Via Nealenews, the most useful website in the country, comes the detailed analysis from Ipos-Reid of the latest public opinion numbers. They are at best concerning, at worst dismaying.
According to Ipos, a highly-respected and impartial firm, the Liberals and Conservatives are now virtually tied nationally --32-31%. But in the crucial battleground of Ontario, the Liberals now have a commanding 11% lead (44-33%.) Even more troubling for the Tories is that a majority of those polled -- 58% nationally -- think the Conservatives' push for an election is motivated just by lust for power, not to get rid of a corrupt government.
What can one say? Do Canadians really hate the Tories that much, as to throw their support again behind a corrupt and agenda-less party that (likely) engaged in criminal activity with our money? What can possibly explain it?
Is it Stephen Harper? Is he that unpalatable to people in central Canada they will again hold their nose and vote Liberal? Is it that Ontarians are still scared of some "hidden agenda," even though the Tories have it in their policy manual that they will not legislate on abortion? Or is it just proof of the old wisdom that the only time an electorate is motivated to change governments is when the economy heads south?
Of course, the Tories could run a brilliant election campaign and still win government, although likely only a minority. But given their past performance, I'm not betting on it.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 9:46 PM
