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Home : Top Stories : Attack ads prevented a summer election: Harper

Attack ads prevented a summer election: Harper

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CTV Atlantic: One-on-one interview with Harper

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Fri. Jun. 26 2009 8:41 AM ET

Prime Minister Stephen Harper suggests his party's recent ad campaign that included controversial attacks against Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff may have done Canadians a favour.

In an interview with CTV News in Halifax, the prime minister told CTV Atlantic's Steve Murphy that the ads help convince the Liberals not to trigger a summer election, and allowed his Conservative minority government a few months of breathing space.

"To the extent that I think that the ads made the Liberal Party think twice about having an election, I think that's been a good result," Harper said.

"Because I don't think Canadians want an election, I think it would have been another round of political instability. And so to the extent I think it's put that party a little bit back on its heels. It may be thinking a little bit more about how to co-operate in actually dealing with the economy -- I think it's been helpful."

The ads criticize Ignatieff's time outside the country, alleging the Liberal leader returned to Canada solely to seek the prime minister's job.

Harper refused to say whether he personally agreed with the ad's sentiments that Igatieff is "just visiting." He said he would leave it to voters to decide whether Ignatieff's 34 years outside Canada disqualified him to be prime minister.

"Those ads are built around his [Ignatieff's] own record, his own words, on his own motives and his own statements on the country. Those are questions he will have to answer... As I say, the ads allow Mr. Ignatieff to speak for himself," Harper said during the 10-minute interview.

Harper said the ads ran at a time when the Liberals were not co-operating in the operation of Parliament.

"My preference would be for the opposition to work with the government. The Opposition has not chosen that path until very recently," Harper explained.

"I do think the people want to see the parties work together. But, certainly if the parties aren't going to work together, the Conservative Party won't unilaterally disarm."

One week ago, Ignatieff and Harper reached a deal that prevented a summer election. Thursday's comments come as Parliament begins its summer break. It's expected all parties will use the time to test the waters for a fall election campaign.

The opposition will have an opportunity to put forward a non-confidence motion during an opposition day early in the fall session.

Comments are now closed for this story

David Winter Peachland BC
said
0 0

OMG!

Talk about spin.

Has anyone on earth, apart from some clerics in Iran, ever said anything as arrogant as that? Harper's people can't be human can they?


The Reluctant Voter
said
0 0

Finally, a politician acknowledges that the people want the parties to work together. Harper is right on the money with saying that the opposition has not been willing until recently to work with the Tories. THe NDP and Bloc have basically said that they will disagree with everything the government says.Even if the Libs are forcing themselves to swallow their pride, at least they are doing what is best for us. Now all we need is the Tories to not act as if they have a majority and be more kind to the opposition.


reporting from ottawa
said
0 0

Attack ads only make our politicians look like American politicians, further blurring the line between our two countries.

I am ashamed of attack ads. I don't need one party telling me why another party is a bad idea, I already know they are all bad ideas.


Ry in the Hammer
said
0 0

Is this man delusional? His attack ads simply annoy Canadians. They haven't prevented an election.

What prevented an election is the fierce backlash from Canadians if ANY party attempts to call an election.


meerkat
said
0 0

Blah blah blah...

Unfortunately, lately, THAT is all I hear from politcians.


Mike
said
0 0

I found the ads very childish.

I was a conservative voter till those ads started.

My vote will probably go liberal now, just not into Mr sexy cancer.


Greg in the Hammer
said
0 0

Yeah, whatever Harper. You ran the ads because you were running scared. It's the CONS and the CONS alone that make parliament dysfunctional. This guy needs to be booted, big time.

PS - when is it the right time to have an election, Stevie? Oddly enough, you caused the last two at times of your choosing when nobody wanted them


BA
said
0 0

If the ads stopped the rise of the Liberals popularity then they did in fact likely stop the Liberals from forcing an election. I do agree that they can become annoying but at least they were informative.


Wendy
said
0 0

The attack ads were mostly anoying, nothing more. I felt maore than anything Harper was jelous of Ignatieff.

Ignatieff was fortunate to have such talet to be asked to teach at Harvard & work in the UK.

Yesterdays news sounds like Harper is chumming up with the NDP for a coalition to stay in power.

I feel sorry for Harper very sad man trying to hang onto power & turn Canada into a police state.


John Harding
said
0 0

Translation: I think Canadians are stupid jerks that I can manipulate like children.

The raw arrogance of this man is amazing to behold.

Does he want us to believe he and his strategy cronies sat around and considered what's best for Canadians before running their little attack ads?

He could rub dirt in an orphans face and twist it into something noble.


duck
said
0 0

such pompus arrogance from Harper.

Harper should resign as leader, then maybe the Cons will have a slim chance in the next election


David
said
0 0

It is amazing that the leader of our country can justify personal attacks on another leader. Can you imagine leaders of companies doing the same such as GM attacking the CEO of Ford in a personal way? How sad that a leader of a G7 nation can be supportive of such below the belt red neck actions.


Paul, kingston
said
0 0

Wow, thats absurd. kinda makes me wish there was an election so i can show that party what i really think of attack ads.

Remember Chretien and the conservative attack ads then. Didn't help the conservatives there.


happy
said
0 0

What a complete moron! Every time Harper feels his power slipping away he runs back to the gutter and starts flinging mud. How stupid does he think Canadians are? I personally can't wait for an election so we can return to sanity in this country. Vote Liberal!


Brad G - Edmonton
said
0 0

Attack ads aren't pretty but they are here to stay. They were perfected by the Liberals and have been used by all parties who have had the funds, and funding is really what makes the difference. When the LIberals had money they ran several of these. Any Liberals who feel slighted by these Conservative ones have trouble remembering their own history. They only need to look back to the campaigns run by Chretien and remember how they portrayed Alberta.


Bruce
said
0 0

These ads really worked from the perspective of moulding young minds. My son, who will be eligible to vote in a few short years, would quote the " just visiting" line more than once over the past few months. I was quite surprised that he took notice.


Steve, Alberta
said
0 0

Its actually funny how ctv is creating news out of this (their own interview) and making it a top story. Seems like biased reporting to me


Joe C
said
0 0

That's a load of rubbish and you know it, Mr. Harper.


André in Ontario
said
0 0

No wonder this guy will never get a majority government. If he thinks his attack ads stop an election his definitely on something illegal. A true Canadian thinks that those ads show a desperation on the part of the Cons & that they have absolutely no class what so ever along with its followers.

I wish we would have had an election to get this large power hungry Canadian separating ego out of there.


Ray in Alberta
said
0 0

I think Harper's comments are so delusional and so full oof himself. If the other parties ran attack ads on him on what "HE SAID" and what "HIS PARTY" promised, transparency, fixed election, to the recent we are not in a recession, to we are not going to go into a deficit, to small deficit, to the 50 billion deficit, to we would not bail out the Auto Manufacturers, to do all that.

I think those are more substantial than someone coming back to fight for his country, Conservatives have become very childish like the Americans in listening to these ads yet their supporters seem to eat it up and miss the whole facts. If it was based on last years facts alone, and if it was just over the last 2 years, then you'd have more on Harper and his party then the other parties combined.


Ordinary Joe
said
0 0

Speaking of preventing an election, it reminds me of when Harper went grovelling to the GG to prorogue Parliament to save himself from being booted out of 24 Sussex.


Eric
said
0 0

Harper...do you actually think Canadians are that stupid! What an insult! prevented and election..my A _ _!


Are these 2 stories related.
said
0 0

Hey Stephen... Astrology had more to do with avoiding a summer election than the attack ads.


Alex in Edmonton
said
0 0

I am against attack ads in theory, but a dilemma arises when you consider that there are legit issues affecting that sometimes need to be put forth to the public.

Ignatieff spending 34 years outside the country is one such issue, when you consider that his goal in returning Canada was to be elected to Parliament. In my opinion it's a good thing that the public was exposed to this because it's an issue that Canadians need to discuss, debate, and be made aware of.

I'm not sure the Conservatives were the one to facilitate that conversation, but then who else will?

Ultimately, Canadians will decide for themselves, and Harper gets one thing right by recognizing and advocating that viewpoint.


CarolynD
said
0 0

Well Pinnochio is at it again.

The election wasnt called because Harper called an unnecessary one last fall.

AND we just happen to be in a recession.

Does this guy actually believe anyone but his bvrainwashed sheep believe his crap?

This is one PM I will be happy to see fall..almost as much as sticky-fingers Mulroney


Maritimer
said
0 0

Harper is right about the attack ads. The Liberals have seen their popularity rise since the CONS began running these childish mean spirited adds. So the CONS were more willing to negotiate with the Liberals because an election would have sent them packing.

For BA. Please explain what was informative about these adds.


John Dalrymple-Fraser Peterborough On
said
0 0

We know when Mr. Harper is lying, his mouth is open.

If his statement is to be believed, then why did my local Conservative MP send out an attack ad after the start of summer break?

If it sounds like and looks like a bully, it is a bully.

I think it is time for Mr. Harper to spend time away from Canada.


Shawn in Ottawa
said
0 0

I've never heard such bull, even from Harper.


Jim in Ottawa
said
0 0

Let's all hope that Mr. Ignatieff is resoundly defeated in the upcoming election. His crass, personal ambition and opportunism may have been acceptable in some of the other countries he has lived in, but it is not welcome here in Canada. Mr. Ignatieff's way is not the Canadian way.


Craig from NS
said
0 0

Funny thing is the present politicians who "stayed home" are the same stale pieces of bread we've had for years. I'm not saying Ignatieff is a breath of fresh air, but the thing the Conservatives accuse him of might actually be a good thing.


Steve in Manotick
said
0 0

Just another example of Harper's lack of reality. I felt the ads were tasteless and showed the cons deperation to hold on to power...


nc
said
0 0

absurdity and delusion at it's best.
This is why Canadians have little valid choice during an election.


Tyler
said
0 0

Is this guy delusional? He really thinks his ridiculous attack ads stopped an election? This guy is in la-la land!


John
said
0 0

John from B.C.
Here we go again. Why does the media for ever twist wording. (Attack ads prevented summer election: Harper) Why not?( Attack ads MAY HAVE prevented a summer election: Harper} By omitting two(2) words. It gives a fair different expression Come on media be a bit more objective.


Stu from London
said
0 0

I would suggest that the ads had nothing to do with whether or not an election was going to be called, because the Liberal numbers were up after the ads came out...the Liberals and Conservatives plain and simply listened to Canadians and compromised on the EI issue. The ads have done nothing but damage the Conservative Party.


Kris D.
said
0 0

Canadians didn't want an election last year either, but that didn't stop Harper from breaking his own law and calling one anyway, before this economic downturn started, which he said wouldn't affect us.

Pretty much the only legislation he brought in that I agree with and he doesn't even follow it. This guy lost my confidence - and vote - a long time ago.


Gregory D
said
0 0

re: reporting from Ottawa

I would argue that attack ads only bring out the negatives about a party or candidate. This is good we should be informed. For example ads that tell the truth about a candidates past or how they voted on issues is fair game. For too long in this country politicians could do or vote anyway they want and not be held accountable at election time as there was an unwritten agreement not to do negative ads showing what a politician has done in the past.

If you say something or do something like voting against what the people want then you should be man enough to stand up and take the consequences of this action.

Now I do not think we should go as far as the US in attacking family or religious beliefs but in my view there is nothing wrong with attacking the candidates record. In other words follow the will of the people and you have nothing to worry about.


Abdula
said
0 0

Is He Really That Dumb? Those ads looked like a 5 year old made them and Canadians don't need that sort of pettty crap they need politicians to WORK not fight.


SpinMeNot
said
0 0

What's the difference between an attack ad and an ad that exposes the truth about a politician? Don't you want to know the truth about Igantieff, in his own words? I'm sure there are more revelations to come. Maybe we should put him on probation till then.


Dale Woloshin, Ottawa
said
0 0

Hypocrisy, and pure arrogance.

To take credit for the attack ads on the basis that parliament is dysfunctional, and to blame that dysfunction solely on another party is sheer hypocrisy.

Harper's directives to chairs of committees have to to stall, delay, and have done more harm to parliamentary function that any of the opposition parties doing what they are supposed to do, hold the government to account.


Kerry From T.O
said
0 0

I don't know why people don’t like these ads!!
Do they not tell the truth???
Did they not use his words that came out of his own mouth???
Shouldn't Canadian's know what a potential Piministers view is???
Did he not choose to live the states not Canada???
Shouldn’t Canadian’s know more about this guy???

Give me a break people if these ads were about Harper you would be praising the Liberals!

Give me a break! I am a loyal Canadian and I support our Prime minister proudly!

Proud Supporter of Our Canada!



Sam
said
0 0

Oh give me a break. The numbers tell a completely different story. What they tell us is that those attack ads had no effect on most Canadians, and for the ones they did have an effect on, they turned many more Canadians against Harper than Ignatieff. Polling data shows that Liberal support was consistently ahead of the Conservatives.

First this guy denies there's going to be a recession. Then he denies there will be a deficit. Then he says it'll be under a billion. Then he says 34 billion. Then 50 billion. Now he thinks that the Liberals are afraid of him? Can this guy read anything accurately? Seems like Mr. Harper is well past his best before date.


PLM
said
0 0

OMG as well , I have to say that this is the bigest pile of Crap that has come out of this mans mouth. Mr. Harper you wait until we are ready for a new election we will show you what works and what does not . Your ads are discusting at the least and at worst they are just a pile of &^&*% Get my point !

You need to start listing to US and not the people around you , how dare you think for a minute that you prevented an election, the peoeple of Canada did this by voicing our opinion and we have more waiting for you in the next election just you wait !

Right now we just want you to get this counrty back on it feets and do your JOB sir !




Richard in Ontario
said
0 0

I'm really not sure what the supposed "Attack Ads" accomplished, however, it still amazes me that Liberals posters can continue to call Conservative supporters all sorts of names and slag Mr Harper regarding these ads. I suppose it's poor or selective memories that these people have that makes them forget that their party is the inventor of these type of ads and will use them in a heatbeat if it means regaining power. Remember the phrase "Hidden Agenda".


Tim in Airdrie
said
0 0

Harper has part of it right but I think the backlash re these ads made the CONS become cooperative to save their skins until the fall.


Jonathan, Halifax
said
0 0

The only way to get a fresh perspective on Canada is to leave Canada for a few years and observe it from the outside. I spent 7 years living abroad, and only then did I see what is really going wrong with Canada. I support Michael Ignatieff 100%. Harper scares the bejesus out of me!


terri
said
0 0

I don't even think they were attack ads. They were just telling the truth. Some of you people act like Harper invented attack ads. The Liberals have them down to a fine science. They are just having trouble finding things now. My favorite blogs here are the I used to be a Conservative,Liberal,NDP, Alien or whatever but since this happened.I am voting Conservative,Liberal,Ndp or alien.


Spence in Ontario
said
0 0

Harper please tell us you are joking. You're attack ads had nothing to do with the Liberals preventing an election. What stopped the election was the fact that most Canadians didn't want an election and neither your party or the Liberals wanted one at the moment.

The attack ads are in a word pathetic. They are being run when we aren't in an election and resemble the lame smear campaign tactics of the American Republicans back during the 2008 election.


Justin in Moose Jaw
said
0 0

You know what I say ? Go back and think about what the LIBERALS did when they needed to attack adds - you name it there was nothing they wouldn't do to keep power.. Yet they lost it - why ? adds scam,sponsorship scandal christ you name it and you guys all liberal lovey dovey - get lost they are still the same spots in my eyes!!!


Goldens
said
0 0

I found these adds to be very annoying because of their longevity. But they spoke the truth so how can they be considered as attack adds. What type of a person would consider the truth an attack, other than a person with something to hide. I do think they helped prevent an election and as annoying as they were I am glad of that. They certainly haven't changed the issues or the way I will vote.
John Wilson
Bridgetown NS


Canada Goose Whistler
said
0 0

The attacks on the other side showed me that Mr Ignatieff is a well educated man.

Wanted for his academic achievements around the world.
He has proven his abilities as a excellent politician, by holding the Harper government accountable & forcing Harper to work with opposition parties.

Canadian are very fortunate to have Ignatieff as the leader of the opposition.
He will be a great Prime Minister!


Jon in Whitby
said
0 0

Ray wrote "If the other parties ran attack ads on him on what "HE SAID" and what "HIS PARTY" promised, transparency, fixed election, to the recent we are not in a recession, to we are not going to go into a deficit, to small deficit, to the 50 billion deficit, to we would not bail out the Auto Manufacturers, to do all that. "

So tell me how Harper was supposed to enforce his comments in a minority government. He can promise all those things but unless the opposition co-operates none of it will happen. If the Cons had a majority, I can guarantee everything Harper said would have been done. The only reason we are still stuck with a minority government is because the Liberals have had a majority for so long from immigrants who feel they must vote for the party that let them in. Now they are finally waking up and speaking their mind. That's why Toronto (immigrant central) suddenly shifted two seats from lib to con in the last election. Look at any prblem we have, crime, unemployment, etc. They have been on the rise while the Libs were in power all those years, yet you still support them. Give the Cons the majority they deserve and we'll finally see some change for the better.


Nic
said
0 0

Hey, PM Harper, this is not a game. It's not about holding power, it's about doing what's right and governing for this great country of ours.

BTW, for those of you who are too ignorant to do the research for yourself, most of Iggy's words used in Harper's attack ad were taken out of context.


Leonard Wickens Port Dover
said
0 0

I cant believe Harper thinks calling Ignatieff names is a good thing.It will backfire and he will loose his job in the fall


DG
said
0 0

What a goof! Enjoy your last summer as PM Mr. Harper.


Samual
said
0 0

I'm confused ctv had reported the liberals went up in the polls as a result of these offensive ads.


Alan in TO
said
0 0

Funny how the liberals were accusing Harper in the last election of being an evil "American" etc.... Now the Liberals are lead by a man who spent most of his time out of the country and identifies himself as an American! I think these ads were very informative because they give us a quick biography of Mr. Ignathief!


River_City
said
0 0

@John from BC: "By omitting two(2) words. It gives a fair different expression"
----
No it doesn't - it reflects the impression that Harper wants us to believe. Otherwise, why say it at all?

Either way, it ignores the fact that the attack ads backfired and gave the Libs more (not less) reason to want an early election.


bunny
said
0 0

They MAY have helped, I know that Harper is ahead again in the polls, so maybe they did help.Iggy = just visting.


conductor274
said
0 0

Attack adds are all that Harper has to offer and it's a poor substitute for leadership and good policy. The only people convinced of their relevance are the red neck right wing conservatives that already vote for his party.
Harper is nothing more than George Bush wrapped in a Canadian flag.


Steve From Alberta
said
0 0

I am a Harper supporter however i absolutly hate attack ads, its about how they are worse than us, rather than how we are better than them, it drives me nuts, but i am defiantly glad there is not another election that is the last thing we need, and now maybe they will start working together to fix the issues at hand, instead of trying to make each other look like they are both in scandals when really its because they are human.


rICK IN nb
said
0 0

Judging by the comments below, Harper just put his foot in it again. Did you notice every phrase started with I think or I don't think. If he would have used We think, it would have suited him better.


WestofTheRockies
said
0 0

What a bunch of cry babies!

How is an ad stating facts an Attack ad?

This is politics not a meditation retreat.

If Iggy is so damn sure of his right to govern why didn't he force an election?

All you Liberal hacks, either put your money where your mouth is or SHUT UP.


Brent - Ottawa
said
0 0

Attack ads are part of the political landscape and won't disappear. EVERY party has done them, and will continue to do them. It's not a Conservative thing or a Harper thing. It's a commly praticed political tactic.

Elections should be called based on whats best for the country, not whats best for any political party. If there were a strong party in place to bring Canada forward and benefit ALL citizens, then we would surely have an election called and vote them in. Until then, parties should work together for the benefit of the country.

Unfortunately, until such leadership is shown by a party leader and a strong political platform exists within any party, we are going to have an election when a party thinks it can win and not when the country can benefit from it.

It's sad and self serving, but true.


Bob,Calgary,Alberta
said
0 0

Unlike all the Lib/NDP socialist hordes who blogged in I don't see anything wrong with the PM suggesting the attack ads might have had an effect in moderating Liberals from forcing an election. The ads do make one ponder why Iggy came back to Canada at the behest of the Liberal backroom powerbrokers. People who say the ads make us seem more American sound completely foolish and exhibit that Canadian tendency to think we are somehow better than our neighbours to the south. Anything Harper says is spun by the Canadian media to try to make him look bad in any case. Lets get on with life and worry about more serious issues for God's sake.


Whatever...
said
0 0

What a load of rubbish. Those attack ads were distasteful at best. They certainly didn't do anything to change my mind about anything.


Adam in Ottawa
said
0 0

I laughed so hard when I read this that I actually almost passed out! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! Just when you think King Harper can't get any more arrogant he spews off again and we are left to marvel at how someone can be such a hypocritical goofball. I can't wait to see some of the counter attacks when we get into election mode in the fall. If Harper likes to use old tape recordings in Conservatives ads that's fine, the Libs have some fairly recent recordings that would make great ads (like Lisa Raitt maybe). Unbelievable!


Cross
said
0 0

Mr PM:
The "attack ads" backfired as the polls suggest.

Canadians don't need your style of campaign propaganda.

I'm afraid your time has run out. And I hope the people of this country never forget your dirty games and the Libs kick your butt come election time.






JMA
said
0 0

we are really bored of this silly political games !! They should be working together to make canada a great country but it will not because all parties are figthing for power. my vote is uncertain for a long time that`s why I never voted for any election.


shelley
said
0 0

Oh my goodness, what planet is Harper from, he must be wearing 3D glasses. Trying to take credit again, give it up already, there are enough comedians out of work. Do your job...


Jim in Ontario
said
0 0

Dion had the advantage of low expectations, but Ignatieff has high expectations. It is worth noting Ignatieff is a rookie and last week's bungling and backtracking showed this. The Liberals still have a valuable brand (Toronto and eastwards) but leadership is highly, highly questionable.


Lorne
said
0 0

The attack ads had no influence on my vote, had an election been called.

I believe that Ignatieff really wants Government to work and do something for the people, during this economic downturn.

Harper should realize that people probably do not want an election now as they want to get back on their feet financially and expect the Government in power to do something concrete.

Recent comments on different stories will attest to that fact!!!!


Ryan in AB
said
0 0

For those out there that tought the attack ads were infomrative and beneficial then you should also read the National Enquirer for your world news.

Attack ads do nothing more than show a politicians insecurities and inability to effectively voice their own ideas.

Unfortunately this fact seems to be true for all Canadian politicians currently. But until Canadians hold them to higher standards we will continue to reap what we sow.


CAC_Steve (Ottawa)
said
0 0

I agree with some of the previous comments. Attack ads from any party are an insult to the Canadian public. Attack the issues not the people!

It is sad to see that when so many Canadians are making valiant efforts to deal with the reality of the economic times, our politicians are focused on attack ads, behaving like spoiled children in question period and issuing threat and counter-threat in attempt to secure power.

Nearly every election our elected officials promise not to stoop to the levels of mud-slinging etc., and unfortunately they invariably do. The excuse is usually along the lines of "the other guys did it first so we had no choice but to respond". But you do have a choice, you can focus on issues as I'm sure that is what Canadians really wish to see.

I despair that there are few if any politicians from any party that have ant integrity left. When are some of you going to make a stand and stop participating in all this garbage? As a Canadian, I would really like to see each party commit to no longer participating in attack ads, childish behavior during question period and issuing petty threats and counter threats. So while you are on your summer break, have any of you got the courage to take such an initiative so that when you come back you are focused on real issues? Have any of you got the courage to do this ..... if you did and would stick to it that would certainly influence my vote!


Mike W in London
said
0 0

It would be nice if our electoral system said "Address your own platform. If you attack your opposition, you go off the ballot."

I also wouldn't mind seeing a nullification vote on ballots. If you feel that the candidates in your riding are unsuitable, there is no effective way to get this across. Ballots can be spoiled for many reasons. Let's have an option to nullify candidates, and if enough votes are received a new election in that riding. Voter turnout would increase quite a bit I think.

Switching parties after election? This should be prosecuted as fraud. If I tell you I'm going to do a job for you, and take your money, and I don't do it, that's fraud. If a politician tells you they're representing you as one party, take taxpayers money, and switch, that's fraud too. They must be required to resign from the seat first, and run under their new platform in the next election.

Ah, it felt good to rant :)


On Georgian Bay
said
0 0

The ads simply state truths about the Liberal leader in his own words. Michael Ignatieff has condemned himself with his behaviour and statements. I am not a Tory, nor of any party affiliation, but I certainly applaud our Prime Minister in his expose of Mr. Ignatieff - and I applaud him as a loyal Canadian.


Cal in Ottawa
said
0 0

I have never voted for the Liberals in any election. That said, the PM is making it very difficult for me to maintain this preference. Those attack adds were just so silly I am surprised anyone paid any attention to them. But having seen the quality of the advice the PM appears to get from the PMO over the last year or so, I suppose this should be expected. They tend to be an arrogant and somewhat pompous lot. It should also be noted that it his the PM's office, he is responsible for them. This gives pause for concern.

So where is the conservative party now? What do they stand for? Are they left or right of what is typically labelled the 'centre?' The party really needs to figure this out, especially since they are now following policies that might even make the NDP cringe with deficits out of control and bailouts for sick corporations. How are they going to gain ground in Ontario? Is Quebec a wash?
The Conservatives should think about this and less about these counter-productive adds.

I don't like the Liberal party or many of their policies, but please give me an acceptable choice.


Jay-TO
said
0 0

'Astrology had more to do with avoiding a summer election than the attack ads."

Good call. Don't forget that Harpers make-up lady is also a 'psychic". Also we Taxpayers are paying for her advice and paint jobs.

Weirdo freak comes to mind but I don't want to diminish the sideshow you conservatives hail has the second coming.


Carolyn M.
said
0 0

Don't you wish it was so Mr. Harper?
At least when the liberals do their attack ads, it's during an election.
Talk about a turn-off!


proud canadian
said
0 0

Harper is so right, and people that can't see through the liberals are like sheep. how short of a memory we have of the many, many lies from the liberals. Harper is a leader, and when anyone does a good job, they become a threat to the others, like the other leaders. If he was doing a poor job they would just shut up and let him make his own mistakes. Our life style has never been better in canada, and harper is showing why I love this great country.


Danni - Halifax NS
said
0 0

I hate attack ads.

It is nothing more than childish name calling - 4 year olds act in this manner. Grown men throwing temper-tantrums and blaming everyone else until they get what they want. Yup thats who I want leading our county.

Seriously, If you can play nice maybe its time to take away the toy.


Larry Grant, Edmonton, AB
said
0 0

Do all you PC/Harper haters really think the Liberals could do a better job?

Regardless of what they say the only thing all political parties have in common is, "They want to stay or get into power." and as history has shown, they will say anything to get there.

The same goes for the people. They only listen to and agree with their own party's version of the truth.

If any one party actually came up with a solution to solve all of Canada's problems, the others would disagree with it no matter how good an idea it was. Likewise the supporters of all the other parties would would follow sheeplike what their party's leaders tell them to.

Until we have a less emotional, more independent thinking and intelligent voter base, that isn't controlled by one part of the country, we will get the goverment we deserve.


Doctor in BC
said
0 0

Liberals/NDP/BQ = more taxes and less money in your pocket, remember that next time you vote...


SlateGray
said
0 0

Harper is not a leader he is a divider


Ken in Calgary
said
0 0

Harper is the most arrogant politician since Ahmedinejad. How dare he justify his draconian politics by acting like his attack ads were 'good' for Canadians. And then to say that his preference is for the opposition to work with the government?? Ignatieff has gone out of his way to work with the government, but Harper's idea of "work with us" means "accept everything that my party tables", essentially giving him a de facto majority. I don't know if Harper is delusional or just a complete idiot, but when you have a minority government, it is the government's responsibility to work with the oppositon - NOT the other way around! Sorry Harper, but maybe if you showed yourself to be anywhere even remotely close to trustworthy, you'd have your precious majority. But, as long as you keep spinning like this, attacking people, and acting like a dictator, your future in politics is limited. And THAT is what is good for Canadians - not your stupid Republican style attack ads.


Kevin in Vancouver
said
0 0

I disagree with the premise that these are attack ads. I believe for the majority of Canadians who have never read Iggys books or bothered to look into his past these ads were very informative.
He chose to live outside the country, he called America his country, He said he missed very little about Canadians and Canada, those are his words. He contributed nothing to us, no charitable donations and no taxes for almost 40 years. He never volunteered his time to help Canadians who are less fortunate or to groups who serve them. These are facts!
So really why is he here and why does he want to be prime minister? Easy it's the only country constitutionally that affords him the opportunity.
He's all about his biography and this is just another chapter in it. The scariest part about it is a man with those motivations can be counted on to do some extreme things in order to cement his place in history. Canadians don't need this kind of ego running the country.


Steve in PEI
said
0 0

Brent - Ottawa:

It's not so much about the fact the Conservatives used attack ads. That's expected, although the trend towards more and meaner attack ads does cheapen and pollute our political system.

What really galls about Harper's attack ads is that they are on *all the time*. For the Harper Comservatives, the election cycle just never ends. As long as they have any free cash, they are subjecting the population to endless attack ads.

I think we might take a more even-handed attitude towards the Harper bile if we only had to put up with it during election campaigns. It starts to get old when it never stops.

Between the non-stop bile, which the other parties can't afford to match even if they wanted to (which I hope they actually don't want to), and the use of public money to create blatantly political "Government of Canada" ads extolling his party's record in power, it sort of underlines Harper's tendencies as a vicious bully and his unquenchable thirst for absolute power.

No wonder the public is starting to get turned off. Fortunately, in Ignatieff we have a good alternative to Harper who is smart, decent, actually includes his colleagues in decision making and is tough enough to stand up to Harper.


Thanks Steve - for Saving Us
said
0 0

Thank-You Mr. Harper.

I can't believe that I thought those ads were selfish and self serving and very disgusting.
Now I find out that you were running them for us and to save the country.
Wow I can't believe how mistaken I was!!!!!
Thanks again Steve for your thoughtfulness.
Us voters are soooo stupid sometimes - aren't we Mr. Harper?


Brett in Alberta
said
0 0

I can't believe so many people are POed at Harper, for telling the TRUTH, but nobody is POed at Iggy for being TWO-FACED.

Everybody says they want politicans to be truthful and stop playing games, what kind of game is Iggy playing?

We still don't know what Iggy stands for, but yet people support him. What is his platform? Taxes Taxes Taxes, "oh yes please, where do I sign up"


Nick in Gatineau
said
0 0

Attack ads are good for Canadians ? Wrong Dosage maybe ?

But Ok. I'll bite on the medium you cherish so blissfully.

Did Stephen Harper hire the Heritage Front to handle security at Reform Party Rallies ? Yes or No ?

You see. I'd like an answer to that one, and I think Canadians as well, because there was a picture (still burned in my psyche since the '90s) of Stephen Harper standing beside Droege - a known white supremecist who trained in terrorist camps in the middle east - who happened to be an executive of the Heritage Front.

So how about Stephen Harper come clean about that as he sends troops to fight terrorists in Afghanistan ? Because if I was a soldier's parent or wife and I saw that picture; I'd have some real issues with that.


Bill Moyer Trenton
said
0 0

I have been a hard core Conservative all my life, but since these attack ads started up a few years back, I have been giving my Conservative stance a second look. I want to vote for a party that runs on its accomplishments, not on its attack of the opposition. I may be switching to the Liberal camp if Harper does not man up and run on his own platform. Has he nothing worth saying about what his party has done? All he can do is bash the Liberals? Doesn’t say much for the PCs. PM Harper, my vote is up for grabs. Do you want it?


Vingoe
said
0 0

Attack adds! LOL, okay this is where Mr. Harpers head has been inflated beyond the point of reality. Political Attack ads, as far as I am concerned, just shows how unprofessional a party is. It gives a glimpse of how low they are willing to go to undermine, undercut, the competition. It’s a waste of rescores that could be used towards the initiatives the party is committed too. It bottom line, IF you don’t have something nice to say about someone, what’s the point of saying anything at all? Why not be the bigger person?


Laura Langstaff
said
0 0

And he feels no shame in stating that manipulation of the masses, rather than good governance, did us all a favour?! We need governance that can stand alone without spin, manipulation, and gross distortion of democracy. This guy has broken ALL the rules to remain King of the Castle including fixed date elections. As Maya Angelou said "When someone shows you who they are, believe them."


zwinky
said
0 0

I think the attacks ads insult people's intelligence and encourage us to use very low-level, unintellectual emotional responses when making what should be well considered and thoughtful decisions.

We shouldn't be deciding important matters of leadership based on who does the best job of smearing their opponnent with insults that don't have anything to do with that person's ability to lead.

Attack ads don't impress me but unfortunately they seem to work on many people and have become a standard tactic of the uninspired, bitter schoolyard bully brand of politician that dominates in our current political climate.


Scott - Edmonton
said
0 0

Did anyone actually read the article, or was it just the headline? I don't think there's anything wrong with informing the public about Ignatieff's record, or past statements he has made. Maybe he should use his time off this summer to answer to some of these charges, because I haven't heard anything but spin from ol' Iggy. If you don't believe me search for Iggy's respons to the attack ads on youtube... nothing but spin! If anything, these ads warned the Liberals of what they would be up against if they were to force a summer election. If the Liberal party had the resources to run similar ads against Harper there is no doubt they would be doing the same thing. Attack ads are a part of the political process, and they are here to stay.




Phipps, Ottawa
said
0 0

So what is that saying about the end justifying the means or vice versa?

So much for morals.


Harper, only your most loyal dupes
said
0 0

would fall for this spin, as they no doubt fell for the idiotic attacks ads.

Ignatieff worked outside the country . . . like Wayne Gretzky does.

Oooooooh, scary.




Doug BC
said
0 0

He just MIGHT be right on this one.But I still think it's the Fiberals who were not wanting to be seen as the party that caused a summer election.While it is possible that thjey could win a minority,it is very clear they are not ready to govern.And,governing is much more difficult than being in opposition.
Harper is arrogant.But that alone,doesn't make him wrong all the time.Nor does the ability to "oppose" everything mean that the opposition has any better policies ready to roll out.
Given the Mr.Dosanjh proudly proclamimed that "we will not co-operate with this government in any way",it remains unclear to me just who it is that won't co-operate with whom.It's always easy to conclude that the gridlock is the fault of the government.Especially given Harpers arrogance.When does self confidence become arrogance? And,does anyone really think the socialists in opposition wants to work with anything remotely resembling a centrist,or right leaning government??
THe "spin" is on.But who is spinning who is not entirely clear to anyone other than people with strong poolitical biases to one party or another.
Loyal Liberals think Harper is out of touch.Loyal Conservatives think the opposition is obstructing Parliament.It's the people we call "swing voters" that matter.
And finally,not for one minute do I believe "Mike" when he says those ads will change his vote from Conservative to Liberal.Not for a second,in fact.No thinking person goes from right wing,to socialist,just because of some silly political ad.
They're ALL working to maniplate us.It's our job to see through the smoke and mirrors.From BOTH sides of the house.


Canuck in Bellingham WA
said
0 0

Usual Political Hacks HERE

I found the attack ads obnoxious myself. Still support the conservatives though.

What I really find tiresome on here is the same posters making the same anti-Harper (or anti-Iggy or anti-Layton, etc) remarks like "OMG can you believe this what an embarrassment to Canada". Also, the "I voted X but now I am voting Y" crap.


David Williams- Vancouver
said
0 0

Another example of Tory penultimate arrogance.

The fact that Mr. Ignatieff lived outside Canada has no bearing on the disgraceful state of economic affairs to which we have been reduced.


Roger - Former Eastener
said
0 0

Everyone keeps saying that what the Conservative ads about Ignatieff are “attack ads”. It is interesting that the ads are basically factual and informational except for the opinion of “just visiting” which is not a hard conclusion to arrive at. It is also interesting that the media left huge gaping holes in their background reporting on Ignatieff – the Conservatives essentially filled in some of those gaps and the spin through media in response is that these are mean and cruel ads – are the ads truthful – YES!!, are the ads revealing what the media should have reported – YES!!. Who then really has a hidden agenda?? Maybe it’s the liberal biased media who have been frustrated over recent years because their credibility was on the line trying to spin favorably Liberal news when possible with Dion as leader shortly after Ad Scam, etc. etc., and trying to spin unfavorably the Conservatives. Again the liberal media is faced with the same frustrations and credibility issues trying to spin favorably Liberal news when they have another Liberal academic at the helm.
Why didn’t the media do better reporting – the information on Ignatieff appears to be readily available.



Gary (Toronto)
said
0 0

First of all, it seems that Harper hasn't looked at the recent poll which still indicates the Liberals in the leading. Secondly, attack ad should be saved for the election. I hope Harper realize that the attack ad hurt his party more then help it. Actually, it shows he's scared.

Honestly, instead of bragging about how the AD prevented the election. He should be talking about how he's going to work with the other parties and work on Canada interest rather than spending time attacking other leaders and bragging how well he's doing. Harper, get real!

MR HARPER, I hope you are reading this because I will NOT be voting for your party in the NEXT election.


Wet Hen
said
0 0

A Prime Minister and a comedian. Who knew?


Frank out west
said
0 0

Harper's comments make sense. Iggy truly had been strutting around musing about forcing an election and the ads made him stop and think.

If he had forced an election we could have ended up with a Liberal govt or most likely a Liberal/NDP coalition which would have been devasting to Canada. (Spend, tax and regulate more, nationalize businesses - Obama on steroids.

That's the last thing we need right now with the world economy in crisis.

Harper has the calm, steady hand at the wheel and is exactly the one we need right now.




Joanne from London
said
0 0

BA- how can you say attack ads are informative? They are obviously bias no matter which party they come from, therefore, in their very nature they are not "informative."

And for those that agree with the attack ads (which shouldn't be going as it is not an election) I think it is wonderful that we have a Liberal leader who has experienced living elsewhere and worked with different people. He is an academic and in that world there are no boundaries. It is not unusual for journalists and professors to work outside their country - they often do.

Obviously Harper is the one not co-operating otherwise he would not constantly be going on about how the other parties are not. Usually the guilty is the loudest!


Eyes Wide Open
said
0 0

Whether the ads were a deterent of an election or not really isn't an issue.
Whatever the reason....I'm just glad there isn't one.
Oh, and as a non-partisan voter...I think the Liberal supporters had better take a peek into history (recent and not). The most aggressive and untrue attack ads have come from the Liberal Party of Canada. Not the Conservatives.


Soapy from Halifax
said
0 0

He probably also thinks they stopped nuclear war. Good use of tax payers' money, eh? I'd definitely go to the polls this summer, just to get him out.


BIG-JIM
said
0 0

We will never really know if the ads did that BUT one thing is for sure!
The truth hurts, RIGHT IGGY?
How does he figure he has the right to run in Canadian politics when he spent so much time away?
Of course we see immigrants running and I am not sure still how that works, anyone know if they are Canadian citizens?
We all know how crappy some politicians can be Federally and Provincially!
Will we EVER find an HONEST ONE???????????????????



Wayne -- Nanaimo
said
0 0

Typical BS coming from Harper, when will he wake up and smell the roses?


Gord. Robson, Nova Scotia
said
0 0

The purpose of ads:

1. Get your attention.

2. Make you think.

3. Invoke discussion.

THESE ads certainly did all three!

DO NOT FORGET which party ran
the first attack ads? The
LIBERAL PARTY!

REMEMBER this Liberal ad
"armed SOLDIERS IN THE STREETS OF
our Canadian cities"!!

Do you see soldiers Marching
in your city??

One "promise" that you can be sure that the Liberals will keep if they are elected
is higher TAXES for all!

WHERE is the LIBERAL PLATFORM??

What a "HIDDEN" agenda? It makes on wonder!
in the streets of your city


M M B Ont
said
0 0

Now this is too funny. Over and over and over the Canadian people have been atttacking Harper on any and every issue that arises even blaming him for the GLOBAL recession.I guess this is ok. The 'attack' ads by the Cons against Iggy have Iggy repeating the things that he himself has said in the past. This is Not ok according to the Canadian people. The Liberals have always in the past attacked the Conservative Leader and that is acceptable by the Canadian people! I guess Canadians are ok with anything that anyone does as long as it's not Harper and the Conservatives doing it!!!

Harper said no recession because had he said we are heading for a big recession folks, the media and the people would have been running around like chickens with their heads cut off screaming 'the sky is falling'! By not publically announcing a recession, people were calmer and not running scared and the markets didn't collapse etc. It seems everything in the world is controlled by what is said in the media. One day it is reported that the recession is coming to an end and all is good. The next day the World Bank announces something negative and the stock market plumets! It's all about controlling situations and not panicking !
I don't like the attack ads but it won't stop me for voting for Harper because he is doing a good job despite the dysfunctional Opposition Parties and Iggy who thinks he should automatically step in as Prime Minister and not get voted in.


CTR
said
0 0

MR HARPER, you have lost my vote. Out with the silly cons


Blinddog
said
0 0

All I can say is this, once a canadian always a canadian. it is the best place in the world to live. I does not matter how long you are away from you it Even 34 years. At least Ignatieff Has some intelligence. Harper is an economist by trade, and still has a hard time saying we are in a recession. That people are losing jobs. Or that he cares enough to even try and help them.


Concerned Canadian
said
0 0

The distinction between an informative ad that tells us relevant information about a politician, and a sleezy ad hominem attack meant to poison people's minds against a candidate is subtle, but essential.

When information is relevant to the job that a politician does, then I want to know about it. It needs to be factual, and a connection to the office needs to be shown.

It is relevant that someone has a criminal record, for example, because I want my elected leaders to be as honest as possible.

But an ad that merely attacks a person with slurs on his/her character and makes inferences that are not warranted is merely an ad hominem attack, and shows that the attacker has no real arguments to use.

It is an act of desperation.

For example, saying that someone is not a "real Canadian" because he lived in America is not relevant to any issue unless it can be shown that living in America somehow prevents a person from making rational choices if elected.

Mr. Ignatieff may be lived and worked in America for many years, but he remains a Canadian citizen.

So why should it matter if he was out of the country? His international experience and connection to America may in fact be very valuable in informing his choices as a Canadian leader.

Do the Conservative attack ads demonstrate that Mr. Ignatieff cnnot make rational decisions, or do they try to make a case through innuendo?

Ironically, it is the Conservatives who argue that anyone who criticizes American foreign policy is an "America basher" (usually without ever bothering to show that the criticism is in fact unwarranted).

Apparently, however, just living in America is a bad thing.

So Conservative attack ads don't make much sense, even on their own terms, and in fact demonstrate an underlying desperation.


LifeIsButADream
said
0 0

They're not "attack" ads, they're "exposé" ads. If they were attack ads the Liberals would have contradicted them with facts. But they did not, because they could not. So the ads are true. Can't you handle the truth? Is truth an inconvenience for Liberals? Is it, "My party, right or wrong," for Liberals? How about a little honesty, for a change.


LifeIsButADream
said
0 0

They're not "attack" ads, they're "exposé" ads. If they were attack ads the Liberals would have contradicted them with facts. But they did not, because they could not. So the ads are true. Can't you handle the truth? Is truth an inconvenience for Liberals? Is it, "My party, right or wrong," for Liberals? How about a little honesty, for a change.


Disgusted in Ottawa
said
0 0

What nonsense. Through these attack ads, the Harper government has done nothing but lower itself to that pathetic level the Republicans took themselves during the past few years. What an embarrassment to all Canadians. Canadians vehemently did not want an election the last time, but that didn't stop the Conservatives from calling one. Let's face it, they all know it's only a matter of a short time before Harper and his Conservatives are ousted - Canadians do not want a prime minister who acts like a dictator - and their actions only prove they're not beneath going to any means to stay in power.


SB, Hamilton
said
0 0

Is this guy Harper for real? I find it appalling that he applauds his own dirty "attack" adds.

I find it a sad and disparaging notion that political tactics such as these are actually applauded by morally bankrupted leaders (Harper).


Guppies
said
0 0

Can anyone run me some number here.

How much this ads cost ?

How much everytime an election cost ?

Are they both come out from our tax $ too ?

If the answer is "Yes" why we using our tax $ for all this.

I don't mine it cost us once every 4 yrs to run the election but not twice or 3 times in 4 yrs.

They do us no good. Like a dog chasing his own tail for the last few years.
And cost us $ 50B+ in a hole.

I just don't understand.
Is he nut or what ? Opposition will never never work with him.

If he know what he is doing. And more Canadian will vote for him and no worry what the opposition say. But so far that is not the case.


Kevin in T.O.
said
0 0

As a lifelong Conservative voter, I don't agree with the timing of the ads at all. And I disagree with Harper's assertion that it prevented an election. The Conservatives are sitting on a pile of money and they had to spend it somewhere. So this is what they came up with. Its amazing that his spin doctors are so out of touch with ordinary Canadians. I think that's what has prevented them from getting a majority in the house.


ken m.
said
0 0

What really annoys the anti-Harper crowd is that he's right. The ads had an impact on public perception of Ignatieff, and it makes the Liberal brass nervous. Combine that with Ignatieff's inept handling of the EI brinkmanship and they're only too happy to wait for a better day. And make no mistake, their only interest is getting elected, it's got nothing to do with the country.


Metro
said
0 0

I don't see why Harper used attack ads to duck an election when he could simply have prorogued parliament.

It would have been a lot cheaper.

For my $300 million tax dollars, I say let's have an election--Because if there's one thing we really can't afford it's more Conservative-style governance in this country.






Western Canadian, Royston, BC
said
0 0

Harper is very delusional, the ads did nothing to stop an election. Harper even broke his own law to have the last one. All he is doing is making sure his party gets more and more alienated from more regions of Canada. If he had his way we would likly become Americans as his policies seem to bend to their will.


Toronto should not be in Harper's waiting room
said
0 0

"My preference would be for the opposition to work with the government. The Opposition has not chosen that path until very recently," Harper explained.

Mr.Harper - give Toronto the funding for the streetcars. Work together with the parties as you claim you do. Our city is long overdue for this transit revamp to grow the economy.


Peter Goddard
said
0 0

Hey Steve. Don't do me any favours eh.
If there is an election, we'll figure out how we feel about it. And we'll let you know how we feel about you too.


KRB
said
0 0

Those ads brought up the same points that were made by Ignatieff's challengers in the 2006 Liberal leadership race. Funny I don't remember there being an outcry then.


Mark
said
0 0

Now this is exactly what Canadians have been concerned with. Why can't this moron just shut up and get on with governing?! Harper is like a child who just can't help himself and keeps poking the hornets nest. Its about time he got stung.


CON in ON
said
0 0

Two words..."Hot Air"... I think the man or woman who suggested the PM to say this should go back to writing the news.


Bill in BC
said
0 0

It's not an attack add when it tells the truth and simple points out something from the historical record. An attack ad is something like the Liberal chant about the mythical "hidden agenda".


Tony
said
0 0

Harper is grasping for any victory, no matter how small or trivial!


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