announces that the Liberal Party states that they have changed their mind and will continue to let seniors income split afterall.
I wonder why this wasn’t breaking news every 15 minutes all day?
Dion has not been challenged by the media this entire election. What is the hidden agenda of the MSM.
October 4th, 2008 at 3:40 am
What is the hidden agenda of the MSM.
Governor General in their dreams, Fay; a Senate seat in the realm of real possibilities (if the Puffins win, Layton says he will abolish the senate so msm is not for Laytone!) a nice comfy fur to sit on (lots of $$ and money flowing to msm people in line with the Liberano agenda) is a guarantee if they (msm) support and protect their patrons: The Liberanos (no, not the taxpayers of Canada, we are just ‘peons’ to pay the bills).
October 4th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
On the income splitting for seniors that Dion stated he would cancel during the debate.
Mike Duffy announces that the Liberal Party states that they have changed their mind and will continue to let seniors income split afterall.
Does anyone have links to any of this? It’s a big issue.
October 6th, 2008 at 3:37 am
Joanne; Pierre Polieve said that Dion said it twice - once in an interview 2 days before the debate and once in the debate _English- I think. I am pretty sure Pierre’s website would have this information.
October 6th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Thanks, Jema. I did find the info on the Conservative website.