Comments that both McGuinty and Trudeau have already apologized for and which in addition led to McGuinty resigning from his critic’s portfolio.
One would think someone in the Prime Minister’s Office would have figured out that they have already won this round. They forced an apology from both men, and they won the press war just prior to a byelection which they also won. In addition, they have some great quotes for a future election attack ad. So why go on a witch hunt? Why the overkill?
I bet Justin Trudeau can’t believe his good fortune. In his wildest dreams he could never have imagined that a House of Commons Committee would haul him in to testify about his comments even though they had nothing to do with natural resources. The Conservatives have handed him a gift. They have validated both his and the opposition parties’ attack lines. What better example of a draconian government that is abusive, heavy-handed and petty could they ask for?
Can you imagine the media coverage the Conservatives have given Trudeau? Every reporter on the Hill will be there and there will almost certainly be live coverage of his testimony. Every time the Conservatives cut off one of his comments or gang up on him, they will be validating opposition accusations of pettiness.
They have also given Trudeau a chance to read a statement into the record criticizing ther Tories, and a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of voters. A strong performance could win back much of the goodwill he lost when the video came to light. Trudeau the Alberta-basher may manage to recast himself as Trudeau the remorseful, with a newfound appreciation for Western sensibilities and concerns.
Last week, Albertans and Alberta MPs were the target of clearly stupid comments made by Trudeau and McGuinty. The Conservatives have now given Trudeau the opportunity to play the victim. If he plays his cards right, he will be able to milk this throughout his leadership bid, and if he wins, right up to the next election.
It would be interesting to know who dreamt up this “Star Chamber” exercise.
Do the Conservatives actually think they will win the media war when Trudeau testifies? Do they honestly believe MPs should be held accountable before a committee for comments they made were made years ago? If they do, can the Conservative chair of the committee tell us when a certain MP by the name of Stephen Harper will appear before the committee to explain his “culture of defeat” comments about Atlantic Canada?
Original Article
Source: national post
Author: Keith Beardsley
No comments:
Post a Comment