Canadian bloggers comments about Howard Dean's speech in Montreal.

[madfloridian]

I figure if I post here now and then, others might come.

I thought these were interesting comments, even from those who were not too sure about having an American speak at the Liberal convention. They give an insight into feelings about our country, and their usually very favorable impression of Dean.

http://calgarygrit.blogspot.com/2006/11/live-from-montreal.html
Live from Montreal

A quick break from the organized spontaneity to recap last night's events.

First of all, let me say that Howard Dean rocked. He got a massive ovation
when he talked about how the party should "never cede a single province, a
single riding, a single vote", spoke a little French ("Fox news is going to
love this" he quipped), and talked about giving power to the grass roots.
Even delegates I know who didn't like the idea of having Howard Dean as the
guest speaker were impressed.

http://mileslunn.blogspot.com/2006/11/convention-speeches-so-far.html
Howard Dean

Whatever doubts I had about him speaking, I felt he did a good job. Being a
foreigner he had to be careful not too sound too partisan and he did that
well. Instead he focused on how the Democrats were successful and similiar
strategies the Liberals could use to be successful. I thought his goal of
never writing off any voter and reaching out to everyone in every region,
even areas you don't expect to win, was something the Liberals should
follow. In the last few elections I feel the party has focused too much on
its areas it is strong in and often looks down too much on groups that
aren't likely to vote Liberal. Instead we need to realize we don't have an
automatic right to govern, we need to earn it from Canadians by convincing
them we are the best party with the best ideas. Even those who disagree with
our vision, we should still respect them while at the same time maintain our
principles. I also like his reference to staying true to your principles. As
Liberals, most seem to agree that moving to the right to be a Conservative
lite party is the wrong way to go, but too many think moving to the left to
be an NDP lite party is the way to go. We are successful when we stay true
to who we are. By trying to copy other parties, we are saying that our
policies were wrong and they were right.

http://uoyl.blogspot.com/2006/11/day-1-part-2-day-2-part-1_30.html

Next, Frank McKenna introduced the guest of the evening, Howard Dean. While
there were no rebel yells, he did speak excellent French! His speech treated
on the importance of the Canada/US relationship, and on the work that
remains to be done by Progressives everywhere. He focused on the importance
of the place of power, which is with the people. He then treated on the
practice of power: saying that we must never cede a vote ever in the
country, that we must focus on small doners and that we need to be sure to
take advantage of the power of technology. He concluded by speaking of the
shared values that exist between Democrats and Liberals, and by reminding us
that divisive politics is not sustainable, while hope and promise will
always bring people together.

http://bobthered.blogspot.com/2006/11/convention-thoughts-from-my-bed-no-1.html

As someone who was disappointed in the selection of Howard Dean as keynote
speaker, I must admit to enjoying his speech. I felt he delivered exactly
what the convention needed in terms of inspiration, advice and support.

To me, the key points that resonated were to never stop campaigning, to
never cede one vote and to never surrender our values to gain votes.

Honestly, what Dean engineered in the U.S. is equal parts amazing and
understandable. It’s amazing coming in the climate south of the border that
is decidedly conservative and understandable because of the displeasure with
Bush.

If you missed the video of his speech....here it is.
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/717

[Justitia]

1. Thanks Mad - Howard seems to strike a deep chord in multiple audiences

It is really interesting to see that the points he makes crystallize in listeners beyond our borders. This means these things are universal and have a utility past our own politics.

Thanks for your dedication in keeping us up to date here - I ALWAYS really appreciate your effort!