Has Stephen Harper Shot Himself in the Foot?

Isn't it good to know that even as the Liberals and the NDP prepare for an early election.

Because they don't trust Stephen Harper.

Despite repeated Conservative assurances the next federal election will be in October, opposition parties remain skeptical and are preparing for an early campaign. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said he has no plans for a vote before Oct. 19 – the date mandated by 2007 legislation that establishes the third Monday in October every four years as election day.

His biographer Lawrence Martin at least believes that our so-called political genius may have shot himself in the foot. 

Our normally cunning Prime Minister – he with “the eyes of Caligula” as someone put it – doesn’t miss many tricks. He isn’t known for strategic blunders. But he made one in his year-end interviews. He put the kibosh on the possibility of an early election.

By appearing to rule out an early election in this part of his interview with Peter Mansbridge...



Which since it's on tape would be hard to disregard.

Given his words to the CBC anchor – in addition there’s a current Tory fundraising letter suggesting the timing as the fall – Mr. Harper would look like an out-and-out hypocrite if he called an early election now.

Even though by going early he could avoid the trial of Mike Duffy...



The trial could bring back memories of the many other ethical travesties under the Harper watch. Come the fall, it all could be hanging around his neck like a dead skunk.

Still hope to profit from the terrorist scare, from the safety of his travelling closet...



Going early would take advantage of the momentum the Tories got following the gunman’s attack on Parliament. It made national security a leading issue. It would be easier to keep the issue in the forefront for a few months than all the way to next October.

While looking a little fresher than he would look in October...



The government is long in the tooth. By next autumn the time for a change argument could resonate stronger than in two or three months.

Of course, Stephen Harper does have one good reason for going later rather than sooner.

And that is that in July many Canadians will start receiving cheques in the mail.

Which he may believe will be enough to make all those who receive them forget all his other crimes.

So if I was the opposition I start running ads like this one...



And the good news? I don't think any of this will work.

I think enough Canadians have seen enough of him to make up their minds, so it doesn't matter when the election is called.

If he goes early, he'll look like a liar. If he waits there won't be much left of him by the time the election arrives. We'll make sure of that.

But he will not escape the desire for change.

He will not escape his foul record...



He is the worst and most grotesque leader this country has ever seen.

And nothing will save him now...

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