Liberals quash rumours of Dion's imminent departure

Perfect example of his weakness. Dion can't even find the strength to speak to his supporters. Which, I'm sure are in pain as well. How would he react in a serious situation if he was leading Canada? Thank goodness the Liberals were crushed in the election. They suck.

Well, I think the writing is on the wall for Mr. Dion whether he likes it or not--and Dion knows it. The leadership race started when the ballots were tallied.

Naw. Based on the lousy campaign the Libs just ran, and the hopes that they can reincarnate the past with a familiar name, I'd say Justin Trudeau.

a blow-up doll would connect with voters better than Dion did. Trudeau would be good leader for the liberals, but the question is is he ready?

I don't think so.

He might do allright with the 50 to 70 year old former long haired, dope smoking VW driving, friends of jesus demographic, but as for the youth vote, it isn't 1968, so I doubt he's likely to stir up much adoration, just because of his name.
Nostalgia is great for music,clothes and cars, but politics is whole different kettle of fish.

He's also come out with some pretty, what could be termed unusual statements in the past which would be great cannon fodder for the Conservative party if he were to ever get chosen as leader of the Liberals.

So for now I think the back room boy's will leave him as an MP and see how that works out for him.

To be frankly honest, a leader is only a small part.
The party is broke in money and ideas and developing that is going to take years. All other parties raised far more money from individuals and that's an indication of solid support. Just droppong a new driver onto the old wreck isn't going to make it go faster.

An example is this shitstorm over Dion. His folks say he needs to stay, at least untill he repays his overdue leadership campaign debts, yet many are chomping at the bit to kick him out. Where's the ideal and where's the morale? Is a political party about ideas or only winning?

You tell me.

The Liberals have to decide which way they want to go. Do they want to keep ia gentle leftward slide and alienate their corporate friends and increase their competition with the NDP for voters, or do they want to slide a little more to the right, and therefore back into the centre? If they take this path, they keep the corporate support (cash for the party coffers) and attract/retain ficscal conservatives who have liberal social beliefs.

If they pick Trudeau, it'll likely be a continued slide to the left and ensure they stay as opposition members.

Personally, I hope they take a rightward slide, to be a fiscally responsible, socially liberal centrist party - returning to their alignment under Chretien/Martin. As corrupt as Chretien was, he kept Canada on roughly the right track fiscally. A true left wing open for the NDP will provide the progressive conscience that keeps Canada fair and just.

I know Justin won't run for leader, he is too smart. He knows he needs to get more years under his belt first. He could have taken the easy rode and been apointed the candidate in his riding, but he chose to fight for the nomination. He could have also been hand picked a riding which was a shoe-in, but he chose the riding which was a long uphill battle.

I have no doubt that Justin will be leader and Prime Minister, but not for several elections at least.

Do you have the munchies now?