Yesterday Paul Martin trotted out footage from an obscure and yet-to-be-released documentary showing Conservative MP Randy White disparaging the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. White says the Conservatives wouldn't hesitate to use the notwithstanding clause more frequently, not just to protect traditional marriage.
Honestly, I don't undestand what the fuss is about. I don't find these remarks too incriminating. And I highly doubt White would be in any decision-making authority in a Harper government. But the comments (or at least, the timing of their release) is bad news for the Conservatives. I've had the sense in the last few days that undecideds are increasingly breaking Liberal. The Tories have been devoid of any momentum for at least a week now. This may continue that trend.
Of course, Liberals MPs have said much the same thing as Mr. White. One, as Paul Wells helpfully points out, is wingnut MP Roger Gallaway. But the Canadian media ignores this, just as they always do.
As I said at the beginning of the campaign, there was sure to be numerous verbal blowups by Conservative candidates that would get reported in the national media. Controversial comments by other parties would be given a bye. That's what's happened. The only exception to this, so far as I can tell, has been inconsequential Edmonton NDP candidate Malcolm Azania. Quelle surprise.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 11:26 AM
