Showdown No Place For Speechmakin'

Showdown No Place For Speechmakin'

Edmonton - Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - by: Ron Thornton

golden
boy When the Stampede hit Calgary last week, three major politicians were in town. No question who the big story was, as the Prime Minister who wants to be Prime Minister attracted an unprecedented paying crowd of Alberta Liberals to harken to his siren call. With Jean Chretien's chances of winning more than a couple seats in this province slim to none, Paul Martin is seen as the golden boy with the perceived financially conservative touch who could win our hearts and our votes. He is touted as the Liberal with a vision, not a source of scandal and derision. He is the Grit who brings hope to those who have toiled in soil not abundantly fertile to their labours.

Joe Clark would probably not have been on the radar screen except for the good fortune of being photographed helping push the vintage car that was supposed to carry him along the parade route. In many ways, it was reminiscent of how he has been lending his shoulder to push along the once proud Progressive Conservative cart, rather than abandon the clunker along the roadside.

As for Stephen Harper, the Canadian Alliance leader made his parade appearance, took in a social event, and kept a low profile. He is already in command of his ship, he has no squalls to combat, no reason to grandstand. Rather than react, Harper acts in his own time, in his own way, according to his own plan. A visit to Calgary by the Liberal wrangler calling out the Prime Minister to a showdown was the day's story. Harper realized this, kept quiet, and allowed everyone to focus on the fight.

Ron Thornton



Showdown No Place For Speechmakin'

Edmonton - Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - by: Ron Thornton
golden boy	When the Stampede hit Calgary last week, three major politicians were in town. No question who the big story was, as the Prime Minister who wants to be Prime Minister attracted an unprecedented paying crowd of Alberta Liberals to harken to his siren call. With Jean Chretien's chances of winning more than a couple seats in this province slim to none, Paul Martin is seen as the golden boy with the perceived financially conservative touch who could win our hearts and our votes. He is touted as the Liberal with a vision, not a source of scandal and derision. He is the Grit who brings hope to those who have toiled in soil not abundantly fertile to their labours.

	Joe Clark would probably not have been on the radar screen except for the good fortune of being photographed helping push the vintage car that was supposed to carry him along the parade route. In many ways, it was reminiscent of how he has been lending his shoulder to push along the once proud Progressive Conservative cart, rather than abandon the clunker along the roadside.

	As for Stephen Harper, the Canadian Alliance leader made his parade appearance, took in a social event, and kept a low profile. He is already in command of his ship, he has no squalls to combat, no reason to grandstand. Rather than react, Harper acts in his own time, in his own way, according to his own plan. A visit to Calgary by the Liberal wrangler calling out the Prime Minister to a showdown was the day's story. Harper realized this, kept quiet, and allowed everyone to focus on the fight.

	Ron Thornton