The front page of Tuesday’s National Post highlighted the obvious troubles of Jason Kenney and Erin O’Toole , namely dismal polling numbers and party revolts. But the cause deserves attention too: Both deliberately jettisoned any semblance of principle in pursuit of partisan gain and for some reason aren’t popular with conservatives or voters. Weird, huh?
Kenney did win an Alberta election after uniting various conservative fragments. It’s easier than, say, doing it federally. But since it was all about the brass ring, give some credit for having grasped it briefly. Then consider columnist Don Braid’s claim that Monday “should have been one of Premier Jason Kenney’s best days in office” because he’d gotten hold of free money from Ottawa to shower on voters willing to let the state raise their kids for them.
Incorrect. Such social engineering might be wise. It might be popular. But it’s not conservative in any way shape or form. And if you say so much the worse for conservatism, you can join the NDP, or the Liberals who appear to be having Canada’s first NDP prime minister and loving it. But if you’re going to present as conservative, you need some conservatism or the base will turn on you and so will the public.
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