Not surprisingly, plenty in the Canadian media have responded to the NDP's first big news of the summer with all kinds of discussion as to where the party will go next. But let's take a quick look at some of the particularly noteworthy coverage.
Sheila Copps' tribute to Jack Layton stands out as a show of respect from a political rival. In contrast, Tim Powers engaged in some concern trolling par excellence, warning Nycole Turmel that the Cons might not appreciate the NDP's principled opposition. But fortunately, Turmel doesn't seem to be taking Powers' advice.
Speaking of whom, Susan Delacourt profiled Turmel in her new leadership role. Bea Vongdouangchanh did the same for Brian Topp as the initial face of Layton's announcement. And Joanna Smith looked in depth at the NDP's team which has helped to propel the party to its Official Opposition status.
Daniel Leblanc and Gloria Galloway covered some of what might come next for the NDP - albeit with some stunningly obvious commentary (does anybody need to be told that the NDP should promote its own values rather than the Bloc's?) mixed in. Andy Blatchford noted that Layton's absence may make for an ideal opportunity for the NDP's younger and newer MPs to grow into their roles.
And finally, Gerald Caplan served up a reminder that the party isn't over no matter what.
It's been a trifle wierd to listen to the commentariat (especially from the Liberal's house organ the CBC). Six months ago they were writing Jack Layton off as a spent force. Three months ago - right up until election night - they were saying that the Orange Wave was a myth. Now they're saying that the NDP is a one trick wonder and the possible loss of Jack Layton will be the end of the NDP.
ReplyDeleteIn other words, 24 hours before the Orange Wave they were blissfully unaware of it. So why should I take their prognostications on what's going to happen 45 months from now?
Yesterday, I heard about 15 minutes of Cross Country Check up before deciding I'd be better off spending my time otherwise. The entire narrative was how the loss of Layton would be the end of the NDP. The host (who was moderately less annoying than Rex Murphy) seemed unaware that the NDP had even existed before Jack Layton became leader.
Her repeated screed was to ask what happens if Jack Layton can't come back.
The answer to that, of course, is obvious to anyone who isn't mind-numbingly stupid. If (heaven forfend) Jack Layton is unable to return to the job, the Nycole Turmel continues as interim leader through a leadership race. Clearly she was chosen as one unlikely to seek the leadership herself (she'd be in her 70s by the next election). While Jack always operates on optimism, clearly he has provided for the worst case scenario in nominating Mme. Turmel as interim leader.
Jack Layton may be stepping down as party leader for now, but the NDP is still the NDP. If Stephen Harper vanished from the Conservatives, what would all the potted plants on the backbenches do without someone to give them their marching orders? They can only string out removing the long-gun registry and wheat board for so long before they have to come up with something else.
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