| |
Blog of Adam Daifallah -- author, journalist, law student. Lover of politics, writing, golf, curling, fitness, fashion, bacon and maple products -- not necessarily (but probably) in that order. Partisan of the Anglosphere. Contact me via email at adam@daifallah.com. This summer I am joined by Keir Wilmut and Omar Soliman.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
On Tory strategy
I have an oped in today's Ottawa Citizen -- available free online here -- about what the Harper Tories have to do to win this election. I wrote this last week, and much of it appears in the book as well. Judging by Harper's performance last night (see below post) he's well on his way to adopting this strategy. A snippet:
History shows that conservative parties win when they offer hope for the future and play up patriotism. Ronald Reagan spoke of America as a "shining city upon a hill.'' Margaret Thatcher's first election platform in 1979 started out by stating: "It is the task of the Conservative party today to restore hope and confidence to a disillusioned British people.'' Mike Harris, who won back-to-back majority provincial governments in the 1990s, used to say his goal was to make his province "the best place to live in, work and raise a family.''
All these leaders used powerful, positive language to explain how conservative policies offer a chance for a better future. Mr. Harper has not done that. He has appeared negative and grumpy. Even Prime Minister Paul Martin has noticed. In the summer of 2004, he reportedly told a caucus meeting that "people see hope in us. Stephen Harper has never talked about hope.''
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 10:04 AM
Monday, November 28, 2005
The new Stephen Harper?
Stephen Harper gave what was probably the best speech of his career tonight when he addressed caucus after the non-confidance vote. Take a minute to watch it. He was positive. He talked about vision. He looked happy. He seemed enthusiastic. He actually looked like he was enjoying himself.
In short, he was everything he hasn't been since early 2004.
If this is the Stephen Harper we are going to see for the duration of the campaign, look out!
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 8:41 PM
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Ignatieff in for a rough ride?
According to a source with strong ties to the Toronto Ukrainian community, Michael Ignatieff's bid to become the Liberal nominee in the Etobicoke-Lakeshore could hit a brick wall. The Canadian Press is now on the case.
Apparently some of Ignatieff's past statements and writing about the Ukraine have offended Ukranian-Canadians. (This is a very politically-organized community in Etobicoke.) Ignatieff has in the past made statements, particularly in his book Blood and Belonging, that Ukranians find objectionable. Among them are his belief that Ukraine belongs to Russia and that Ukraininan nationalism is tied to anti-Semitism. One of Ignatieff's ancestors (it may be his grandfather, or great-grandfather) was education minister in the last czarist regime.
I doubt Ignatieff forsaw this problem. This could get ugly.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 2:53 PM
Saturday, November 26, 2005
About the book launch
I'm back from Toronto and the book launch. It was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the launch Thursday night at the Albany Club. We were humbled by the great crowd assembled. Mike Harris was in fine form! Some of you may have heard a bit about the stir created by the appearance of one particular guest. All part of the fun, I suppose. Thanks to the members of the blogosphere who attended. Yes, even Warren. Rondi Adamson has some pictures up.
Next week we're off to Ottawa and Montreal. Then Tasha is continuing on to Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver while I try to pass law school.
Keep an eye on the book website for upcoming media appearances, many of which will likely take place during the campaign.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 1:16 PM
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Book news
The book website is being regularly updated with links to articles and reviews about the book as well as our media schedule. Lots this week. Toronto-area readers can hear Tasha and I tomorrow morning at 7:40am with Andy Barrie on CBC Radio One.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 11:50 PM
Monday, November 21, 2005
More Mulroney Tapes
After watching tonight's CBC documentary on Peter Newman's Secret Mulroney Tapes, my respect for the ex-PM has gone up again, just as it did after reading the book. This man was a great leader. I believe, as we wrote in the book, that his overall record in office is only so-so. But this was a great leader. Dare I say a statesman! And a great politician.
On the other hand, my respect for Peter C. Newman has plummeted even further. (With apologies in advance to Alvy.) I mean, for those of you who watched tonight -- especially the journalists out there -- were you not repulsed at his sycophancy? Was this not some of the most unethical journalistic behaviour ever seen on tape? I mean, he was practially advising the man on his major decisions. Not just an ego stroker but an adviser. This is not the role of a serious journalist.
Not that I expect to see or hear any outrage in the papers. If it had been Trudeau or Chrétien instead of Mulroney, however ... Oh boy! National scandal of Judith Miller-like proportions! Front page of tomorrow's Globe for sure! Antonia Zerbisias would be howling in the Star. But no. Don't expect that. It won't happen. Because it's Mulroney. Newman screwed over the right guy.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 10:32 PM
Friday, November 18, 2005
Lord Black's indictment
So the Conrad Black haters are sipping champagne today. The amount of schadenfreude witnessed since his troubles began is second to none, or maybe second only to that seen during Martha Stewart's tribulations. Well, my opinion hasn't changed. If you're looking for a mea culpa, you won't find it here. I continue to believe this whole thing is a waste of time and I look forward to following the legal proceedings. Justice will be done, one way or another. As usual, Mark Steyn hit the nail smack-dab in the middle of the head. I also quite enjoyed Ezra Levant's observations.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 3:17 PM
Thursday, November 17, 2005
If you are looking for something to do today ...
...or just want to procrastinate, I've got just thing for you. Today is William F. Buckley's 80th birthday. To mark the occasion, National Review has put together a wonderful compilation of WFB's more notable articles. The best one? In my view, a piece from 1967 on (then-new governor) Reagan. A little long, but worth it. Check this out too!
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 2:53 PM
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Late-night tidbits
- Just when you thought he was gone for good, Joe Clark is back mouthing off again, this time criticizing the opposition parties because, in his words, they lack a "strong leader." Excuse me? This is coming from who?
- Rescuing Canada's Right is (finally) available for online ordering from Chapters/Indigo. This means it is likely in their bookstores now, too, or at worst, making its way there.
- Exciting to learn that our book is on Antonia Zerbisias' reading list. She says she is planning to "frum [huh? no idea what that means, but sounds bad] sentence by drivelly sentence" our chapter on the media. Can't wait to see that piece of work.
- Thanks to National Citizen's Coalition VP Gerry Nicholls for his kind words on the book. Also thanks to David Mader. (On Dave's blog, you can also follow the adventures of his brother, my former apartment-mate Dan, who is writing a diary of his travels through Thailand, Laos, Japan and other exotic lands.)
- André Boislcair is, as predicted, the new leader of the Parti Québécois. His cocaine problems aside, I'm in the camp that thinks he's a dangerous leader. Time will tell.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 1:08 AM
Monday, November 14, 2005
Web launch
The official website for Rescuing Canada's Right is now up. I know some people have had difficulty finding the book in stores. That's because it's just getting on the shelves now. It should be available all across the country this week. Best way to buy it -- and at a discounted rate, too -- is online from Amazon. It can be delivered overnight.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 12:37 AM
Sunday, November 13, 2005
"Bush is conservative, but he is not a conservative"
When William F. Buckley talks, I listen. And he's said a bunch of stuff in this interview with the Wall Street Journal, among them a great line on George W. Bush:
Mr. Buckley is similarly skeptical of the presidency of George Bush, who, he says, was not elected "as a vessel of the conservative faith." He returns to a formulation he has used before: "Bush is conservative, but he is not a conservative." The distinction is not unimportant; it suggests a way of approaching the world with a conservative disposition but having devoted no particularly methodical thought to the subject--perhaps a bit too in thrall to the formalisms of Republican discourse. "There's a certain"--Mr. Buckley pauses mischievously--"wholesomeness to the Republican Party."
As Buckley's career winds down -- and what a career it has been -- it is clear he is still as with it as ever.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 6:55 PM
Saturday, November 12, 2005
The Judith Miller saga
By now you've probably heard that Judith Miller, the intrepid New York Times reporter who went to jail to protect a source's identity, has "retired" from the Times. As part of her "retirement" deal, Miller was allowed to publish a letter in the paper's letters section, which you can read on her website.
As one of the small number of people who defended Miller from detractors throughout this ordeal, I have mixed feelings about this anti-climactic conclusion. Miller says she quit, amongst other reasons, because she had "become the news, something a New York Times reporter never wants to be." I'm sure she got a great severance package and I'm sure she'll clear her name in due course; being off the Times' payroll will give her greater liberty to do that. But I can't help but think this move allows her enemies to claim victory -- at least a partial one. Anyway, I'm sure we'll be hearing lots from Judith Miller in the coming months and years.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 1:24 PM
Thursday, November 10, 2005
On radio now
Book media begins
Really nice column in today's Toronto Sun about the new book by Michael Taube. He calls the book "the most forward-thinking book on Canadian conservatism in more than a generation." Thank you Michael. Also, a rather large excerpt of the book appeared in today's National Post Comment section but it doesn't appear to be available online. If you want a peek at what's in Rescuing Canada's Right, pick up a copy of the paper.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 2:04 PM
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
The Chalabi comeback
Few politicians have been the target of as much ridicule and derision as Ahmad Chalabi. The Iraqi democrat, who has given his life to the cause of a free Iraq, is the enemy of the tyrants who rule the Arab lands, leftwing academics and journalists and other defenders of the Middle East status quo, and for the last couple of years, high-ranking officials of the U.S. government.
But over the last few months, Chalabi, now Iraq's deputy Prime Minister, has been vindiciated. His erstwhile American enemies have now realized that he is one of the most important figures in post-Saddam Iraq. Today, Chalabi is in Washington meeting Condi Rice and Donald Rumsfeld, amongst other administration figures.
Churchill's famous words are apt here: "Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 9:06 AM
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Running against professional politics
Has normal people's patience with politics as usual hit the boiling point? Based on what I've seen here in Quebec City over the past few weeks, the answer might be yes.
In what may be a harbinger for political things to come, Québec City on Sunday elected a 68-year-old retired woman as mayor who didn't even run a campaign. Andrée Boucher had no lawn signs, no volunteers, raised no money and didn't even have a formal platform! But she won -- quite handily -- beating out several high-profile challengers, including an ex-Jean Charest cabinet minister.
All Mme. Boucher did was hold a few press conferences, at which she announced she would make bureaucrats work harder, spend money more wisely and turn the city around. The message worked. There are lessons to be learned here.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 10:51 AM
Monday, November 07, 2005
Responding to Alvy Newman
I've been meaning to write on this for a while now: a few weeks ago, I wrote a post called "The Mulroney Tapes rush job", which accused Peter C. Newman of, well, rushing his infamous book on Mulroney to press. (For those who haven't seen or read it, Newman's tome is a slapdash compilation of quotes from Mulroney and his associates with very little original prose from the author and no index at the back.) A few days after the post was published, a comment was posted here by Alvy Newman -- fourth wife of Peter C. -- refuting my claim that the book was written and published hastily.
According to Mrs. Newman, her husband started working on the book more than two years ago and his contract with Random House stipulated that the manuscript was due in May for a fall publication. She then says "if your publisher doesn't work to deadline and doesn't demand that you hand in a manuscript on a certain date, then I think you should name this publisher because there will be lineup of authors who would love to be signed to this one..."
Sure. The publisher's name is Wiley. And I can attest that our book was supposed to come out in January 2006, but because of the possibility of a fall election the publication date was bumped up to late November.
I have no reason to doubt that Peter C. started working on the book two years ago. It must have taken him hundreds of hours to plough through his interview transcripts to find the colourful quotes he used in the book.
But I still have to wonder if Mulroney's health situation did not play a role in the timing of this book. Mrs. Newman may well be right. But if she is, her husband and Random House could have easily shielded themselves from this sort of speculation. Like including an index!
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 12:01 AM
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Book and articles
It's snowing in Quebec City!
I knew the winters here would suck.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 9:37 AM
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Conservatism in America is thriving
In less than three weeks, our new book, Rescuing Canada's Right, will hit bookstores. We've put up a holder page here if you'd like some info about it; a fancier site will be unveiled soon.
The book, its contents and its message are on my mind a lot these days. (See book site for details.) So as I've watched the news the last couple of weeks, I've been seeing it through the lens of the book's content. What I've noticed are the glaring differences between the level of organization in the Canadian and American conservative movments. I reference in particular the U.S. conservative movement flexing its muscle on the Harriet Miers nomination. This story didn't get that much play in Canada, but it was fascinating to watch.
What a story! What a democracy! This is a textbook example of how a political movement is supposed to work. That two week period in American politics should be studied in every political science 101 course. The conservative base of the Republican Party decided that this woman was an unacceptable choice for the country's top court. They organized like crazy and through the media forced Miers to throw in the towel. (Kudos to David Frum who deserves a share of the credit.) Columnist Tony Blankley is calling what happened the American conservative movement's "Rosa Parks moment" -- the day they refused to give up their seat on the bus, even for a Republican president.
Contrast this with, as an example, the aftermath of the Gomery report here. As Stephen Harper said at his press conference today -- with a hint of frustration in his voice -- this is a scandal that should bring down the head of government in a parliamentary democracy. He's right. But it won't. The way politics works in this country, Martin will likely escape from this unscathed.
Now, I'm not saying that with a robust conservative movement like the one in Washington things here would be different. Perhaps Martin would still get off. But in my view, Harper's job is made substantially more difficult without the conservative media apparatus, pressure groups and other right-wing infrastructure to back him and the Tories up.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 12:30 AM
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Gomery
Well, I don't think the Prime Minister could have asked for anything better. He is totally "exonerated" and that will be the headline in tomorrow's papers. The blame is getting laid squarely on the shoulders of the old regime. Chrétien's lawyers are already talking about taking this to court because of bias.
This is not good news for the Conservatives, who would have loved to see some of the Martin inner circle implicated. It will be interesting to see if the Liberals take a hit in the polls because of the report. They may but I doubt it will be major. Looks like no December election.
UPDATE: Friend and new father B-Double has the most insightful post today on the report. Bang on.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 1:31 PM
|
