Something missing from the job description?

As only CNN's Jack Cafferty can do, one of those questions for the political ages has been asked by the sometime cranky, somewhat snarky, but always entertaining correspondent.

Today's political gem is guaranteed to set the right wing of the Republicans hair on fire, as Mr. Cafferty, while examining the apparent front runners for the GOP, offers up the political question of "Why Are Americans 'Allergic to Brains?"

The  Mediaite site offers up the topic of the day for further study and discussion.

Cancer claims Jack Layton at age 61

A few short weeks after he bravely renewed his battle with cancer, Jack Layton has passed away.

The shocking news came in the early hours of Monday morning, a short statement from his family outlining that Mr. Layton had "passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family".

Mr. Layton had stepped aside from his role as Leader of the Opposition, short weeks after his remarkable success in the May Federal election, announcing that he was facing a new health challenge.

That news rocked the political world in Ottawa and across Canada in June, much like today's announcement will no doubt resonate from coast to coast to coast,  with both political allies and opponents alike no doubt saddened  by today's announcement from Ms. Olivia Chow, his wife of twenty three years.

Mr. Layton's passing comes shortly after his greatest political triumph and a watershed moment in Canadian politics, it was largely through his larger than life personality and tenacious nature that his party the NDP, not only went on to its greatest political success in Canadian history, but in fact grasped the title of Official Opposition Party.

A victory for which all credit would rightfully be attached to the personality of Mr. Layton and his ability to interact and clearly motivate both party loyalists and voters, it was under the Layton reign that the NDP made its first ever electoral success in the Province of Quebec, an orange wave that washed across that province and obliterated the Bloc Quebecois in its wake.

His passion for the job, his vision of a Canada which while not the same as the majority, did find a resonance in many a Canadian home. And even in those homes that perhaps did not share that vision, there was unqualified respect for an honest, decent guy who seemed to garner respect from all political sides, Canadians who were willing to give him a listen and share in the give and take of Canadian political life.

His absence from that political scene will be a loss to the civility of debate and the free exchange of ideas, Parliament will be a lesser place this September without Mr. Layton's presence.

We will leave aside the political fallout from his passing for another time, today whether you were an NDP supporter, or favoured a different party, is a day of commemoration for Jack Layton, his vision of a strong NDP party with a reach across Canada was realized in May, and yet before the summer is out he has passed from our political spectrum.

His passion, political acumen and general demeanour of fairness and courage shall be missed by more than just his party and their followers, his loss is a loss for Canada as a whole, Canadians will no doubt join as one to offer condolences to the Layton family today.

A sampling of the day's political tributes and further information on Mr. Layton's passing can be found below, we shall update the listing as the day progresses.


CBC-- Jack Layton dies at 61
CBC-- Jack Layton's death prompts immediate online reaction
CBC-- Jack Layton known as a fighter
CBC-- Layton to be honoured with rare state funeral
CTV-- Jack Layton, 61, dies after struggle with cancer
CTV-- Jack Layton's lasting legacy
Globe and Mail-- Opposition Leader Jack Layton dead at 61
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton A Life in Pictures
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton dies at 61
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton's death prompts immediate online reaction
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton: The man was the message
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton's legacy won't end here
Gobe and Mail-- Without their bon Jack, the NDP's position in Quebec is suddenly shaky
Globe and Mail-- Canada is weaker without Layton's passion, conviction and smile
Globe and Mail-- Layton to the next generation: "I want to share with you my belief in your power"
National Post-- Jack Layton dies of cancer
National Post-- Strategic Layton moved party far
National Post-- 'Change the world': Layton says in final  letter
National Post-- The orange crush left behind the NDP's prairie roots
National Post-- Jack Layton's letter to Canadians
National Post-- With Layton's death, Quebec loses un bon Jack
National Post-- More than anything else, Jack Layton believed in Canada
National Post-- Layton's death turns into a thoroughly public spectacle
Toronto Star-- Jack Layton, NDP leader, dies at 61
Toronto Star-- Reaction to Jack Layton's death
Toronto Sun-- NDP Leader Jack Layton dies
Toronto Star-- Layton's plea for hope and optimism was a political and personal manifesto
Vancouver Sun-- Jack Layton's untimely death is a political tragedy

The Stock markets' not the only thing that's volatile

Whoa there Jimbo! Perhaps they need to change over to some decaf at the CNBC studios!

.

.

As the stock ticker wandered lower and lower and lower on Thursday morning, the CNBC talking heads weighed in as to what the fate of the markets might portend.

In particular the loud and occasionally vitriolic back and forth between CNBC's Jim Cramer and Simon Hobbs has gone rather viral on this mercurial day for the markets.

Testy moments and testy times (as seen above), which the mediate site reviews quite nicely,  provided for some fascinating if uncomfortable back and forth between the CNBC panel.

It would seem that with the markets continuing on with their uncertain ways, that Helmets and anti flash gear should be required clothing at CNBC.

Jack Layton's absence to continue on into September

When NDP federal caucus members gather in Quebec City in September to discuss policy and strategy for the upcoming Parliamentary calendar, they'll do so without their leader, as Jack Layton continues on with his battle with cancer.

The NDP announced on Wednesday, that Mr. Layton would not be in attendance at the retreat, leaving Nycole Turmel, the interim leader as the one to set the policy agendas for the resumption of Parliament in September.

There had been hopes that Layton would be able to make his first appearance since the announcement of his renewed health struggles, but the nature of his treatment program it would seem has changed his timetable.

The NDP is still hopeful that their leader will be back in the House of Commons on September 19th, ready to take on the duties as the Leader of the Opposition.

His absence at the helm through the summer, has left the NDP caucus seemingly adrift at times, a situation that has been exacerbated by the volume of new NDP MP's who rode the Layton wave into Parliament and now must find a way to continue on with his enthusiastic agenda, while temporarily losing his guiding hand.


CTV-- Layton won't attend NDP summer caucus retreat
Toronto Sun-- Jack Layton to miss upcoming NDP meeting
National Post-- Layton to miss NDP caucus meetings, but still hopes to be back at work for Sept. 19
Toronto Star-- No plans for Layton to attend caucus retreat prior to Parliament's resumption
Globe and Mail-- Jack Layton 'doing well'  - but September return far from certain

Nicky and Angie try herding cats

The company may have been divine, the state meals fine; but it seems that the results of the meeting of the two key Euro zone players, are leaving a little bit to be desired.

With economic observers expecting, or perhaps blindly hoping for much, much more and coming away feeling just a little disappointed over it all.

The recently completed summit of two, featuring Germany's Angela Merkel and France's Nicholas Sarkozy has reportedly offered up little in the way of instruction as to how Europe plans to remove the burdens of economic trouble.

Throughout the Eurozone, as well as into a very interested England the conclusions of Ms. Merkel and Mr. Sarkozy have not quite measured up to what many believe are required.

As Ambrose Evans Pritchard outlines in his work for the The Telegraph,  the tete a tete between the two provided nothing more than as he calls it a "vacuous restatement of clauses that already exist", not exactly the scene shifting declarations that many had hoped for.





Indeed the impression from Europe seems to be that, not much was accomplished at the summit and the European debt worries will continue on into the late summer, perhaps in the end resulting in the shedding of troubled nations from the Euro co-operative, if not bringing down the whole group regardless.

The tremors of concern that are rattling around Europe these days, resonate as well on this side of the Atlantic, where North American stock markets taking measure of the world's economic climate of late have provided for some serious volatility over the last week or so, indicating that North America is vulnerable to events far beyond its control.

The reviews of the Euro duet can be found below, the consensus it seems being that, that the two leading European powers may have much work ahead of them to stabilize their continent wide collective.


The Telegraph-- Empty euro talk
The Telegraph-- Even as Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarozy talk, Europe's economy slides ...
The Telegraph-- European reaction to Merkel-Sarkozy summit
The Guardian-- Merkel and Sarkozy push for greater European co-operation
The Guaridan-- Sarkozy and Merkel call for 'true economic government' to save eurozone
Christian Science Monitor-- Euro debt crisis 101: What can Merkel, Sarkozy plan accomplish
Financial Times-- Merkel aids in Sarkozy's domestic battle
Financial Times-- Markets give eurozone plan cool reception
Business Week-- Merkel, Sarkozy propose eurozone government
CTV-- Merkel, Sarkozy disappoint investors over euro bonds
Wall Street Journal-- Merkel and Sarkozy recycle Old Ideas
Monsters and Critics-- Merkel-Sarkozy "step by step" response fails to impress
PBS Newshour-- Merkel, Sarkozy Call for Single Eurozone Governance
TIME-- The Merkel Sarkozy Summit: A Minimalist Affair
CBC-- Merkel, Sarkozy want tighter EU budget controls

And the wheels on the bus go round and round

As far as some in the US media, as well as some folks  over at the Republican party are concerned, you could say that the President has been -- uh, Busted?

That media with a slight bend to the right in the US is making much political hay out of the revelation that President Obama is currently touring around the American countryside selling the merits of a made in the USA campaign, all the while cruising the highways in a foreboding looking motor coach, that er, uh, ahem, is Made in CANADA.

The apparent new standard for political coach luxury hails from the Prevost bus factory in Quebec.

The coach, which was ordered by the Secret Service in order to provide better protection for the President (and as it will turn out the Republican nominee after convention day). It features the latest in security technology and offers up much the same kind of capabilities for the President and the Secret Service that Air Force One has, though we imagine miles to the gallon might be an issue that Al Gore might have a problem with.

At any rate, for the moment, the fact the President is travelling the highways and apparently on occasion tying up traffic for the little people has the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck all up in arms. Collectively, bemoaning the fact that the President is travelling in the style or rock or country stars and of course, the fact that the bus was made north of the border, the apparent byproduct of the long running free trade agreement between Canada and the USA.

Seems in the growing protectionist era of American politics these days, the prospect of the President ensconced in a bus not made in America is going to make for poor optics.

Indicative of that mood is this little gem from something called Autoguide.com, which features the rather harsh headline of "President Obama Hates America: Travels the Country on a Canadian Bus", really, that's where the debate is going to go?

As though to reinforce their point, the article mentions three rock bands that also use the style of bus, Rush, Nickleback and Loverboy, for those Americans not up on their cancan these days, all of which would be Canadian. Clearly, Geddy Lee, Mike Reno and Chad Kroeger are all part of the overall bus conspiracy thing.

Though at least the Auotguide story does advise the America First congregation, that the upgrades as per Secret Service specs, took place at a Tennessee plant.

One thing though America, it seems that Republicans and those in the media that seem to take their side on the issues have short memories, as the Chicago Tribune reports, President Bush also used a Prevost bus, and not much seemed to be made about that back then.

Regardless of the kerfuffle, the Secret Service which have wanted to purchase such a vehicle for a number of years now, is adamant that it's the best vehicle available for protection of the President, so who's to argue, right?

Not to mention, as we outlined before, the Republicans will have their own shiny black bus to ride around whenever they nominate their next candidate for the Presidency.

As Paul Simon might say, just get on the bus Gus, don't need to discuss much!

It will be interesting to see if the fellow travellers of Limbaugh and Beck make as big a stink about that bus,  or will Republicans decide to forgo the Secret Service transportation, leaving a nice shiny black bus up on the market, ready to go to a good home outside of the American 50 states!

Should things not turn out as the Secret Service might like, we should point out that Prevost has a Pre Owned Coach section on their website, just in case...

Globe and Mail-- Obama's $1.1 million 'made-in-Canada' tour bus draws fire  
Toronto Sun-- Obama's bus is made in Canada: Reports
New York Post-- Canucklehead Obama busted!
AFP-- Obama debuts monster campaign bus

Photo appears from New York Post website.

Footsteps, Pierre is hearing footsteps

We love him, we hate him, we rate him...

Since 2007 the folks at Angus Reid have been asking us to rank the Prime Ministers,  and in four consecutive years Pierre Elliot Trudeau has held the top spot, the choice of 36 per cent of respondents for this 2011 survey year, holding his title with rather impressive totals from across the country.

For the first time however, the current homesteader at 24 Sussex has moved up the rankings into second place, checking in with a 19 per cent approval rating among those who replied to the poll,  leaping over Jean Chretien who now drops to third most popular PM of the last 44 years or so with a percentage of 12.

Still for the top three it's a wide gulf between them and the also rans, all of whom collect in the range of a high of 6 percent to  a low of 1 per cent, leaving not much of legacy for the likes of Mulroney, Martin, Clark, Campbell and Turner.

22 per cent of those that replied said they weren't sure who was the best Prime Minister since 1968

It's not all accolades and achievement however for Prime Minister Harper, he's also pretty highly placed on the Worst Prime Minister rankings, in a tie at 19 per cent with fellow Conservative Brian Mulroney.

An indication that like Mulroney before him, Harper's Prime Ministership tends to have a rather high polarizing effect on the population.



Vancouver Sun-- Stephen Harper second best and worst PM since 1968: Poll
Globe and Mail-- Harper makes 'remarkable' gains in best-prime minister ranking
Global Edmonton-- Harper trails Trudeau as best PM: poll

Quand une porte se ferme, une autre s'ouvre

Congratulations and Bonne Chance to Gilles Ducppe, the man who made the industrial hair net a fashion statement and the one time leader of the separatist inclined Bloc Quebecois.

Mr Duceppe has recovered nicely from his electoral evisceration this past spring, landing himself a fine job outside of elected office as his parachute takes him to the ranks of Radio-Canada, we imagine to offer his insight and past experience into the world of politics and maybe fashion.

The move to the broadcast world, most likely will further cement the reputation of the French language, government funded broadcast outlet as a fine nesting place for sovereigntists, as Duceppe adds his name to the long list of politicos turned commentators that have joined le corporation du Mama.

The announcement today that Mr. Duceppe will not have to stand in the unemployment lines with the rest of Canadians and Canadiennes alike, has not gone un-noticed in the English media, the National Post for instance pointing out that in the end, Mr. Duceppe will still rely on the taxpayers of the entire federation for his daily paycheque.

It's not unusual for politicians to move on to the media side of life upon their departure from elected office (whether through retirement or at the will of the electorate, bien sur!), Mr. Duceppe is of course following a lengthy list of politicians that find their opinions still carry weight or tweak some interest.

His arrival at Radio Canada comes at an interesting time in Quebec political history, offering him the opportunity to examine what may come for the province with the demise of his political home the Bloc over oh so many years.

In fact, job one for Mr. Duceppe may be to offer comment on this new arrival on the Quebec scene, yet another party dedicated to the goal of leaving Canada and striking out on their own.

Though we suspect he won't be too enthused about the opening manifesto and their outright condemnation of those that have gone before them and seemingly let down the cause of their resolve.

National Post-- Ducppe's latest gig: commentator for Radio-Canada
Toronto Star-- Gilles Duceppe gets new gig at Radio-Canada
Toronto Sun-- CBC hires ex-Bloc leader Duceppe
Toronto Sun-- Watchdogs question Duceppe's CBC gig
CJAD Radio -- Duceppe accepts job with Radio Canada

Update:  Well that was a quick tenure, Mr. Duceppe has left Radio Canada, over a dispute regarding political discussion, rather puzzling why they would have hired the guy if they weren't going to let him talk politics, really, we were only kidding about his fashion sense!

But what about Ron?

Ron Paul, the would be nominee for the Republican nomination in the quest for the Presidency, and who  seemingly is being shunned by the Republican Party of late, may have found an unlikely ally in the form of comedian and commentator Jon Stewart.

The Comedy Central host of the Daily Show, provided a pretty succinct review of the apparent disrespect that Republicans and the American media seem to be giving to the  Texas congressman who has served some twelve terms in the US capital.

The fellow who some suggest was the lynch pin of Tea Party talking points, long before the likes of Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachmann came along, is certainly having a problem getting any traction in his bid for the Republican nomination.

The mysterious case of the missing Mr. Paul has received a bit of attention in the wake of the Stewart item, with the New York Times picking up the scent of a potential political story in the making.

The Boston Globe offers up some thoughts, as does CBS News and even Time magazine weighs in with some ideas on the kerfuffle.

The Guardian from the UK, also profiled his media troubles of late bringing some international attention to the missing message of the Paul candidacy.

But by far, the whole snowball started rolling with the help of the Daily Show, surely a helpful hand that will provide for a guest appearance in the near future, a possible exchange of thoughts and ideas that would make for some fascinating political (and perhaps comedic) television.

If nothing else, it should offer up a segment for John Hodgman's Your Welcome appearances on the Daily Show.

Reports of Mr. Charest's demise are greatly exaggerated

“I hurried to the mirror to see if I was still there,” -- Quebec Premier Jean Charest to reporters after reports of his death were hacked into a Montreal newspaper.

Jean Charest is still among us, carrying on as best he can the affairs of state for the Province of Quebec and chuckling it seems at the reports of his demise.

Hackers invaded the Le Devoir website today and posted a fake story detailing the alleged death of the Quebec Premier, an item that reportedly remained on the papers website for more than an hour before being taken down.

Le Devoir officials have since filed a complaint with police over the incursion to their website which resulted in the fake story.

The Premier found much political hay to make of his on line demise, providing any number of quips to Quebec reporters on Tuesday morning, reminding reporters that he had been written off many times politically, though perhaps this might be the first time he's actually been sent to his ultimate great reward.

No doubt Mr. Charest probably would prefer to open up his morning newspaper and read this as opposed to the proposed page one story from the hackers this morning.

The investigation continues into the hacking of Le Devoir's website.

Globe and Mail-- Jean Charest laughs off hoax story of his death
National Post-- Quebec paper says hacker posted false story about premier dying
Macleans-- Hackers make false announcement of Jean Charest's death
Toronto Sun-- Jean Charest death announcement a hoax
CTV-- French newspaper Le Devoir hacked, posts fake story about Charest's death
CBC-- Charest laughs off hoax death story in Le Devoir

Aye, Ready Aye, Captain!

Defence Minister Peter McKay delivered on a much discussed proposal to the sailors and airmen of Canada's Armed Forces on Tuesday, re-introducing the Royal moniker to their official titles, bringing back the fabled memories of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force.

In his announcement on Tuesday, McKay restored the names that made history in the first and second world wars , the governments way he said of reconnecting the military of today with its historic past.

Much of the credit to the announcement today goes to the legions of past and present military members and their families who organized petition drives and frequently made their hopes and desires to see the three forces return to their more traditional names. A cause which found success today.

The move marks the final reversal of the days of Paul Hellyer's unification edict, which caused much debate and outright hostility in the late sixties when the Liberals abolished much of the historic nature of the nations Armed Forces in the quest of modernization and in the eyes of some political correctness.

The return to the Royal standard isn't getting a universal welcome from some, however for the most part the idea of calling a Navy a Navy and an Air Force an Air Force is being championed as a common sense kind of thing, even if we tag on the Royal preamble for the time being, until the debate over the Monarchy and its place in Canada resumes we imagine.

The rather generic terms of Maritime and Air Commands as introduced by the Liberals is now relegated to the military history books, much like the dark green common uniforms of days gone by. Most of which we imagine now most likely gather dust in some military warehouse, after the three services returned to a more traditional form of uniform (though as always it seems military uniforms will change again and again and again).

For now however, its Aye, Ready Aye and Through adversity to the stars, with two traditions back we wonder if there's room for an ancient ritual of the days of yore, will the daily ration of a tot of rum also make a return?

Some of the coverage and feed back to the announcement today and other matters military, can be found below.

Globe and Mail-- Defence Minister makes navy, air force 'royal' again
Globe and Mail-- The Canadian Forces names: A mark of respect
Globe and Mail-- Make it the Royal Canadian Navy
Globe and Mail-- Loose lips sink ships for the Maritime Command
National Post-- Renaming the Canadian military isn't enough to fix it
National Post-- 'Royal' returns for Canada's armed forces
Toronto Sun-- Royal name change 'long overdue,' MacKay says
Toronto Sun-- Navy, air force going 'royal' once again
Toronto Star-- 'Royal' add to military names divides Star readers
Toronto Star-- Navy, air force to get  back old 'royal' names
Halifax Chronicle Herald-- MacKay restores "royal" to navy, air force names
Huffington Post-- Canadian Navy, Air Force name change divides NDP caucus
BBC News-- Canadian armed forces to be 'royal' once more
CTV-- Mackay: Renaming military corrects 'historical mistake'
CBC-- Peter MacKay hails 'royal' renaming of military
CBC-- Reintroduction of Royal Canadian Airforce and Royal Canadian Navy (video report)

Hmmm, they may want to think over the optics of this one...

We're the first to admit that we don't know all the ins and outs of a successful political machine and all of that, but, we have a feeling that the idea of the governing Conservatives threatening to sue the widow of an asbestos victim isn't the best plan.

Macleans has the details  and a nod to the National Post coverage,  on the bid of the Conservative Party of Canada to have Michaela Keyserlingk "cease and desist" in her efforts to promote her website which draws attention to the issue of asbestos mining and sales.

We imagine the offending part of her website in Conservative eyes, is probably the link to the Conservative party itself with the logo prominently placed within her page.

And while there is a need to protect one's brand and all of that, it would seem to be a particularly heavy handed approach the Conservatives are taking in this instance, especially considering the emotional nature of the cause the Quebec woman is putting forward.

The Conservatives by their interest in her website, may find that their efforts draw more attention to their record on the issue than they may wish to attract.

It wasn't that long ago that the Daily Show with Jon Stewart focused it's gaze on the subject and made corporate and government officials in the province of Quebec look oh what's the word, well,  shall we say bad, in the process.

Keep up this kind of political approach and we have a feeling that Aasif Mandvi may wander north once again..

Opportunistic, trumps Idealistic every time!

Much is being made in Ottawa these days of the past history of the new class of Members of Parliament, with particular attention being focused on the loyal (well perhaps a stretch there) legions of the NDP.


The surge of NDP orange on the electoral map in the last election, which provided for the demise of the Bloc Quebecois as a political force, came in some cases from former (and perhaps still hopeful) Independistes, who have found a helpful place to land with the federal NDP.


The sudden interest in the political leanings and past allegiances of the federal members came to the forefront as Nycole Turmel took over as temporary leader of the NDP, holding down the fort while Jack Layton battles on in his fight with cancer.


Interestingly enough, the appearance of this summer political storm came on the horizon courtesy of the now disorganized and seemingly despondent Bloc Quebecois, which leaked with perhaps a chuckle of "this will show them", the name of Nycole Turmel as one time traveller along the path of sovereignty.


Of course, the NDP is not the only place where those that may not be particularly attached to the concept of Canada as we know it have found a home, though clearly the numbers are on the side of the Orange Wave in this instance. 


Even the ruling Conservatives have their skeletons it seems. 


The Tories, who at the moment seem to be doing the most finger pointing (with some assistance from the wily Liberals ever aware of a political opportunity) when it comes to the political version of who knows a secret (not so much a secret after all we guess).  As even a few of the (and they are few considering the Conservative vote totals out of Quebec) Quebec members have apparently had moments of separatist contemplation both past and present.


At any rate, in the dog days of August in Ottawa, with Parliament on vacance, the naming of the names continues on, a helpful tutorial for some, a shameful display of quasi McCarthyism for others..


Providing, If no other service, then as to provide some background for the rest of the country as to who the new players are who have found their new found embrace of the federal system and all the rewards that are destined to those that er, serve the nation?


That and of course the chance to churn out no shortage of political commentary in a dry season of political news out of the capital.


National Post-- NDP adopts "When asked, don't tell' policy
National Post-- The not-so-loyal opposition
National Post-- How the NDP can take power
National Post-- With Turmel, the simplest answer is probably the truth
National Post-- Conservative minister's Bloc past revealed
National Post-- Rae lashes out at 'flaky' NDP, interim leader
National Post-- Our country's un-loyal leader of the Opposition
National Post-- Break up Canada? Ho-hum
Toronto Star-- NDP interim leaders's ties to separatists Bloc no big deal: poll
Toronto Star-- Quebec NDP MPs stay silent on their political past
Toronto Star-- NDP support holds firm despite leadership woes
Toronto Star-- Conservatives downplay Transport Minister's BQ baggage
Toronto Star-- English speaking Canada blind to Turmel affair
Toronto Star-- Rae's taking advantage of NDP turmoil
Toronto Star-- Two questions for Nycole Turmel
Toronto Star-- Harper says Turmel's sovereigntist ties are disappointing
Toronto Star-- Turmel's Bloc past badly wounds the NDP
Globe and Mail-- Harper takes a swipe at Turmel's commitment to Canada
Globe and Mail-- Nycole Turmel and the NDP have some explaining to do
Globe and Mail-- NDP credibility under attack after Turmel's Bloc ties revealed
Globe and Mail-- New NDP leader was long-time member of Bloc Quebecois
Globe and Mail-- Questioning Turmel's motives isn't audacious -- it's our duty
Globe and Mail-- The Turmel noise is about fear, not national unity
Toronto Sun-- Grits grill Turmel over separatist ties
Toronto Sun-- Nycole Turmel flop a rude NDP awakening
Toronto Sun-- Nycole Turmel throws NDP into turmoil
Toronto Sun-- NDP downplays interim leader's separatist ties
Toronto Sun-- Layton's questionable decision
Ottawa Citizen-- Turmel in the BQ? Big deal
Vancouver Sun-- Turmel's ties to separatist movement could damage NDP in Western Canada
Vancouver Sun-- Unlike Canadians at large, NDP takes interim leaders separatist links in stride
Vancouver Province-- Turmel's separatist background makes NDP too pro-Quebec
Vancouver Province-- Dix cools on NDP's Turmel
Vancouver Province-- Editorial: Turmel must now show where her loyalties are

Well, they clearly like Randy Travis in Iowa

Some observations as our American friends begin the latest round of what seems to be their never ending electoral cycles... the Iowa straw poll.

The county fair meets political convention hybrid that apparently draws up the favourite list for the US primary season offered up a wide slate of would be Republican candidates, with the usual suspects joining in with those that probably don't have  a hope to be there by convention day.

At any rate, Iowa offered up some interesting musical theatre if nothing else...

Prior to the vote count

The invitations to the event

And once the music stopped...

The winner was!


Cue the Randy Travis soundtrack, somewhere in his discography we're sure you can find your own theme tune for the Bachmanm presidential quest!