The NDP should be saying: “The alternative to a Conservative government is not yet another Liberal government, but an NDP government. The alternative to a corrupt Liberal government is not a Conservative government, but an NDP government. It's time to elect an NDP government.” The party's main spokespeople won't say that because they're not convinced that such an election result is even possible. But, until they start saying it, it never will be possible.
The most frustrating moment of the last election campaign for me, and the one time I've doubted Jack Layton as party leader, was when Layton was interviewed by Peter Mansbridge and answered "can you win this election?" with something to the effect of "we can have a significant role in Parliament".
The only correct answer to that question is "yes". If it has to be explained, then fine: make it "yes, if people vote for what they want rather than against what they fear"; "yes, because both other national parties have proven they don't deserve to govern"; even "yes, despite what the critics say". But any national party going into an election shooting for less than government is doomed to a miserable result. I very much hope Jack has learned this lesson going into the next campaign.
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