Despite the shaky start, Michael Ignatieff’s summer bus trek is a good idea. And I have a feeling the tour will pick it up as time goes on. That Ignatieff has had so much media attention and photo coverage in week one is a win in itself it seems to me.
But before jumping aboard the Liberal Express, and depending on who you talked to in this town, Mr. Ignatieff was either doomed as Liberal leader, or just about.
As a Conservative, though, all I can say is never count the Liberals out. When you do, you are invariably going to be surprised. Indeed a Liberal rebound could be as close as the next mistep by the PM or one of his Ministers. And any political observer in this town knows that Conservatives have a lot less margin for error when it comes to the national media.
While the Liberals and Conservatives remain relatively close in the polls, Mr. Ignatieff is more or less an enigma to Canadians. And for those who do say they know him, they don’t seem to be overly enthusiastic about him. That’s a big hill to climb. So in other words Mr. Ignatieff has nothing to lose and everything to gain by hitting the road . Everyday Canadians are a pretty welcoming lot, and as long as Mr. Ignatieff’s events are open to the public and not simply filled with Liberal sympathizers, getting out there and meeting people is a good idea. The regional press can be a very useful tool. Just ask the Conservatives.
So message to self…He’s down, but don’t count him (or them) out just yet .
