tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38911110.post4280519009782458234..comments2008-06-29T11:38:28.833-07:00Comments on Dispassionate Precisionist: NDP Strategy Suggestion: Look WestD.R.M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00374029395451457451noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38911110.post-81614431135732972552008-06-29T11:38:00.000-07:002008-06-29T11:38:00.000-07:00I ought to note that this wouldn't result in an in...I ought to note that this wouldn't result in an ineffective "protest vote". The winning of many ridings west of Ontario would drain the Conservatives of their solid western base, inhibiting their attempts to form a majority government unless they win a lot of seats in Ontario and capture the entire Quebec ADQ vote. It would also prevent the Liberals from forming a solid block in all of Canada's cities (lets face it, cities in general are more left-leaning than farming communities on average). So both the Liberals and Conservatives a potential majority maker, strenghtening the NDP and providing them with the balance of power.D.R.M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00374029395451457451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38911110.post-29816833448687759392008-06-27T17:10:00.000-07:002008-06-27T17:10:00.000-07:00I agree that distrust with corruption in Ottawa ha...I agree that distrust with corruption in Ottawa has been a real contributor to Western discontent and I'd say that the NDP would benefit if they marketed themselves as the "honest alternative" to Liberal and Conservative corruption. The NDP would do wise to highlight some of Broadbent's suggestions for ethical reforms, especially in the West. This would show real teeth and substance behind their (hypothetical) "honest alternative" theme. Also, the NDP would get real credibility if they mentioned their involvment in improving the Federal Accountability Act and even mentioning some of Gary Doer's campaign finance reforms (albeit he's a from the third way centrist Blairite wing of the party, but it couldn't hurt).D.R.M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00374029395451457451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38911110.post-70892357152329997052008-06-26T20:28:00.000-07:002008-06-26T20:28:00.000-07:00I'd think the your second-last paragraph only hint...I'd think the your second-last paragraph only hints at probably the most important opportunity for the NDP in the West. <BR/><BR/>For some time now, Reform in its many incarnations has taken loads of Western votes based on fomenting anger against Ottawa - partly by playing up direct citizen action, partly by attacking the most glaring examples of misuse of power. But now that the Cons are in government and have been no less crass in their patronage than the Libs, there should be enough of a protest vote up for grabs to put plenty of seats in play if the NDP becomes the leading voice for the same causes (which has been part of the party's principles in any event).Greg Fingashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01506686081291502115noreply@blogger.com