Harper's best line

Babble on.

Stephen Harper is undoubtedly a bright man. I believe him to be an honest and caring man as well, but that's just my impression, and it's certainly not a consensus opinion. I had the opportunity to see him speak live at a campaign stop last summer, and can testify that he's a much better public speaker than he's given credit for. And he is surely the best of all our choices for Canada's next Prime Minister.

Unfortunately, the man consistently manages to come across as a smug robot on TV. Tonight was no exception.

He had one fantastic moment, however:

We want Quebecers to choose Canada, and given an honest choice, Quebecers will always choose Canada.

But we must realize that what Quebecers will not do is choose corruption. They will not choose the Liberal Party.

The challenge for people outside Quebec is to show that we are equally prepared to demand accountability; to hold Mr. Martin and his party responsible and to build a united Canada where Liberal corruption has no place whatsoever. (Babbler's italics)

In three sentences, the man praises the integrity of Quebec voters (nurturing nascent CPC support), and challenges the Rest of Canada (read: Vote-Rich Ontario&trade) to demonstrate the same degree of principle. From where I sit, the subtle jab at Ontarian pride is brilliant - especially given the implication that Quebec is setting the standard. If they were listening - a big if, I know - Canadians in the Centre of the Universe won't sit still for that.

I just hope the best line of the night didn't get buried by Harper's delivery.

Babble off.