Wow, both the front runners are duds. Sad. They are desperate to convert the other two because they simply do not have the ability on their own to sweep.

Should be an awkward dance because to covert either one will require a return to the conservative fundamentals that Peter said was an albatross around the neck of the party.

   

Trudeau

   

He pretty much wins... by default... again.

   

*drops two cents into the slot*

1) MacKay has been around for some time, and knows how to work the audience as well as people who are sitting on the fence right now in regards to the next election.
2) O'Toole is a patriot and ex-soldier, and that should count for something. Still, as much as I like the guy, I can't help but think he's not being as forthcoming as he should be on some issues.
3) Leslyn Lewis would make an interesting choice for leader, and has a very solid platform listed on her website. She's a good speaker as well, and isn't afraid to offer an opinion. Unfortunately, she lacks the star power to survive the ballot.
4) Sloan is a mystery. Fringe candidate who talks big, and makes interesting points. But, I believe he's the proverbial 'flash in the pan'.

I believe the CPC leadership will come down to either MacKay or O'Toole, with Lewis having the potential to surprise if the party members want to try something new. I didn't renew my party membership as of yet, because I wanted to see who would become CPC leader before I tossed my chips into the pot.

Personally, I'm taking a more cautious approach to the party these days.

-J.

   

Given the lack of policy beyond "Trudeau Bad", I don't know who won but I'd say Canada lost.

   

Is there a prize?

   

I personally have never understood where MacKay's "star power" comes from. He was unimpressive in the old PC Party's leadership debates back in '03, he only managed to win the leadership with David Orchard's help, he was an embarrassment in Stephen Harper's Cabinet, in short he has almost nothing substantial to show for about two decades in politics.

So why do people like this nitwit again?

   

It is all fake. Real Canadians do not like him. The only people who like him are media shills whose job is to bring puppets to life.

His "star power" comes from his public speaking skills.

   

Speaking skills?


Examples?

   

By 'star power' I mean name recognition. Being a former cabinet minister and someone who helped found the CPC (current incarnation, post-merger) gives him that. Unfortunately, his ideas for the CPC thus far aren't very impressive, and could be very divisive.

MacKay would be wise to cozy up to the grassroots Conservatives and not try to fiddle with the party's core values.



Unless he's reading off a prepared script, MacKay has never been the most eloquent speaker out there.

-J.

   

Yes. He speaks clearer ad with better conviction than the other contestants.

No. I cite everything.
You choose any clip that you believe disagrees and let us compare.

While you are at it, if you could tell me what his job is beyond public speaking, I would appreciate it.

   

Except that the dumbkaupf was such a political wizard he couldn't win on his own and pretty much needed David Orchard to hand him the victory. And as a Cabinet minister he was an empty suit when he wasn't an active liability.