Harper warns U.S. against protectionism

[CHIMO]

WASHINGTON – Prime Minister Stephen Harper had some tough talk for Americans today on the eve of President Barack Obama's visit to Canada, warning of grim consequences should the U.S. take a protectionist path during a global recession.

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/589665#

Must be one teed off guy. Obama got the first interview yesterday and Harper wasn't there.

[Spazito]

1. I loved this from the article...

"The prime minister was likely preaching to an indifferent audience, however. Canada-U.S. relations barely register on the radar screen south of the border, even as a new poll in Canada suggests Harper's countrymen are convinced en masse that the relationship will thrive under Obama.

In The Canadian Press Harris-Decima survey, just four per cent of Canadians said the partnership is in for a rough patch in the next couple of years, while three-quarters predicted good or excellent relations."

Harper would be better served if he focuses on what Canadians want as opposed to going all bushite "tough guy".

An aside, from that same poll, Obama received an approval of 82% whereas harper can't get close to 50%, bet he's teed off about that too, lol.

[tuvor]

2. What a difference a day makes, huh?

During his Mansbridge interview, just after meeting with Obama, he behaved like a blushing schoolgirl.

His tough-talk must have been just mugging for the camera, since Obama'd clarified things well before their meeting.

[Spazito]

3. Watching the press conference yesterday was interesting...

Recently some conservative talking head pontificated that Obama (being green and inexperienced and all) would learn from harper (being experienced and all) inferring Obama would take a back-seat to harper during the visit.

Quite the contrary, Obama was in total control of the conference and harper looked like the second, imo.

I noticed harper was touting the same health system he and his cabal would like nothing more than to destroy and his sudden concern for the environment and climate change was....hmmmm...how should I say it.....unbelievably hypocritical.