It's truly sad that Stephane Dion's interview with Steve Murphy and subsquent reaction could prove to be the decisive factor in the federal election. But it looks all too likely that it could be just that - with the proviso that the end result could go in almost any direction.
From the looks of things, the Cons are downright giddy about what they see as new material to use to attack Dion - so obviously they think it'll help them to a favourable ending to the campaign. On the other hand, Andrew Potter (first link above) thinks it's the Libs who stand to benefit, with the Cons' response almost certainly playing a huge role in that.
It's worth pointing out, though, that both could be only half right. After all, the combination of Dion's bumbling and Harper's delight in going on the attack could just as easily play perfectly into emphasizing the most negative aspects of both. And if those images are the ones Canadians have in mind when thinking of the Lib and Con leaders at the polls, then Jack Layton might go from being merely popular to seeming like a towering statesman in comparison.
Or alternatively, it's also a distinct possibility that the sheer absurdity of the whole situation will finally put the Rhinos over the top.
Fortunately, it isn't yet too late to turn the discussion back to real and relevant distinctions in policy and character rather than focusing in on a double-gotcha moment. And it wouldn't be the least bit surprising if the party which is best able to do just that ends up being rewarded in the long run.
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