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Jonathan Malloy - Week Three Grades

Political Parties

Bloc Quebecois

The Bloc certainly has chutzpah. After looking down and out a few months ago, it's now already dictating its terms of support for a minority government. And it's shamelessly opportunistic - I don't recall the party originally forming over the issue of supporting Quebec's aeronautical industry, which seems to be its chief concern now. Obviously there are still a few ridings with Bombardier workers up for grabs.

Conservative Party

If you ever wondered why Stephen Harper looks so stiff and artificial, it's because he's made of Teflon. Nothing sticks to this guy except the aura of a winner. Having no issues to run on, the party ads now feature Harper walking around, looking prime ministerial while talking to himself. The most prominent Tory in the news this week was Brian Mulroney at the Reagan funeral - meaning that Canada's 18th prime minister can now appear in public (albeit not in this country) without damaging his party. We don't know exactly what's going to happen on June 28, but the wilderness years are over for the Conservative Party.

Liberal Party

Paul Martin had a good week - he left the country and hobnobbed with people who, unlike him, are sure to have a job next month.

Unfortunately, his party continues its agonizing slide. It's not a free fall...a comeback is possible. But what? Where? How? No one knows what to do. Everyone is getting their opinion on the record now so they can say "I told you so" later. But no one has yet found the secret to piercing Teflon. The negative ads should have been effective at unmasking Harper, but they do nothing to solve the basic credibility problems of Martin and his party.

New Democratic Party

Back when there were five parties, the New Democrats could count on some decent coverage because everyone was equally inept against the Liberals. With a Liberal-Conservative horserace, the NDP has become secondary.

Jack Layton hopes to get a few words in the debates this week, but he has largely become the third story in every newscast, always with the words, "Also campaigning was...." This mild populism-without-content worked well for Ed Broadbent, but Layton's lack of substance makes it even more difficult to get anyone's attention.

Past Political Party Grades

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