Random thoughts on #lpc12
I got there late, so here’s my abbreviated take on the whole thing.
- As has already been said ad nauseum, the Liberal Party is alive and kicking. Walking onto the convention floor and looking out at literally thousands of members, was amazing. And at a policy convention, no less.
- It was great seeing old friends, even arriving as late as I did. My favorite bow-tied senator, some of the best political staff ever to grace Centre Block, and MPs, both current and past. For a former political hack like myself, it was a bit like a high school reunion: there were those you hoped to see and there were those you hoped to never see again. (Also, finally got to meet @see_jane_sell. She’s great, you should check her out).
- Liberal staffers know how to party. We felt, um, old at the young Liberals event so headed over to Darcy’s for a couple of pints. And true to form, staffers, former and current, were knocking them back – including a few who probably didn’t remember speaking with me when they sobered up the next day.*
*Editor’s note: Staffers of all political persuasion are known to let off steam in the pubs surrounding parliament. For the most part, they’re hard working, dedicated people who’re chronically underpaid and unappreciated. There are some exceptions to this rule – those ones are just assholes.
- Best part of the convention is that Alf Apps is gone. Gone! Holy hell, he’s actually gone. I’ve been asked for my thoughts on Crawley’s win (or Sheila’s loss, depending on your perspective). The result was thisclose. Both Crawley and Copps definitely had their pros and cons. Martin vs Chretien, young (although only in political circles is person in his mid-40s young) vs old, male vs female, etc., etc. Personally, I like Ms. Copps. I hope she sticks around – we need her.
- Worst part of the convention: Voting to allow “supporters” to pick our next leader. I’ve heard arguments that it’s fine. You know, because it works in the U.S. Btw, we’re not American and we have an entirely different political system. But more than that, I don’t think Conservatives, Dippers, Greens, etc. should have a say in this process. Their say is on Election Day.
