2004 Democratic Primary

[English]

Someone please explain why the Liberal Democrat party in Russia is so named? Since it is neither liberal or Democratic. In fact it is extremely unliberal and would probably turn Russia into a fascist dictatorship.

[English]

Because "Fascist Dictatorship Party" doesn't give you a whole lot of votes.  I think they are disgusting but as long as they balance out the Commies, so be it.  It's really sad though when your true political alternatives to an incumbent government are Communists and Fascists.

Studying political party names of parties in other countries is very interesting.  My favorite example is the "Left" party in Denmark that is rather center-right

Absolutely! Some alternative! Vote for anyone other than the incumbant party and it may be the last time you ever get to vote! Vladimir Zhiranovsky is truely a frightening prospect. Imagine him with his finger on the button?!

[English]

Yes, add treacherous to the list as well! It's not fit to wipe a certain part of the anatomy on!

[English]

I can't either. But it's a possibility.

Isn't the NDP popular in Nova Scotia?  

I understand the NDP are popular in Halifax NS, but not so elsewhere in Nova Scotia, except perhaps Sydney. Personally I love Nova Scotia, it suffers high unemployment especially in Cape Breton however the people are incredibly friendly. Nova Scotia is one of the few places were the Tories still do fairly well. The NDP's best province is Saskatchewan. Largely due to the socialist voting farmers.

[English]

I agree, everything points to another Labour win in 2005. Labour are unpopular, but not so unpopular that people would kick them out in favour of the most hated politician of the 1990's! (Howard).

[English]

Twigg hardly features at all. I can't imagine him being very popular. Morris and Milburn made a hash of their departments so would be out of the running. Robin Cook looks like a garden knome and Blunkett is too authoritarian. There's only Brown who looks like leader material.

[English]

I agree, everything points to another Labour win in 2005. Labour are unpopular, but not so unpopular that people would kick them out in favour of the most hated politician of the 1990's! (Howard).

Indeed.  Remember though, that we still don't know who Michael Howard will face at the next general election (I remain a dissenter here on the electoral appeal of Gordon Brown), and you're right - Howard has a big task ahead of him.  But don't forget, his namesake here in Australia was the deeply (politically) unsexy "Mr 16%" during the '80s... and John Howard will now probably finish as Australia's second longest serving PM when he goes (he's already no.3).

Possible message?  The souffle can rise twice.

Or maybe not. : )

As a card carrying Tory, can you please explain why the Tory party did not elect Ken Clarke as leader? If they had I'm sure Blair would be looking at a 15% lag in the polls rather than a 5% lead! Anyone would think they like losing elections!!

[English]

Just what is the story with Alberta? Is it all conservative?
What about Edmonton, how does that vote? That's blue collar isn't it?

[English]

I was watching Question Period on CTV, between visits to the U.S., the G8, and the actions taken here lately, it is possible that the election will not be held until June. If I were Martin I'd find the big issue, like Gay Marriage, run on it, Gay marriage would hurt the NDP, but help the conservatives, so who knows. What should be the Liberal's big issue?

Siege40

I read somewhere that about 60%  of Canadians were in favour of gay marriage. Is that not true? I didn't think social issues were really important in Canada (apart from Alberta).

[English]

Anyone know how Canadians cities are voting?
I know Halifax- NDP & Calgary- CPC, but what about
Vancouver,
Toronto,
Montreal,
Ottawa,
Quebec City (BQ?)
Edmonton (CPC?)
Winnepeg &
Victoria?