With all the big money going into ad campaigns and to bought out Conservative media (like the CanWest and Sun chains), we do need to re-focus on the coalition at hand... Harper's iron-grip on government won't give way to a "coalition of the willing" parties in Parliament (everyone else) so quickly.
I suggest tomorrow morning - with the first press conference of the day - we invite progressive elements in Mr. Harper's party to join us in our coalition. Once again bringing Canadians together, and demonstrating this is not just partisan - as Harper is implying...
We know of Conservative MPs already speaking with Liberals (Nina Grewal in Fleetwood Port Kells has been mentioned [knowing she can't possibly beat the combined votes of the NDP and Liberals in her riding], as well as a few in Ontario, etc.). Let's extend an open invitation to these Conservatives to join the coalition.
Time to focus on the country. Let's just get rid of Harper and have an all-party coalition get us through this economic crisis (led by strong Liberal fiscal managers, and the panel of experts).
6 comments:
Excellent Idea. Really excellent.
Of course, these progressive conservatives would need to accept the coalition document as is..., but it would be a test to see if they really care about Canada, or are just being partisan and power-hungry. I can name a dozen or so MPs who would consider it, or are considering it (via information from common acquaintances)...
The media have noted that there were some Conservatives who did not give Harper a standing ovation when nearly all other Conservative MPs were on their feet. Needless to say, there are serious discussions going on for Conservative endorsements from outside the Conservative caucus and for floor crossings from the Conservative caucus. Dion is trying to transform this into a "Grand Coalition" as a legacy he wants to leave behind. Watch on Monday for the floor crossings.
If this political crisis could shatter the Conservative Party that would be sweet.
I doubt it will happen but still there are some fissures in the Conservative Party that have been papered over by the discipline of power. If that disappears or even if it looks like a serious possibility those fissures may open up.
The latest I've heard is that there are discussions with at least two members of the Conservative caucus. They are prepared to sit in a Grand Coalition's cabinet but will only accept an offer if Dion is asked to form government. It's happening boys and girls. This is going to destroy the Conservative party.
This sort of gesture is absolutely imperative if the coalition wants to maintain any legitimacy, particularly in view of the fact that one of the prime motivations of this coalition should be reopening parliament to negotiation, compromise, debate and the full cooperation of all parties in dealing with difficult economic times.
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