The squeeze is on. The federal Liberals campaign to the left and govern to the right. When things get really tough in a campaign they point to how scary the Reform-Alliance-Conservative party is and appeal to New Democrats to vote strategically to stop the evil empire; they try to squeeze the NDP vote. After they are elected, they become the evil empire playing the provinces against each other and shifting their deficits onto the backs of provincial treasuries. Of course, a better alternative is to elect more New Democrats to keep whoever is in government accountable while pressuring for progressive policies.

It is true that Stephen Harper is scary, but not necessarily for the reasons shown in the Liberal attack ads now running on TV. Jack Layton says that the campaign should be about ideas. Compare the ideas offered by the different parties. Harper's platform calls for over 20% cuts to government programs, other than defense, in the first two years and deeper cuts in years three and four. That is why Harper is scary, combined with the fact that he won't talk about his planned cuts. All Harper can say is that the Liberals should be defeated because of their waste and corruption. He's right about the Liberals but that is no reason to support him.

It looks like Canada will have a minority government which means another election will probably be held in less than two years. John Manley and others who are bitter over Martin's takeover of the Liberal party are no doubt already preparing their leadership bids. Paul Martin will become a footnote in Canadian history. A strategic vote cast in an effort to stop the inevitable will deprive Canada of the strong NDP caucus that is needed during the difficult time ahead.