G&M: Why the Conservatives are doing so poorly

[tuvor]

The prevailing media narrative is wrong, and has been wrong for months. Sure, the Liberals are struggling: no leader, no policies, little money. That's the obvious narrative line.

The important one is the reverse: Why are the Conservatives doing so poorly?

They've had control of the agenda. They've been systematically implementing most of their campaign promises, starting with the famous five points (GST cut, the Accountability Act, etc.). Prime Minister Stephen Harper spent chunks of the summer travelling the country, not just shaking hands, but making announcements. The economy's rolling.

Parliament hasn't been in session since June. When Parliament shuts down, the opposition parties scarcely get face time on television. So to repeat: Why aren't the Conservatives doing much better?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060906.wcosimp06/BNStory/specialComment/home