I would rarely recommend reading anything in the Toronto Star, but today's column by James Travers is worthwhile. In it, Travers posits that the next federal election is going to be about leadership, not the gay marriage issue. Martin is soft, Harper is strong. This, according to Travers, is what explains Harper's strident position in favour of the traditional definition:
Where Martin stands on too many things is a mystery for too many Canadians. From missile defence to a resource bonanza for Newfoundland, the Prime Minister is woolly around the edges, an equivocator in search of a compromise.
Not so Stephen Harper. Ride in any taxi or visit any hair salon and be reminded that the Conservative leader is sharply defined, if not always admired.
That comparative clarity suggests it's possible to score points even from the wrong side of issues. As removed as Harper remains from the sweet spot of federal politics — the spot that exists somewhere between fiscal prudence and social generosity — he is adding to his resumé one of the preconditions for high office.
In taking a clearer position on same-sex marriage than Martin and in casting doubts about Liberal commitment to the Gomery inquiry, Harper is shaping a recognizable political persona and taking a step into the voter comfort zone.
Interesting calculated gamble for Harper. I don't know if it will work. He and his advisors obviously knew his critics inside the party would come out swinging. But if Travers is right, in the long run, Harper may have outsmarted just about everyone.
UPDATE: Great fisking of one of the stories linked above here. Par for the course for the Canadian media.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 10:46 PM
