Who has the best chance to defeat Stephen Harper?

The sooner we can get rid of the religious right-wing, George Bush wannabe the better off Canada will be. We should disengage from Afghanistan because all we are doing is entagonizing the third world muslim countries. We must pick a strong leader in the mold of Bob Rae who has an aura of brilliance about him.

I think the Liberals need the newest face possible to have a chance and that would be Mr. Ignatieff because he has not been around during the scandals. Although he is now trying to backpedal on Afghanistan to gain Quebec support and he naively caused the "nations" controversy which I think will blow up in his face, when he takes his campaign to other provinces, he will probably stand the best chance of the candidates available. But I do feel the next election is the Conservatives to lose - they have just done a pretty good job. Rae is a turncoat and dead in Ontario, Kennedy is not in the league yet and dead in Quebec and Dion continues to carry the Cretien baggage, even in Quebec.

While I'm not a member of any party (so I can talk to all politicians on a policy issue -- copyright) , I believe Gerard Kennedy is their best option. He's an ideas person, and he doesn't have the baggage that Bob Rae and Michael Ignatieff have. I think there will be too many ways to attack Rae and Ignatieff based on their past, and if they are elected as leaders it will be this historical baggage that dominates the next election.

I don't get the impression that the delegates are thinking about how the general public sees their candidates, and are thinking how their candidates look to fellow members. I have to admit that I'm surprised that Rae and Ignatieff are the front runners as they will, in my opinion, be the easiest to defeat.

Having Rae as leader will also be seen as confirmation for Canadians who believe the Liberals campaign as the NDP but govern as the Conservatives, and who consider the Liberals less honest because of this. With the NDP and the Conservative party (and even the Bloc) you better know what you are voting for, and they participate in parliament on the same ideas that they campaign under.

While I personally hope that none of them are able to defeat Harper, the candidate that frightens me the most is Kennedy. An Iggy campaign will be full of blunders, a Dion campaign will have trouble appealing to the West, Bob Rae... well, I am sure that both the CPC and the NDP will have fun with 'Rae Days' - Kennedy is the frightening one, because he seems to be the most genuinely interested in renewing the Liberal party. Under Iggy or Dion, the brand of the Liberals (which Canadians rejected in January) will remain the same, and under Bob Rae the only change will be to put an orange tint in the red colour.

As far as Kennedy doing this in time for the next election, probably not - he needs seasoning on the federal level (and, rarely among politicians, he has been somewhat willing to admit this), however it is the election after that where Kennedy has the best chance of winning.

[updated Fri Dec 01 08:34:30 EST 2006]

Well naturally - Ignatieff - he's the closest thing to our current American Prime Minister - in that an individual with foreign longings should run Canada.

[updated Fri Dec 01 08:58:31 EST 2006]

I think that Stephan Dion has the best chance of defeating Harper. He is an honest intellectual who carries no baggage (Rae) and won't be stepping in a lot of cow pies (Ignatieff). His clean record, his clearly articulated opinions on policy matters such as the environment and of course national unity are sufficiently differentiated from those of the Harper government to offer people a real alternative. Unfortunately, today's politics is a lot about sound bytes and I wonder whether his media exposure will give him the time to present his strengths which don't always come through in 5 second intervals. Let's hope for a great speech tonight!

[updated Fri Dec 01 09:21:09 EST 2006]

Bob Rae definitely has the best chance to beat Harper. He is a very smart, seasoned politician.!

[updated Fri Dec 01 09:35:28 EST 2006]

Harper has a 10 seat majority in the House and his party is tied with the Liberals in voting intention - and the Liberals don't even have a leader! Harper is beatable. I like Ignatieff. Bob Rae will be a disaster for the Liberals in Ontario. In my opinion, he's done nothing during this campaign to move his image beyond his Ontario legacy.

With regards to the Ignatieff campaign being full of blunders, I would suggest that this impression comes from a political press that is constantly searching for controversy. Mr. Igantieff's support for the recognition of Quebec as a nation resulted in a near unanimous Commons resolution to the same effect. Is this not a sign of a united country?

I also think it is unfair to say that Mr. Ignatieff should not be our leader because he has lived outside Canada for so long. I think that it is imperative that we choose a leader who understands the world and who is comfortable in the international arena. Canada's economic future lies outside our borders and many of our challenges are global in nature. I find us so insular and petty at times.

[updated Fri Dec 01 09:54:06 EST 2006]

I’m a right of centre Liberal; I think Mr. Ignatief would be looked upon favorably by left of centre Conservatives and, therefore, could easily defeat Mr. Harper. I live in Ontario and still have recollections of Mr. Rae's incompetent government and could never support him as leader. My second choice for leader would be Mr. Dion; I don’t feel Mr. Kennedy has the experience or the qualifications to become leader of the party.

[updated Fri Dec 01 10:38:18 EST 2006]

I think that the best candidate to remotely have a chance to beat Harper is Bob Rae. Bob although an old shoe in the provincial scene, will have to rebuild his trust in Ontario after the dismal record as Premire in the early 90's. I remember the "white man need not apply" days of his reign. I was denied a position in the police force due to affirmitave hiring. Not only the Rae Days, and the social upevil he caused in Ontario. But as a Liberal leader, Bob can in my opinion, out perform Harper on the National Debate and his french language skills are excellant. I can honestly say that he can actually out debate Harper, this I'm affraid will get the Liberals back in.

[updated Fri Dec 01 10:58:33 EST 2006]

I would suggest Bob Rae. I believe he is articulate and has a grasp of issues that face our country. I feel that Canadians will respond to a thoughtful and understandable leader who is left of centre on social policies.

[updated Fri Dec 01 11:16:55 EST 2006]

I believe an aliance between Kennedy and Dion would be a good aliance with Gerard Kennedy as winner. I believe even though I voted for Ignatief, I have since decided that Kennedy would do better in an election against Harper.

[updated Fri Dec 01 13:15:47 EST 2006]

I believe Gerard Kennedy has a stronger chance of winning against Harper because of his stands on issues such as womens rights (Harper has cut funding to these groups) and his stand on the Quebec as a Nation issue. I think this is the issue that will decided the next federal majority government led by Gerard Kennedy

[updated Fri Dec 01 13:18:35 EST 2006]

I say NOBODY, give me reasons why you think differently, For those of you watching CPAC on TV, I detected a major flaw in the Canadian Elections Act. Quebec has far to many Ridings for its population, Tell me why I say that, alos the Liberals have trouble counting and their executive have not changed, They are forcing their views on the the grass roots, a typical flaw of the Liberal, another reason Canadians hate Jean Chretien , Mr Corrupt One. Send me e-mail when he comes on TV, so I can turn him off. I do need anymore of his B.S. , Do you?

[updated Fri Dec 01 13:34:31 EST 2006]

I think Harper will have the toughest time dealing with Dion. He's logical, has a solid vision and comes off as a very genuine, good-hearted person. He has a strong record and has little for Harper to attack him on. The con's that have been presented by Dion-opposers have been his English and his lack of charisma (both claims of which I don't believe have any truth to them) are cons that Harper can not critisize since he's isn't the most charismatic himself and also had to learn a second language. Ignatieff may be an intellectual but he still has a lot to learn. The mistakes he's made during the campaign won't be so easily forgotten by Harper, nor will Rae's record in Ontario.

Robert (Nova Scotia)

[updated Fri Dec 01 15:08:50 EST 2006]

As a Canadian Electorate and swing voter, I would like to rate the top four liberal candidates as there are two who would definitely get my vote over Harper.

Ignatieff: I watched him last night, annoyed at the press, that grimace on his face. Again today, he avoids the press. Has he not thought of the liberals at home who might be contacting the ex officios? Isn't that one of the main complaints about Harper..his avoidance of the media. Mr. Ignatieff would never get my vote. As brilliant as they claim he is, his ego is larger than his intellect.

Bob Rae: Too many failed promises to Ontario, too much baggage. Never.

Stephane Dion: Definitely would get my vote over Harper. He is refined, educated, a born leader with a clean record.

Gerard Kennedy: I need to do my homework on Mr. Kennedy's credentials. Definitely likeable and pleasant. Based on what I have seen thus far, would get my vote before Harper would.

KMA

KMA

[updated Fri Dec 01 16:25:09 EST 2006]

I'm still not sure who will have the best chance to defeat Harper - I would think several could do it. I think Jack Layton and Elizabeth May must be cheering like crazy for Ignatieff. His views of the world and the role the Americans have in it put him so close to Harper and the Bush administration that a lot of swing voters will look to the Greens or NDP if he ends up leading the Liberals.

[updated Fri Dec 01 16:52:35 EST 2006]

I'm a former Liberal. Actually ran for the Liberals in BC about a century ago. I'm now a swing voter, generally, but my local Conservative candidate is doing a great job for my constituency, so I'm temporqarily Conservative. I can't see why anybody would support the retreaded NDPer Rae, or the expatriot parachutist Ignatieff. They're both about as inspiring as cold dishwatter. I think that either Dion or Kennedy would have a better chance at unseating the Conservatives. Either one of them MIGHT be able to captuere my vote.

[updated Fri Dec 01 16:53:26 EST 2006]

Hello Nik,

If only Bob Rae had been more passionate in his debates, he would be ahead of Ignatieff, because
he can have national appeal as a person, across the Country. Ken Kryden also, who depected
what courage it takes to stand up for what you believe in, and refused the motion for
Qc, is a nation. However, he has a great personality, which he neglected to let ablaze!
Gerard Kennedy has the right idea about keeping the Liberal party together, but we need
a Leader who will keep Qc in Canada, once and for all. I would want to see this issue
resolved before we go on to settling the rest of the business in Canada, in this new glogal
word.
Stephane Dion is a brilliant man, and would feel safe with him at the helm, and would love
to see him as Premier of Qc.
I am still undecided, but right now, until I have heard all of the speeches, rather than Ignatieff,
I would vote for Bob Rae. I may still change my mind.
But I want to have a united Canada, before anything else, and anyone who will bring all
of Qc. in Canada, will be my candidate. I am fed-up with the uncertainty in this province,
and am anxious to see the 'block' out of Parliament, where they disrupt everything.
I want a candidate who will consider the grassroots, social justice, and the environment.
Mr. Dion's 3 pillar plan is certainly the mightiest...?
If only M. Dion had voted no on the motion of Qc. as a nation - he knew the implications
of what would come with this statement,from the seperatists.
Thanks for listening...for now, Bob Rae!
BLossom
Montreal.Canada

[updated Fri Dec 01 16:55:10 EST 2006]

I have to say I think Bob Rae will take it - look at Volpe going over to him!
Is anyone surprised?

CPAC's Peter Van Dusen mused that it was because during poor Joe's troubles, with kids giving to his campaign etc., Rae's campaign wasn't critical like Ignatieff's was. Please! That may have factored in his decision, but it certainly wasn't the major factor.

Rae wrote in 2002 that he ditched the NDP because it was too pro-Palestinian. Volpe fought with his campaign staff over the Lebanon war because he thought Israel was right to invade and slaughter Lebanese civilians.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Duh!

I hate to sound like a crazed conspiracist, but Volpe and Rae are both staunchly pro-Israel and if anyone thinks they'd take a foreign policy course different than Harper's blind pro-Israel stance, you're kidding yourself. Susan Kadis ditched Ignatieff because he had the courage to speak the truth about Israeli terrorism. After all, who could defend a country that shoots children and mows down entire families with tanks?

The Zionist lobby has coalesced around the Rae camp. That's why Volpe's there; that's why Kadis there, jeez, what about Irwin Cotler? If you ask him, Israel hasn't committed a single wrong! Why are they all in the Rae camp? Because they appreciate his vision? Ha!

Don't get me wrong; I'm not anti-Israel. I fully support their right to existence and, to use a tired but true phrase, I do have many Jewish friends, many of whom are much more critical of Israel than am I.

I'm not here to attack Israel; I'm here to wake up CPAC and others - the reason Volpe went to Rae is his stance on the Middle East, and because he knows what foreign policy under Rae will be like. Heck, maybe Volpe's hoping to become Foreign Affairs minister, where he can really wreak havoc.

The Zionist lobby is chittering - beware! The Rae camp is bad news for Liberal prospects at wooing Muslim voters. Ignatieff is a flip-flopping arrogant "Russian prince" who thinks he's come back to Canada to claim his rightful prize after paying taxes to help America, rather than his "beloved" Canada, for decades.

I agree with Blossom; Rae will likely take it. However, for the well-being of Canada, the world, and its environment, Dion's the best choice.

[updated Fri Dec 01 21:35:13 EST 2006]

I am not a Liberal, but I was quite impressed with all the speeches and feel any one of the candidates could, and should, defeat Prime Minister Stephen Bush.

If whoever wins does not go back-stage and kick chairs, like a petulant Harper did at the Conservative leadership convention, I may even switch my allegation and vote Liberal in the next election.

George Harper has to go!!

[updated Fri Dec 01 23:08:36 EST 2006]

Hello Nick,

Just listening to Bob Rae, and this is what I meant about his charisma...He is himself,
and happy with the decisions of the delegates who support him, and suddenly, just as I
hoped, he is becoming alive. Until now, he looked stressed, and disheartened. This
renewed sense of momemtum is giving him renewed life, and real passion!
I always liked Scott Brison, and now I know that I was right about him, seeing his support
for Bob Rae.
Must not forget, Ken Dryden, this outstanding great and unique man, who always
distinguishes himself, by his qualities of leadership, responsibility, and great common-
sense, and judgment. He is nobody's man, and always true to himself. A leader also.
Blos

[updated Sat Dec 02 10:05:20 EST 2006]

Ken Dryden. To bad the liberal party and media couldn't spot a 6 time winner. Outside of Ken, I would have to pick 'em in this order. Stephane Dion, Bob Rae, Kennedy (and Kennedy was the most likely to sweep Ontario if he performed well, possibly even giving the Libs the best chance of a majority, but Kennedy is the most unpredictable of them all) and lastly, Iggy.
Dion should drum up a strong minority, Rae a weak one (too many problems in Ontario), Kennedy the wildcard unknown, and Iggy? Iggy would give the Cons a weak minority out of default. I have a hard time supporting the leader of a country who waves to his crowd like an English aristocrat queen. (guy gives me the creeps)

And Dryden? He could have handed the Liberal party a majority.

[updated Sat Dec 02 10:39:56 EST 2006]

Hi Nik,
It's a big win for the Country!
I am so happy about this outcome, and nice to hear "Iggy" promising to stand by, and
with him. I do feel more secure. It is a real victory for Stephan Dion.

Blos

[updated Sat Dec 02 18:05:59 EST 2006]

Mr. Dion is a smart and honest politician. However, where did he demonstrate that he had leadership experience or the potential to be a good leader? In the end the Liberals did not want a carpetbagger (Rae) and a quasi American who is a Canadian citizen of convenience to lead the Liberal party. So they went with the lesser evil. Mr. Dion should talk to Paul Martin. Holding a cabinet job does not say you can lead a party. Mr. Dion does not have a reputation of being a strategic thinker or tactician like Mr. Harper. Mr. Dion will need to speak English if he wants to win in English Canada and, given his broken English, in a debate with Mr. Harper, he will show that he cannot speak English clearly and effectively to get his point across. Mr. Harper will be clear, concise and unequivocal and Mr. Dion will stumble around for the right English words. Mr. Dion's sole focus has been the environment. He is quoted as saying that Kyoto targets can't be met and he helped spend $6 billion while green house gases went up 30%. So much for a solid record on the environment and his main campaign platform.

[updated Sat Dec 02 21:07:08 EST 2006]

Dion is a godsend for Harper, the Conservative Party and the people of western Canada. He is a ideolog, a socialist academic university professor with no practical experience in the "real world", and is clueless about western Canada. Another Liberal from Quebec will not resonate with voters.

[updated Sat Dec 02 21:17:10 EST 2006]

I think Bob Rae would be the best person to defeat Stephen Harper, but first, the best person to lead the Liberal Party of Canada.

Bob knows what works during an economic recession, and what doesn't. His 30 years of public service will put the country back on track and will help unite the Liberal Party and all progressive Canadians. He will unite all Canadian on common purposes, from coast to coast to coast.

He has the vision, courage and integrity that is needed now more than ever. He will make the Liberal Party more open to grassroots, more inclusive and more reflective of today's society.

The number and diversity (age, walks of life, cultural backgrounds) of Liberals eager to work with him attest to the leadership and unifying qualities that Bob possesses.

[updated Thu Nov 27 14:52:11 EST 2008]