tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988599552908585128.post7540396790912831219..comments2023-10-16T01:09:58.286-07:00Comments on BC Iconoclast: Why I support Thomas MulcairBernardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15951619465188564252noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988599552908585128.post-44404716305893362522012-03-25T17:55:08.254-07:002012-03-25T17:55:08.254-07:00I all the provinces except Quebec, joining the NDP...I all the provinces except Quebec, joining the NDP means joining the provincial and federal party at the same time.<br /><br />In the territories this is true in Yukon, but I do not think it is the case in NWT or NunavutBernardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15951619465188564252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988599552908585128.post-87783494347356245082012-03-25T17:25:03.762-07:002012-03-25T17:25:03.762-07:00I could be wrong, but It's my understanding th...I could be wrong, but It's my understanding that if you join the provincial NDP you're automatically a member of the federal party, but not vice-versa.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988599552908585128.post-2578028750927477652012-03-23T04:41:00.337-07:002012-03-23T04:41:00.337-07:00I think your three-camp assessment of the NDP is p...I think your three-camp assessment of the NDP is pretty good. Thomas Mulcair represents the pragmatists. Brian Topp and Peggy Nash represent the tradionalists. Nathan Cullen represents the outsiders which is different from the pragmatists in that much of his support comes from people who traditionally support the Liberal Party. I don't know if the latter group supports Nathan Cullen because they truly believe in some co-operation agreement or if they want to weaken the NDP so that the Liberals can rebound again.Skinny Dipperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12818163310102120130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988599552908585128.post-10266381636799070612012-03-22T12:18:15.525-07:002012-03-22T12:18:15.525-07:00I think the idea of a coalition with the Liberals ...I think the idea of a coalition with the Liberals federally is a fundamentally stupid idea. The Liberals bring nothing to the table and are fading away at the moment, though if the NDP screws up bad enough they could revive the federal Liberals.<br /><br />With the Quebec break through and the proven ability to win seats in 9 of 10 provinces, there is no reason the NDP can not win an election and win it with a majority.<br /><br />Neither Cullen nor Ashton have the skills to lead a government in waiting. If either one of them is chosen the Liberals spring back to life. Nathan Cullen is a nice guy, but he has no background experience indicating he can be PM in waiting.<br /><br />Only Topp or Mulcair have the skills and experience to be the leader of the opposition in 2012.Bernardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15951619465188564252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-988599552908585128.post-62797252212428093952012-03-22T11:55:56.645-07:002012-03-22T11:55:56.645-07:00While I understand the NDP history and culture (ev...While I understand the NDP history and culture (even the strategic advantage) of joining the provincial and federal parties, I think it holds the party back in different sectors. Perhaps the default could be to join both but provide a check box to opt out of the other branch.<br /><br />On Mulcair, it's interesting to hear your take. We should remember that Harper had no cabinet experience (although look how that turned out). I worry that Mulcair is the most partisan and least likely to cooperate. He already denounced any possible coalition with the Liberals - a bit premature and a position that could bite him in Quebec. Nash is too Big Labour / old NDP for me, Dewar needs better French, and Topp needs a seat. This leaves Ashton and Cullen near the top of my ballot.Ianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08107622422843170178noreply@blogger.com