by Sean Beesley, Spin Killer
July 7, 2004
I took a break away from the city and went to the cottage this weekend. No news, no noise, no post election rants and triads. While visiting with my mother, she posed an interesting question to me. Why are conservatives so bitter with the election results? Other than the obvious lack of an outright victory, it posed a very good question. Upon further analysis she is right, while avoiding the muck during the election, post election, we conservatives seemed to have decided to get down and dirty and wallow in the dirt and feel sorry for ourselves. To me this has been to the detriment of the dignity and composure displayed during the election. We have looked for countless reasons for what is seen as a failure. We have played up the old regional divides. The West is ignored and underrepresented, Ontario is self-absorbed and power hungry, Quebec is perpetually whining and trying to destroy the country, and the east has a severe case of small man syndrome. Once we have beaten that to death. We then move on to personal blame, Harper wasn't aggressive enough, social conservatives tainted conservative policy, Ralph Klien should have kept his mouth shut. Is there validity to any of these points?...sure. Is there a point to beating a dead horse?...not really.
Lets look at the facts
Yes, Canada has an identity crisis, and yes the Liberals have capitalized on it. The Liberals have smartly realized the crisis and created a persona and Canadians are reluctant to give it away. To me, there lies the key to victory.
The Conservative Party has moved mountains in the last year. They have taken a party and philosophy from the brink of extinction. Reunited its fractured parts and tossed aside the old PC Liberal in disguise. all of this is quite remarkable. However, it doesn't end there. Despite an early election that was meant to force Conservatives to run a bumbling bid. Conservatives from all across the country managed to unite and pull off a strong campaign that at points looked capable dethroning the Liberals completely. The fact that the Liberal sewer attack machine was needed displays the effectiveness of the Conservative movement. The Liberals barely pulled off their half of a victory, which isn't saying much, considering just a few months ago a majority was a shoe in, and some were speculating they could have many as 200 seats. all of the above happening in a matter of months borders on the miraculous.
Which is why the breakdown of this momentum dismays me!!!!
I would suggest that after what I can only see as an effective and successful debut, the Conservative Party and it's supporters should be standing tall, proud of their accomplishments. Continuing to operate above the fray to set the example for Canadians. Building on the successes and putting forward a strong, Teflon vision for Canada. as I said before, Canada is looking for an identity. It was the biggest campaign issue that was not mentioned, but was, in my opinion, the issue that was voted on. Conservatives missed the mark because they didn't present a clear enough picture of Canada led by the Conservative Party. Conservatives need to stop preaching to the converted and present Canada with an identity through example. If this happens the success of the next election is guaranteed. If it doesn't ...well, I'd rather not think about it.
Sean Beesley is the publisher and editor of Spin Killer www.spinkiller.com he is also a regular contributor at The Western Standard's Shotgun blog.
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