Michael Den Tandt suggests that the Cons' budget later this month will be "revolutionary" - which fits the conventional wisdom that a majority government will try to get its most controversial moves out of the way at the earliest opportunity in order to seem less dangerous by the time the next election rolls around.
But I have to wonder whether there's substantially more risk involved in that plan than usual.
After all, this year's budget will be greeted by a brand-new leader of the Official Opposition - who will then have the ability to take centre stage in countering the controversial elements, building both name recognition and positive impressions in the process. And that in turn may make it far more difficult for the Cons to dictate how the leader of the opposition is viewed by the general public in the years to come.
Moreover, the difference between other opposition parties who see their previous election result as a comparative repudiation and a party that's been on the upswing for a decade may result in far more enthusiasm in both the NDP and the general public than a new majority would normally face.
So if the NDP can respond effectively, the Cons' plans to make Canada unrecognizable at the start of their first majority mandate might sow the seeds of their own demise. And that should give Harper pause as he decides just how much radical conservatism he wants to inflict on Canadians.
Nice sense of opportunity there. God willing, the NDP could be blessed with a series of positive events that will help define our narrative. First there'll be Craig Scott's victory over the Liberals in Toronto-Danforth, then we'll rally to choose a permanent leader, and finally, we'll have this great contrast in values when the budget arrives.
ReplyDeleteBut of course, none of this will matter when the neo-Cons begin their character assassination campaign. Winter is coming...