My convention diary Thursday

My trip began around 630am on Thursday morning from Carlisle, as I got in my bug and headed down the 401. I arrived in Montreal around 130 that afternoon at Hotel Champ De Mars, an older hotel in Old Montreal. I checked in and walked up three flights of stairs to my very cozy ie. very small room. I turned on the TV to see what was happening at the convention and CTV was already talking about the deal btw Kennedy and Dion that would ultimately decided the leadership. After a nap I walked over to the Palaise in the rain around 5 to check in and got really soaked on the way, because I had forgotten to bring an umbrella. (The Tims at the Palais of course had a major line-up). After walking around to check out all that was going on, I made my way to the hall for the Paul Martin tribute. They were not going to let us in until 7, so a crowd of us stood outside one of the doors cramped together for about an hour, as our frustration mounted. Finally, they let us in, but confusion reigned as no one knew where to sit. Finally, everyone settled down and the show began. A women beside me noted that the party still had not changed in the fact that the so-called elites were being divided from the rest of the party at the tribute. In fact, none of the MP's except those aligned with one of the camps were allowed to sit up front. The show itself was like a rock concert and Martin's speech was great. Where was that a year ago? After the show I hung around the front to see the contenders speaking to the media one by one. Dryden was the last to leave hall, as he was bombarded with photo ops and autographs. I headed back to the hotel in the rain again and was totally soaked again by the time I got to my room.

The Clear Choice

I encourage all that are voting this weekend to look closely at KD. This is a man of substance and integrity. A man whom in recent polls has the best chance of winning the next election for the Liberals. KD has star power, no baggage, is a truly progressive thinker and has the intellectual depth to take on Harper. Harper's french was not great in the beginning also, but KD will improve and KD's speaking style has improved greatly. Iggy has too many detractors and Canadians will have a hard time warming up to him. Canadians are not ready for another PM from Quebec. We all know about Rae and Kennedy does not have enough depth to take on the job at this time. Its not too late... the clear choice is Dryden!