ELECTION CALL ROUNDUP

This week's perspective from Bob Reid: I love the smell of diesel in the morning … fire up those campaign buses. We’ll have lots to say about the communications plays flowing out of the federal election campaign, so let’s start off with a quick round-up on the spin efforts of the three national party leaders out of the gate. Touchdown to the Conservatives for their two-pronged strategy. First, it was Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the high road, denouncing “political games” for an “unnecessary election” all couched in the context of a still fragile global economy and the need for a steady hand on the tiller where Canada’s fiscal course is concerned. Then, on the flip side, were stalwart spinners John Baird and former Harper Chief of Staff (now Conservative campaign chair) Guy Giorno raising the spectre of a Liberal-NDP-BQ “coalition” at every turn. Together, both prongs played up Conservative strong points and opposition vulnerabilities. The “coalition” question was quickly put to Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, who punted – refusing to engage on it, talking instead of the “red door or blue door” choice facing Canadians. It’s a good example of reframing the question, but it shows how effective the Conservatives have been on the “coalition” issue and it’s a question Ignatieff will need a better way to handle going forward. Finally, NDP Leader Jack Layton has been consistent in pointing the finger back at Harper in terms of who’s really to blame for sending Canadians to the polls, saying his party tried to be cooperative but it was Harper who “made the choice” to have an election instead. Get comfortable, folks – it’s going to be a busy month.