The numerous clouds looming over the Conservative government have caused many Canadians who thought highly of Prime Minister Stephen Harper two months ago to question his competence, his trustworthiness and his vision for Canada, a new poll suggests. Mr. Harper still edged out NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair – and easily outdistanced Interim Liberal Leader Bob Rae - in the leadership index portion of a telephone survey conducted by Nanos Research between April 13 and April 18.
But Mr. Mulcair, who took the reins of his Official Opposition party on March 24, is nipping at the Prime Minister’s heels when it comes voter perceptions of federal political leaders. And Mr. Harper has taken a dramatic fall since February.
When Canadians were asked two months ago to name the federal leader they believed to be the most competent, 38.1 per cent said Mr. Harper. In the latest poll, that score dropped to 24.2 per cent When asked which leader they trust, 31.7 per cent said Mr. Harper in February compared to just 20 per cent in April And, in terms of who Canadians believe has the best vision for country, the Prime Minister’s numbers fell by a similar amount.
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Large numbers of respondents said they were undecided or would choose none of the current party leaders when asked to choose who was the most trustworthy competent and had the best vision for Canada“.
It takes some time for scandals to percolate through the public consciousness but it's starting to show in the numbers now.
The election fraud scandal is dangerous to Harper because the investigation will continue for some time and erupt now and then. It will certainly be an issue during the next election so he and his political staff will have to be squeaky clean. And speaking of squeakers ... Harper just barely squeaked out the (heavily targeted) votes for his majority this time, so I think it's highly doubtful he can swing that again without the dirty tricks (ie, without fraud).
Thomas Mulcair is looking good, by the numbers and in the House.
Harper: "In 1939 the NDP wouldn't even support going to war against Hitler!"
(Whispers ... Sir there was no NDP in 1939.")
Harper: "Well then the CCF ... same thing."
Mulcair: "Then I'll have to talk to you about Reform Party policies some time."
Wouldn't it be nice to have a chance to see what it would be like to have a government without ties and obligations to big business/big money?
It really is time to blow the cobwebs (and bats and spiders) out of the Hill, imo.
The next election just may be the most interesting one ever in Canada.










