Though the Canadian Press reported that Stephane Dion didn't make any major changes today, I'd consider naming the yet to be elected candidate Bob Rae as Foreign Affairs critic, pretty significant.It's an interesting move and one that I think ultimately will play well. I know there is much angst out there about Rae, but there is no denying his ability to deal with media and certainly he is a good choice for this particular position.
Of course reporters this evening were searching for their footing on this news. Throwing out pro's and con's of the move, I suspect, (keeping with the theme of my last post), deciding what new narrative they will "sell" to Canadians tomorrow. One recurring theme is that by having Rae out there in addition to Ignatieff, Dion will further be highlighted as not being a leader.
What absolute nonsense. That may well be their narrative and of course the con's will play on it, but think for a second. What is leadership? A person who is unafraid to share the spotlight and use the very best talent he has, or a man who muzzles all around him, takes no advice and decides that he and he alone is the the "party"? For those unable to spot the difference, one of the above is termed a dictator in common parlance.
I can't wait for the first shot across the bow from the con's who suggest that Rae is unelected. In fact, I'm sure that was one of the first things they were all told not to say today. Rae, will be assisting with policy and unlike Fortier, is allowed to speak to the press and I hope he's out there often. (They also have Emerson .)
The problems aren't over, but this is an interesting start. Consider this, we are being attacked by the Con's, the media and the NDP. It takes an awful lot to fight that. I wonder how many Liberal supporters are doing what they can to fight back? It's time to turn this around.
Laughing out loud at the media would be a good start. Did you listen to the press conference?
13 comments:
I did listen to a little of the press conference and then tuned out as I found the press kept trying to focus on "yesterday's" news instead of today's changes/announcement by Dion.
I suppose they (the press) are allowed but I did not find it in the least bit useful or informative.
My credit goes to Dion for his patience with them. Very cool and collected. (put that on the list of leadership qualities)
Looks like some Dippers are already taking shots at this: http://nbcdipper.wordpress.com/2007/10/09/liberal-shadow-cabinet-bob-rae-the-new-michael-fortier/
Indeed sassy.
That is the most frustrating part isn't it?
I don't want a left leaning media, I want a smart media that makes me ask questions.
There are some that are good, but I've lost faith in most of them.
Hmm, good catch drew.
I think with every shot they take, they marginalise themselves. They suggest that all that is bad in this country is due to the two powers that have held power. Meanwhile, they have grown to be little more than the party of criticism.
They are not putting forward the face of compassion as they would have you believe. They are however putting forward an ugly attack, that will attach itself to Harper.
Keep it up NDP. You're not an alternative to the status quo and with Dion being the only one out there not calling names etc., you make the choice clearer.
I think this is a great move and I’m confident that Rae will shine in this role. He’ll be a great improvement over Dusanj, who’s a competent enough fellow, but pretty dull. Rae is always quotable and should get lots of face time with the media which is one of the things the Liberals need more of. As for him being a former rival, who cares? Good for Dion that he’s secure enough not to let things like that get in the way of appointing the best people. And regarding him being un-elected, well whose fault is that? Why doesn’t Harper get on with dropping the writ on the remaining by-elections? Maybe this will put some pressure on him to do that.
I wonder if the people of Ontario will support Rae....I am starting to forgive him...but I still dont trust him..we need the vote of ontario.
I think Dion decided that Harper doesn't want Rae around so has held up the Toronto by-election - solution - give him a position - good move.
Now Harper has Rae to deal with and apparently Rae will be doing a lot of foreign affairs talks in Quebec.
Anon post 8:39 am
"Now Harper has Rae to deal with and apparently Rae will be doing a lot of foreign affairs talks in Quebec."
A nice desperate action from Dion that will do absolutely nothing here in Quebec.
It also gives Harper a lot of ammunition against Dion's Liberals,because Rae has a lot of baggage with him in Ontario you people should remember it!
I can't wait to see if the liberals have a backbone in next weeks throne speech.
RT, yep I agree. I'm not sure when Harper has to drop the writ, do you?
anon @4:25. My sense is that the "Rae" factor in Ontario was defused during the leadership race. I trust him. I don't know if you've read any of his work, but his position is quite clear.
The loudest voices on the Rae factor come from the right.
Ha! and right on cue, here's Johnny to prove that very point.
Rae will have no impact on the right in Quebec, but you're wrong about the overall effect. He's much more aligned with popular opinion on issues, specifically, Foreign Affairs.
KNB keep dreaming.:)
1)During an election the Leader of the party will get the lime light, in this case its Dion.
People in Quebec don't want him period.
2)"He's much more aligned with popular opinion on issues, specifically, Foreign Affairs."
How is he any different
then Dion on this issue? Are you telling me that Rae's leader (Dion)have different points of view ? If so it would not play well in an election when your candidates contradicts the leader.
I now got to go because my Habs are playing good night.
Good move my Mr. Dion.
Johnny: Mr. Rae is quite well liked and respected in Quebec because he supported the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords.
More importantly, Mr. Dion is respected by the French media so
his presence in Quebec will give the Liberals some much needed positive publicity in said French media.
My guess is he will be moving around Quebec explaining the Liberal Party's position on the Afghan mission and he will be doing it while the government ministers responsible for that mission are chained to the House of Commons.
Mr. Dion is smarter that you think John but by all means continue to underestimate him and encourage your Conservative brethren to continue to do so as well.
Ottlib:
"Johnny: Mr. Rae is quite well liked and respected in Quebec because he supported the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords."
Did you know that Dion also supported the Meech Lake Accord ?
"More importantly, Mr. Dion is respected by the French media so
his presence in Quebec will give the Liberals some much needed positive publicity in said French media."
I say to that "WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN SMOKING?"
You are not from Quebec or you would not be saying this.
"Mr. Dion is smarter that you think John but by all means continue to underestimate him and encourage your Conservative brethren to continue to do so as well."
I never said that he is stupid or dumb. But keep dreaming.
No John, I live in Ottawa but I am able to read the Quebec media in both official languages. Being the current affairs junkie that I am I have been doing exactly that for years and I can say my assertion is correct.
Mr. Rae will be an asset for Mr. Dion in Quebec.
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