Haper's Path

"...Canada may elect the most pro-American leader in the Western world. Free-market economist Stephen Harper, leader of the opposition Conservative Party, is pro-free trade, pro-Iraq war, anti-Kyoto, and socially conservative." "A Harper victory may prove to be the exception to the international rule -- a rare foreign event that manages to put a smile on President George W. Bush's face." Washington Post

I was recently chastised for refering to Harper as "...looking scary...". I was commenting on the decision of the Conservatives to use Mr. Harper as the focus of their ad' campaign. A few days after my posting the Winnipeg Free Press ran an article that sited a Decima Survey. This survey showed that the Conservative ads' had chased away 25% of viewers.

Perception matters. Stanfield's missed football, Joe Clarks odd walking style and Ms Campbell's "...a campaign is no time to discuss policies..." are all examples of missteps or perceptions that have hurt a campaign. Stephen Harper does not film well. This should not play a role in the minds of voters but...it does.

There are people from many races and cultural groups running for the Conservatives. There are men, women, old and young Canadians running for this party. An ad' campaign that focussed on the diversity and inclusivity of the Conservative party could put a new face to a party considered too right on social issues. There may even be an openly gay Canadian still willing to speak for the party. (O.k. this is a stretch.)

This article began with a recent Washington Post article about Harper. Ofcourse these statements could not have come at a worst time and combined with Martin's luck at being attacked by the U.S., Harper is once again having to overcome forces beyond his control. His ads are within his control. He and his braintrust must move in a different direction if he is to regain any chance of victory. Luckily there is still plenty of time.