Mutual Learning

Ned Lamont won the Connecticut Democratic primary…here are some facts:

1) On the cover of the papers here in DC – it was all about Lieberman’s loss (not Lamont’s victory)

2) Lieberman is the 4th incumbent senator to lose a primary since 1980

3) Following Lamont’s victory, the majority of big name Democrats endorsed Lamont’s candidacy (even those who had been working on Lieberman’s campaign) and said they regret his decision to run as an independent.

4) An exit poll said that nearly 60% of voters thought Lieberman was too close to President Bush (figures according to PBS)

Lieberman went on to attack Lamont in PBS News Hour with Jim Lehrer interview, saying that Lamont has no experience and has demonstrated his inability to work across party lines (which according to him is a necessity in the Senate).

Speaking of working across party lines… Paul Wells posted on his blog Maria Minna’s letter to members of the Liberal caucus regarding Wajid’s decision to work for Harper.

I sent the letter on to a friend and former colleague (aka Liberal party policy wonk). I think that his response was particularly, um, eloquent:

“Damn straight. I would never have let this happen if I were leader. Everyone is babbling about bi-partisanship. But this isn't a US Presidential system where it is okay to get bi-partisan advice and support from parliamentarians. It is a British Parliamentary system. The PM only gets to be PM if he/she has confidence in the House. The President can continue to govern if he/she loses votes in Congress, short of impeachment.

In the Canadian system the opposition's ONLY constitutional role is to oppose the government. We have no obligation constitutionally to provide advice to the government, even for the good of the country. In fact, our job is not to do that, it is to oppose. Anything else is a political decision, and it is a dumb political decision as well.

We have to stop pretending we are Americans all the time. Our system is not designed that way and it will break down if we behave that way. Bill Graham should know better. I would have kicked Khan out of caucus in a heartbeat.”

Now speaking of applications of American politics in Canada, I’ve had a couple of interesting political discussions with my new Americans acquaintances.

Once I have had a few more, I’m going to compile them will into a medley, a sort of “Talking to Americans” (thought less funny), probably more like “Talking Seriously to Americans”. I’ve been really impressed with the insights of my new acquaintances and think that there are several parallels that can be drawn between the Democrats and Liberals (for example, tips on avoiding a weak campaign strategy.)