Monday, July 31, 2006

Say It With Me

Frank McKenna is not a candidate for Liberal leadership.
Frank McKenna is not a candidate for Liberal leadership.
Frank McKenna is not a candidate for Liberal leadership.
Frank McKenna is not a candidate for Liberal leadership.
Frank McKenna is not a candidate for Liberal leadership.
Frank McKenna is not a candidate for Liberal leadership.
Frank McKenna is not a candidate for Liberal leadership.
Frank McKenna is not a candidate for Liberal leadership.
Frank McKenna is not a candidate for Liberal leadership.
Frank McKenna is not a candidate for Liberal leadership.
Frank McKenna is not a candidate for Liberal leadership.
Frank McKenna is not a candidate for Liberal leadership.


And when you're done repeating that, please try:

There will not be a fall election.
There will not be a fall election.
There will not be a fall election.
There will not be a fall election.
There will not be a fall election.
There will not be a fall election.
There will not be a fall election.
There will not be a fall election.
There will not be a fall election.
There will not be a fall election.
There will not be a fall election.
There will not be a fall election.
There will not be a fall election.
There will not be a fall election.

posted by calgarygrit at 1:07 a.m.

34 Comments:

  • There will not be a fall election. Does that mean that the Liberals will vote for the softwood lumber deal, or will Harper change his mind about it being a confidence vote?

    By Blogger Greg, at 8:02 a.m.  

  • Bridge... mountain... gooey geyser!

    /I'm the Map, I'm the Map

    By Blogger RP., at 8:43 a.m.  

  • Oh my LORD I'm so tired of Liberals threatening a fall election.

    It's like Jeffrey Simpson said in his online section on the Globe and Mail. Sometimes parties paint themselves into a corner from which they can not escape.

    Also, I wish, wish, wish, WISH Frank McKenna would jump into the race. I'm telling you the race would be OVER if he jumped in. But I'm an east coaster and New Brunswicker so I could be really bias. I'm sure this talk about him entering the race is a result from his speech in Halifax with Clinton last week. Even ol' Billy came out and scratched his head saying McKenna sounded like he wanted back in the game.

    By Blogger Forward Looking Canadian, at 8:56 a.m.  

  • Also, why does everyone dislike Bill Graham?

    He's had the caucus knives in his back since day one... what gives? I like him.

    By Blogger Forward Looking Canadian, at 9:01 a.m.  

  • Oh my LORD I'm so tired of Liberals threatening a fall election.

    When it comes to imaginary things that don't exist, myself I'm tired of unicorns. They keep blocking traffic on Yonge Street, dammed unicorns!

    By Blogger Jeff, at 9:32 a.m.  

  • There won't be a fall election. If however, a leader had to be chosen in that event, only sitting members qualify. So Rae, Kennedy, Hall Findlay, and McKenna are out. It would also be unlikely for Ignatieff or Brison to gain enough caucus and executive support to win. Everyone who is going to support Igs had declared. So that leave Dryden and Dion who would split Kenedy's and Rae's support some way or another. I believe very little of this support would go to Igs. Dion or Dryden is the leader if a snap election is called.

    By Blogger S.K., at 9:39 a.m.  

  • BCer In Toronto,

    Well Bob Rae has asked that Libs bring down gov't over softwood, and every time I pick up a paper I hear about the Libs saying "they have to be ready for a fall election, blah blah blah"... I call that threatening an election because it's all they seem to want to talk about. I don't think it's imaginery.

    Billybud,
    I think you are right to worry about McKenna. I think he'd actually HAVE a platform and he'd appeal to a lot of centrist and independant voters. He's at the very least hold Harper to a minority, and I think he could also actually win against Harper.

    Man I wish McKenna would enter this race!! But alas, he probably won't. As the Hill Times article points out, he's making more money than I can dream of by NOT being in office, he won't want the pay decrease hah.

    By Blogger Forward Looking Canadian, at 9:40 a.m.  

  • Graham has proven himself to be most useless as leader. aka Afghan vote and budget vote. Sorry, I like him, but he's a non starter. He also has personal liabilities that would come to light in an election campaign, unfortunately.

    By Blogger S.K., at 9:41 a.m.  

  • It's totally funny that Rae wants to bring down the government in the fall over softwood. This doesn't make any sense. Only sitting members can be picked as leader in that event. So he's out if a fall election is called. wtf????????????????????????

    By Blogger S.K., at 9:43 a.m.  

  • Riley, I seem to recal an e-mail from the Conservatives asking for money because Steve is doing such a great job in Lebanon and they need to be ready for a fall election. In a minority government, it would be prudent for everyone to be ready at all times.

    And seriously, not to go back to this issue again, but there will only be an election on softwood if Harper wants there to be one.

    By Blogger Jeff, at 9:48 a.m.  

  • S.B.: why must it only be sitting members? Is there a specific rule I'm not aware of?

    By Blogger Ted Betts, at 10:18 a.m.  

  • McKenna wants to be PM more than anything. It was expected Chretien would win a minority in '93, and then McKenna would step in. Whoever wins the current Liberal leadership will be keeping the seat warm for McKenna. As McKenna and Harper are political soulmates, it wouldn't matter to conservatives if McKenna was in power.

    By Blogger nuna d. above, at 10:45 a.m.  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger Ted Betts, at 11:32 a.m.  

  • McKenna would find it hard to distinguish himself from Harper.

    This McKenna talk is all code for the real fox in the hen house - oh, and she's a sitting member too - former cabinet minister Stronach!

    smart money is buying magna shares and belinda for PM t-shirts.

    By Blogger Tarkwell Robotico, at 11:43 a.m.  

  • think about it:

    she negotiated the merger of right-wing parties.

    if she could do that, imagine what she could be doing in the middle east if she were PM as we speak.

    By Blogger Tarkwell Robotico, at 11:44 a.m.  

  • Hey Calgary, where's Iggy? He's missed two events in BC and the BBq in To. His team now says they don't don't know where he is???

    They don't know where he is?????

    WOW! are you on this?

    By Blogger S.K., at 11:47 a.m.  

  • "This McKenna talk is all code for the real fox in the hen house"

    I was told last spring by a Liberal diehard that there will be someone entering the race in the fall-not McKenna-but I'm presuming there are always rumours like that.

    By Blogger nuna d. above, at 12:44 p.m.  

  • S.B.,

    It does seem strange that Iggy is not in the news. I figured he'd wait a bit, then jump in. Well, it's been a bit... and where is he?

    The longer he stays in the shadows, I think the more people realize "hey, you in this to win or what?"

    By Blogger Forward Looking Canadian, at 12:56 p.m.  

  • Here's michael's cancelled with no notice agenda for BC

    Agenda - Michael Ignatieff
    British Columbia - Vancouver, Abbotsford, Comox Valley, Victoria, Chilliwack
    July 30 - August 1, 2006

    10:45pm Depart Courtney for receptionNote: MI to drop-in Comox First Nation Band office on the way to reception to see past candidate Dan Smith and local chiefs.

    Noon Vancouver Island North Liberal Riding Association ReceptionPrivate residence - ComoxContact: Dove Hendre, Dan SmithMI to participate in riding association reception hosted by local members and MI supporters Gerry Slobodian and Marcelle Hebert. 25-40 expected including First Nations leaders. MEDIA AVAILABILITY

    6:00pm Private meeting with Victoria Indo-Canadian communityPrivate Beach Drive ResidenceContact: Surjhit SodhiMI to meet with 6-10 community leaders. DH to confirm and arrange. SD invited to attend.

    7:00pm Private reception - Victoria Liberals and potential donorsDavid and Barbara Adams' residenceContact: Catherine, Jason Walker, David Adams MI to have private dinner with 15-20 guests/contributers. SD invited to attend.

    Monday, July 31 - Victoria, Vancouver, Abbotsford, Chilliwack
    8:25am Radio InterviewCFAX 1070 studioContact: JoeDH to confirm availability with Joe Easingwood. MEDIA AVAILABILITY

    8:50am Depart studio for Vancouver

    10:15am Meeting with Chinese Community LeadersChinatown location TBCContact: Bennie Yung, Albert FokDH to confirm location and attendees with Bennie. SO invited to attend. Vancouver Chinatown Merchants invited to participate. MI to be briefed on harm reduction. SO and SD invited to attend. Channel M interview may be scheduled on-site. MEDIA AVAILABILITY

    Noon Private lunch with David McLean North Shore Pemberton Street location TBCContact: David McLeanDH to confirm location. 10-15 guests/contributers expected. SD invited.

    1:30pm Depart North Shore for Abbotsford

    2:30pm Abbotsford Temple Visit with Sukh DhaliwalAbbotsford location TBCContact: BilalBC to confirm details and coordinate with Sukh. MI to participate in brief tour and Vision TV interview with Sukh. Briefing required on local issues.

    3:10pm Depart Abbotsford for Chilliwack

    5:30pm First Nations - Chilliwack Riding Association ReceptionBest Western Rainbow Country Inn, 43971 Industrial Way, Vedder RoomContact: Bilal Cheema, Marcel JuneauMI to participate in discussion with members of Sto:lo Tribal Council and Chilliwack riding association. 15-20 expected. BC to coordinate riding outreach and prepare briefing on Aboriginal fishery.MEDIA AVAILABILITY

    Tuesday, August 1 - Kooteneys
    8:35am Depart Vancouver for Cranbrook
    Noon Cranbrook Business ReceptionPrestige Inn, 2090 Van Horne Street SouthContact: Ross Preist, Brian KaufmanDH to confirm attendees with Ross. 25-40 expected. MI to give brief remarks. DH to prepare announcement. MEDIA AVAILABILITY

    1:45pm Community Roundtable - Early Childhood DevelopmentPrestige Inn, 2090 Van Horne Street SouthContact: Betty AitchesonDH to confirm invitations with riding president. 6-10 guests expected on the issue of early childhood development and health promotion. DH to prepare briefing.

    Man would I be pissed off if I had organized any of these events.

    By Blogger S.K., at 1:04 p.m.  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger Ted Betts, at 1:17 p.m.  

  • Actually, s.b., this time I'm not criticizing you by asking you what rule prevents a non-sitting member from becoming leader or being appointed leader.

    Can you let me know where that rule is? I'd be interested to read it because it could have a real bearing on this contest and the election.

    By Blogger Ted Betts, at 1:41 p.m.  

  • As an arch conservative, I have long felt that Frank McKenna is one of the few bright lights in the Liberal party.

    And yes, he would make a very credible opponent to Stephen Harper. McKenna is credible, charasmatic and his politics are not so left of centre that it would queer a lot of Canadians who are sick and tired of the social agendas that have dominated the Liberals.

    Other than the explanation in the Hill Times article that he is too busy making money and does not want to endure a campaign, but may accept a draft, I suspect that McKenna may decide to wait in the wings until the timing looks better for the Liberals federally.

    I have in a much earlier post stated that I felt whoever wins this leadership race is only an interim leader, as it will be difficult if not impossible for the Liberals to win the next election.

    That being said, if Harper makes too many more mistakes as he has with stating that the Isreali response was "measured", and then not back tracking on such a comment when it is clear that it no longer is measured in any way shape or form, then all bets are off. Harper has a tendancy to stick with a direction, which is his strength, but also it can be a weakness.

    I just don't beleive that the present flock of candidates have the talent pool or persona to exploit those openings that are given to them by Harper. McKenna, on the other hand, well... my worst nightmare, not because of him per se, but then we get Brison, Fry and some of the other questionable characters along with him.

    My opinion only. Fire away with the comments!

    By Blogger Andy, at 1:42 p.m.  

  • First of all, there won't be a fall election unless the Liberals want there to be. That's not my opinion, that's just math. If the Libs abstain on any confidence vote, it will pass automatically.

    And, if by some miracle, there was a fall election, I don't see any problem with Bill Graham leading the Liberals in it. I suppose the possibility exists to do a "virtual convention" if the delegates are already picked but I'm be quite happy with Graham at the helm. Bringing back McKenna to fight an election under the assumption that he'd step aside for a new leader wouldn't make any sense and Frank has turned down offers to run federally in the last four elections.

    By Blogger calgarygrit, at 2:46 p.m.  

  • SB; The Ignatieff stuff is just plain weird. I assume we'll hear from him within the next day or two...

    By Blogger calgarygrit, at 2:47 p.m.  

  • CG you must have a crystal ball.

    http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060731/emerson_softwood_060731/20060731?hub=Canada

    By Blogger Greg, at 2:54 p.m.  

  • "And, if by some miracle, there was a fall election, I don't see any problem with Bill Graham leading the Liberals in it."

    From eye weekly:

    "And Frank, true to sleazy form, reprinted fab's bilge after Graham's appointment.

    Atypically, Frank (which rarely exhibits remorse) made a pathetic attempt to justify its release of the tawdry details: "Now that he's a federal cabinet minister and a security risk, shouldn't the rest of the country get the story?" The Globe and Mail echoed Frank's sentiments. After Graham (the "flamboyant" new minister) recently deflected questions about the "rumours" concerning his private life as irrelevant, the Globe editorialized, "It is relevant, of course, if it makes him politically vulnerable."

    Most Canadians-if not Liberals-would think Graham was a liability rather than an asset.

    By Blogger nuna d. above, at 4:03 p.m.  

  • Cerberus,

    My understanding of s.b.'s "sitting members only" bit is that the caucus has the power to appoint or change interim leaders. Since the leader between resignation and convention is made by the caucus and not the national exec/membership then they can change the leader. I believe it is possible for the caucus to select a member who is not a current MP but this would likely never occur as that would leave the party without a leader in the house and would require a by-election.

    This is a seperate question than whether the national executive can find a consitutionally valid mechanism for holding an "instant convention." Since delegates are selected by the end of september, if an election were called before the date of the convention, those delegates would technically be authorized to select the leader without all getting together in one place.

    s.b's assumptions would not hold if the national exec had some kind of "instant convention" plan and since the party president and national director have both confirmed that there will be a plan for such an eventuality, the caucus would be unable to pick a new interim leader as they would find themselves with a new leader selected by the party membership.

    Not sure that ramble makes much sense.

    By Blogger Michael Crook, at 5:42 p.m.  

  • Nuna d above,
    Am interested where you found that article. I'd heard the rumours (really who hasn't?) but didn't know there was anything in the msm about Graham and that part of his personal life.

    By Blogger Scooge, at 5:55 p.m.  

  • Scooge, as it says, it's from eye weekly. You can get the whole article by putting Graham's name into their search engine(eye.net)

    By Blogger nuna d. above, at 7:41 p.m.  

  • "Frank McKenna is not a candidate for Liberal leadership."

    "There will not be a fall election."

    That was easy.

    Got any more lazy summer speculation? Post it on up.

    By Blogger Matthew, at 11:11 p.m.  

  • PLEASE let McKenna run. For God's sake, let this snore-fest liven up a little with some sort of interesting and captivating turn of events. For Peter Parker's sake, the most intriguing thing to happen so far has been Carolyn Bennet's sherriff outfit.

    By Blogger Jacques Beau Vert, at 9:18 a.m.  

  • The options being discussed fro a leader to go into a fall election are, caucus and the national exec choose, only the national exec choose or one member one vote. IN any of these options however, I have been told the candidate must be a sitting member. I do not believe Graham is being dicussed as an election leader. I made this assumption with those discussing it and they said NO. These people are riding association presidents who are in discussion about election readiness for the fall Cerberus. And Michael is wrong, the executive can over ride the caucus if caucus is too fractured to decide to pick a leader themselves, from what I've been told.

    By Blogger S.K., at 10:30 a.m.  

  • I also believe the assumption is the leadership convention would be cancelled and only a bienniel if that would go ahead in December. Because I also assumed a leader chosen by caucus and the exec would be interim, and therefor no one in the "race" would qualify, but I was also told NO.

    By Blogger S.K., at 10:33 a.m.  

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