Non-Partisan Hack

"they always throw stones at the best apples"

There is a little rumour out there that David Orchard is in negotiations with the Liberal Party to run as a Liberal candidate in the upcoming election.

One would be forgiven for entertaining the idea that the Liberals are becoming the new red tories. Indeed, while the Progressive Conservative party may have technically merged with the Alliance Party, the actual bodies and minds have increasingly chosen to merge with the Grits. If this rumour holds true and the deal pans out, it will be but one more example of the trend.

An awkward example, mind you. Orchard was never quite a clean fit even with the PCs, and always had his share of detractors among fellow party members. And as the late Dalton Camp once remarked -

“the Liberals are no longer Liberal in any historic or traditional sense. They more resemble neo-conservatives, something Blue Tories are likely to be but most Conservatives would rather not be.”

There is no doubt that the Liberal Party has shifted rightward, at least fiscally. The conservativism of the Liberals might be palatable to former Progressive Conservatives like Scott Brison and Belinda Stronach who felt out of place in the CPC - but it won't necessarily make for a merry match with the peculiar conservativism of a man like Orchard.

Is the tent of the "big tent" party large enough to accomodate a man who continues to crusade against NAFTA and free trade? Can Orchard still deliver the votes that the Liberals are fishing for? Must I always end a post with a question?

This post tagged as: Liberal Party, Canada politics, Canadian politics,Canada election

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posted by williamNPH @ 4:47 AM