NDP: New Dion Paradox

This page needs to think about putting his money where his mouth his more often: if I had tied Dion on the final ballot to the Seahawks over the Broncos by a field goal, I'd be doing a lot better Xmas shopping this week. Despite my distaste for the Liberal Party of Canada, I did watch the convention as it was pretty good TV, in much the same way I enjoy a good Maple Leafs-Canadiens tilt even though I root for the Vancouver Canucks. Obviously the "play of the game" was the Dion-Kennedy give-and-go before the ballots were even counted, with an honourable to mention to Bob Rae letting his delegates fall where they may.

For New Democrats, the Dion leadership means the distinct and paradoxical possibility of diminishing returns, yet better results. Unlike Paul Martin, the new Liberal leader has the capacity to squeeze NDP votes without the fear mongering. For one, Stephen Harper is already Prime Minister, and two, Dion comes off as someone above the fray, and Elizabeth May dies a little inside every time he says "Kyoto" and "Sustainability" . Jack Layton may look to cut a deal for all the right reasons, but to casual and uniformed voters after two elections, he might look too much like a politician. However, if federalist Quebec voters swing back to the Liberals, the minority pendulum could swing leftward once again, and the NDP could find someone at the table willing to talk to them, even if they've lost a few seats around it.

Of course, it always helps to start off by saying something nice....