In fact, this latest gaffe is probably Iggy's worst, the one that could bring him down-- the rhetorical equivalent of setting your tie aflame during a CTV interview, and then hopping around on stage making whooping noises as you attempt to put out the fire. I am beginning to think that the Iggy/George W. Bush comparisons are incorrect. Rather, he is starting to remind me of Mr. Bean, whose ability to wreak havoc with only a word or two has often been compared to a force five hurricane (see photo below).
In any case, Stephen Harper's response to this controversy is particularly interesting and, I think, gives a glimpse of the strategy the Tories are likely to employ should Iggy become Lib Leader. From The Globe:
The Prime Minister, however, was quick to exploit the opening, saying he cannot figure out what Mr. Ignatieff believes.
“In the summer, he said he didn't lose any particular sleep over the event. Yesterday he said it was a war crime, and today his spokesperson is saying that's not quite what he meant, it was slightly more nuanced. Our position has always been that was a terrible tragedy,” Mr. Harper said in Vancouver."
Call this the Iggy as John Kerry Meme: the guy's so "nuanced" he can either mean two things at once or nothing at all. In a debate, I could see a version of it being applied to Iggy on Torture, Iggy on Gulf War II (in light of your remarks on Qana, was the invasion a "war crime" or not?), Iggy on You Name It.
Bob Rae's and his naked ass, Dion the rat-faced man, are both starting to look pretty good in comparison.
WHO IS MORE FIT TO LEAD?
5 comments:
Judeoscope has posted the offending clip so bloggers like Cerebus can stop complaining he doesn't know what Iggy really said.
http://www.judeoscope.ca/breve.php3?id_breve=2726
Le vert:
Give me a break. When I posted the comment, I was at work and had not received confirmation of these words. In reading all of the praiseworthy French press about the interview, none mentioned the comment.
As soon as I got confirmation, I posted an update. Then added a whole post of my thoughts on it today in which I agree with half of BCL's comment: true or not, it is one thing to speak hard truths about things you can change but when it comes to international conflicts in which you have no role, perhaps unwise and perhaps diplomacy is the better approach.
I agree with you BigCityLib, he should have kept his mouth shut. A good leader knows when to shut up. There is a time for everything, but that wasn't it.
www.wernerpatels.com
You know what Big City Lib?
Ignatieff has actually been an excellent foil in this race. You can't buy talent like that.
Every mistake he makes just allows the others to look good in response, and define themselves.
By the time they get to December, they will have a higher profile in the media and among Canadians -- thanks to Ignatieff, who probably will have to carry this baggage for the rest of his career.
I'm with Werner on this one. Regardless of facts and truth, during a leadership campaign or an election it's usually best to give a "political non-answer" instead of saying how you actually feel......in most cases anyway.
It sucks I know, but so does politics...
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