In his statement on the CBC website Harper says
… it had become obvious to Belinda that her leadership ambitions would not be reached in this party, regardless of whether or not we won the next election.Not the sort of statement that should be left hanging Stephen - it leaves far to much room for speculation as to “why” any leadership ambitions Belinda Stronach may have hard were doomed in the CPoC…. I’m speculating already that it might have something to do with the fact that the
– and that “There’s no grand principles involved in this grand switch of decision - just ambition” comment was just plain unnecessary - regardless of whether or not there’s any truth to it.
This unfortunate statement underscores Harper’s tendency to get petulant under pressure. Not a good spin at all. Dignified sorrow but firm resolution would have played better. He really does need:
a) to get some better communications people around him to help him define his messages;
b) to shut up until he’s spoken to them whenever the shit hits the fan, and;
c) to book a few sessions with whatever communications guru has been training Jack Layton (I’m betting it’s Barry McLaughlin…does anyone know?)