While his reasons for backing down are not as noble as I would like, he did eventually do the right thing.
The political path has been cleared for Elizabeth May to participate in the televised leaders debates after NDP Leader Jack Layton … withdrew threats to boycott.
…
Dogged by protesters and divisions within the ranks of his own party, Mr. Layton told reporters during a visit to a solar-panel company here Wednesday that the debate about the debate has become an unwanted distraction.
“I have only one condition for this debate, that the Prime Minister is there, because I want to debate the issues with him,” said Mr. Layton. “I don’t want to be debating the debate forever.”
After doing that, he basically guaranteed that Harper would have to back down with regards to allowing May to the debates. Now, as far as I am aware, there are no excuses for the media consortium to block May from the debates.
Jack, you eventually proved me wrong, and earned back some of my and, I’m willing to bet, a good number of other people’s respect. Kudos.
1h
Now that Elizabeth May will be at the debates, don’t expect any of the leaders to debate her about the environment. Harper will just talk about the two “Liberal” leaders. Layton will talk about replacing Harper as prime minister. Duceppe will talk about the Bloc being the party to represent Quebeckers. Dion will talk about Harper while debating May.
Elizabeth May will be able to make opening and closing comments. The other party leaders will not care about her when the shouting takes place.
Comment by Skinny Dipper — September 10, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
Respect comes cheap, it seems. After all, when the alternative is pissing off almost 2 thirds of the electorate, 3/4s of his own party, and perhaps prompting what may have been the biggest loss of NDP seats due to principled NDP voters being simply disgusted, did he really have any other choice?
That’s like saying someone who’s shot themselves in the foot earns your respect for having the good sense not to keep pulling the trigger.
Comment by A Non-emu's opinion — September 10, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
Non-emu:
In the current sad state of Canadian politics, it seems par for the course for a party leader just keep on pulling the trigger after shooting himself in the foot.
I’m not saying I’m pushing for the NDP, but at least I can say that for eventually doing the right thing he hasn’t completely lost all of my respect. However, he’s going to have to do a hell of a lot more before all of the lost respect is regained.
I think most principled NDP supporters would agree more or less.
Comment by mrvnmouse — September 10, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
Layton, being a principled person said he would attend the debate and threw the ball to Harper. Meanwhile in other news, ex CBC guy lets the cat out of the bag. It’s always been up to the PM to make the final decision on who is in and not in debates.
It appears that it was PM Martin – liberal – who kept poor Ms. May out of the debate in 2006.
That explains why Mr. Dion was Mr. Abstain for the last 3 days. No sticking up for his friend, knowing last time out, it was the liberal leader who said “no.” Interesting times.
On another note, just saw that poll (taken on day 8 & 9) by Reid showing NDP statistically tied with the libs. Democracy will live for another day.
Comment by janfromthebruce — September 10, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
yeah, pollingreport has another one from Ekos which shows about the same thing.
Comment by mrvnmouse — September 10, 2008 @ 3:37 pm