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That's what I Iike to see:
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"Today I'm announcing a [tax] package of four practical steps that will help middle class and working families to make ends meet."
"Unlike the other parties, we'll do it without breaking the bank or undermining healthcare, education or the environment -- and all within a balance budget."
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Jack Layton is reframing the central question of this election. What kind of change do Canadians want: the Conservatives, or just not the Liberals?
While that game plan may be enough to lure votes from both Liberals and Conservatives on the west coast -- where the NDP is locked in a triangular, three way race -- more is needed elsewhere.
The défie facing New Democrats in Eastern Canada is still to convince voters that they are not the irresponible tax-and-spend-thrifts they've been made out to be.
Tax cuts will help do that. Five balanced budgets will help do that. Economic estimates between those of the Liberals and Conservatives will help do that as well.
Still more, though, will be required.
We can't simply argue that New Democrats have been fiscally responsible in the past, or that they will be in the future.
As true as that may be, our case has to be based on what Canadians already know -- what they already feel.
Canadians know they can't trust Liberals. How do we use that to convince people that they can trust the NDP?
Layton is campaigning on a pledge to 'listen to Canadians'.
Good. I'd like to add a corollary to that:
The NDP is listening to Canadians -- and delivering what they've asked for. The Martin Liberals promise anything and everything to get elected -- but govern however they damn well please.
We'll keep the promises that Liberals break.
You can trust us to fufill those promises -- because we're just as angry as you are that the Liberals broke them.
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