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June 21, 2010

Michael Ignatieff’s Summer Roadtrip off to a bad start

Michael Ignatieff has gassed up the RV, packed the cooler, and is hitting the road this summer to meet “the Canadians”. Most details are still sketchy, but we hear that he is meeting with voters and bringing them a message of hope and inspiration.

Take for instance, Ignatieff’s recent meeting with ~~undecided voters~~ party faithful at a conference in Vancouver. Here’s one Liberal blogger’s take:

At the Policy Matters conference in Vancouver today Michael Ignatieff took to the stage, speaking on the hard work that lies ahead for the Liberal Party. Though for the most part his words roused the audience of party faithfuls, one statement left an uncertain and questioning resonance with the crowd.

In the latter half of his speech, Ignatieff said, “Before you speak, think, if you’re not going to say anything to help us win, shut up!” Preceding the last two words was a slight pause, and with their utterance, a strong loud emphasis.

Following Ignatieff’s statement the awkwardness was palatable, speaking to two members afterwards, both felt unsure of the Liberal Leader’s need to be so harsh. Another Liberal pointing out that it was not as if Ignatieff was speaking to some opposing Party, or that these Liberals did anything that deserved such a rebuke.

Telling Party members to shut up if they have a different position of the party or any criticism of it, is sensational and rude. At a time with Liberal support is at almost record lows, the Leader shouldn’t be so disrespectful to the people he so dearly depends upon.

It’s ok to start your summer tour in your comfort zone, among your friends, even if the experience is, well, um, uncomfortable.

If this is how it goes among party members, some of whom are skeptical of their leader, we can’t wait to see how it goes among the unconverted skeptics.

This entry was authored by Stephen Taylor at 12:15 PM | Tweet this | Comments (12)

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p.f.

I'm sure “the awkardness was palatable”, but it is strange for a Liberal to feed on it.
Ardvark

Ignatieff is muzzling Liberal supporters! Cue the outrage.
Lou

And, it is not the first time, either!!!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ar…
Beauger

Not a good start if Ignatieff has to herd ” the cats” before starting the rodeo. Will he be flipping burgers or pancakes at the Calgary Stampede? Too funny.
p.f.

You might find it interesting to compare to Google hits for “ignatieff shut up” and “harper shut up”. We all know which one gets treated unfairly by the media, but it is interesting to see who the real “control freak” seems to be.
NovaDog

Some liberal bloggers are pretty upset with Ignatieff for insulting the faithful, while some liberal bloggers are upset with liberal bloggers who are upset, which is upsetting other liberal bloggers. It's confusing and real fun.
Liz J

I could revise his advice a bit for him that would be closer to the mark: Iggy, before YOU speak, THINK, if you're not going to say anything to help your Liberals win, shut up!!! But then, I wouldn't want him to do that, he's on the right track to oblivion, why derail him with any advice. The guy can't see the forest for the trees.
batb

O.M.G.

Michael Ignatieff's been party leader for how long? — two years? — and just now figures he's got to get to know Canadians and vice versa?

Honey, the barn door closed a long time ago and all the horses are gone.

This tour of Canada is embarrassing. I almost feel sorry for Mr. Ignatieff, except that he's a Liberal and he's played along with the Librano scenarios since he was elected to the HOC in 2006. I almost feel sorry for Mr. Ignatieff, except that he's all too willingly played the puppet prince to the Power Corporation and Back Room Boys' manipulations.
batb

A guy who doesn't take his own advice is a goner.

Shut up, Michael! You're one of the worst offenders, boy.
Tthattil

the prince has spoken so let the party faithfully SHUT UP. the PM must look like the fount of liberal speech now,
Tthattil

the prince has spoken so let the party faithfully SHUT UP. the PM must look like the fount of liberal speech now,
Beer and Popcorn

Let's all just grab a beer and some popcorn and sit back and enjoy the show!