Only a small difference between an appearance on a news show for a ten-minute interview during an election versus bringing to bear multi-million dollar marketing machine outside of writ period for years sans cesse.

Had the Conservatives brought to bear their million dollar negative marketing machine on Jack, it stands to reason he'd be down in the dumps with Ignatieff.

Not relieved in the least. Annoyed that one would feel it necessary to endorse such subterfuge. What of the courage of one's convictions?

That seems like a promising proposition on its face, but the fiscal sustainability issues of the forces are worrisome enough without adding another command. Specialization, rather than diversification, seems to be the order of the day for the CF. If that means focusing the bulk of our limited military spending on marine search and rescue, that's could be workable. But then that would mean a totally different jet than the F-35...

I'm sorry for the confusion, but I was unaware that conservative voters are inclined to be kept in a state of ignorance by the government.

Bingo. That we're having this discussion is a byproduct of Harper's Contempt finding.

These figures ought to be known by the government and the public, given their central nature to our future. We're facing an existential cross-roads of a few very different options, all of which remain beyond a few paces foggy to the Canadian public. This is not responsible government. Canadian voters, let alone their representatives in Ottawa, can't be expected to make such fundamental decisions while remaining pitifully uninformed.

Isn't this to what he's referring when he says the Conservative numbers don't add up and references the $11 billion hole? Granted, this messaging glosses over much of the detail, but the spirit is there.

That said, I agree emphatically with Paul that the alternative to reducing Ottawa to a post office box for transfer cheques has yet to be properly explained to Canadians.

Add in rising costs to maintain our current armed forces personnel, not to mention procurement for the air force and navy. Costs of the crime agenda, etc. This fiscal hole can't be solved by attrition and efficiency without negative impacts on quality of service. Failing to replace Coast Guard staff will affect response times, as an example. Then there is the matter of the structural deficit...

I think this is what Michael Ignatieff is saying, just in much easier-to-digest terms. Something has to give here, be it health care or any number of services Canadians rely on. As with most in this election, it could use more wholesome debate. However, any combination of pols, the electorate, and media seem to be unwilling or unable to participate in such detailed discussions.

Populist malarkey bordering on the treasonous. Harper is complicit in inciting this dangerous talk. His unbridled lust for power prompted the slick CPC PR campaign to distort our parliamentary democracy, and has led to this constitutional strife. Worse than having a separatist in charge of the government.

Ambition to be PM? Who is it that's stoking fear as a siren call to majority government? "Lapping at our shores," indeed.