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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.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Ups and Downs, Week Seven
The Conservatives -- 7/10
While it seems like an eternity ago, Monday and Tuesday's debate performances were solid showings for Harper. Very solid. He looked calm, composed, prime ministerial. The week rolled along well until Zeisman affair, which was arguably the first major pitfall for the Conservative campaign. (A similar Liberal incident only hours later deadened its effect.) But Harper was able to stay on message most of the time, and, unlike last time, is taking pains not be overconfident of the outcome.
Why points were removed: Zeisman controversy, tepid response to Liberal attack ads, Option Canada scandal not handled as well as could have been. It was a Liberal scandal, no Tories were involved. Also, the Tories appeared to botch the platform release Friday by not having some numbers added up properly, but this was quickly diffused.
The Liberals -- 4/10
They get points for announcing policy -- as back-of-the-napkin-ish as it was -- and for going on the offensive. But there isn't much else good to say. When it rains, it pours.
Why points were removed: These guys are running the worst campaign since (it's already becoming clichéd to say it) Kim Campbell in 1993. They just can't get a break. Just when a window opened with the Zeisman affair, what comes out hours later? Oh, the Liberal candidate in Abbotsford tried to bribe his NDP opponent to drop out of the race. The attack ads release was totally botched due to the removal of the English version of the the "army in our cities" ad, which dominated the news for about three days. Then Keith Martin, MP comes out and says whoever did the ad was "stpuid" -- just as Martin announced he personally approved them! Option Canada has further sullied the Liberal brand in Québec. Martin's Hail Mary notwithstanding promise in the debate looked ill-conceived and desperate -- a fact proved later when it was revelaed that the promise wasn't in the party's written platform document. Also, Liberal PR reps are embarrassing the party -- as has been pointed out here in comments, Susan Murray is flailing around like a lunatic on Don Newman's show, making them more desperately than already likely are.
# posted by Adam Daifallah : 10:21 PM
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