Liberals offended, nay, outraged that Harper wants to win a majority??

Liberals Ignatief and Rae One of the things that first attracted me to politics in university was how ridiculously passionate we were about policy. We all believed we had the answers that would solve the country’s problems.

Just as significantly, though, was the fact that we generally listened to our opponents, and almost always understood where our opponents were coming from, even if we didn’t agree with them.

I’ve tried to carry that philosophy with me through my political career, so I find myself in the odd position of having to confess that I genuinely cannot understand what Canada’s Liberals are so upset about regarding a recent speech by Prime Minister Harper.

In the speech the PM says repeatedly that he wants his supporters to work towards winning a Conservative majority. That surprises someone? It is apparent that Tory messaging in the last couple elections has avoided focusing on the election outcome, choosing instead to focus on issues.

Canadians justifiably see the Liberal’s recent election ruminations as needlessly self-serving, so its little wonder Harper wants to avoid that same appearance. Surely no one could be so foolish or naieve as to think that the goal of the Conservatives, though – along with every party – is to win a majority.

So the next point they seem to be offended about is Harper’s description of the NDP as socialist and the Bloc as separatist.

It is possible that the characterization of the NDP is somewhat hyperbolic, but the founders of the party were clearly socialist, and the party still passes policy on a regular basis that can only be described as socialist.

As for the Bloc – can anyone seriously disagree with Harper’s characterization?

So what’s left for the Liberals – and the CBC who so breathlessly reported on this story – to be offended about? If there’s something there, I just can’t see it.

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