Lost in Space

Where is this guy going with this?

Though an extraordinarily perceptive commentator and brilliant academic, Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff appears completely tone deaf.

In a week in which Conservative poll numbers have rightly gone off a cliff as allegations of willful blindness on the abetting of torture take hold, Ignatieff has been pretty much silent. And now news from the Globe's Jane Taber that he is "unplugging" himself and embarking on a tour to listen to Canadians. Key quote . . .

“This is all about listening to Canadians,” he told his caucus. And he advised them to be patient and work hard - noting that every question in Question Period and that every bit of work done in a committee is part of the re-building process for the Liberals. He said he was “certain” that rewards would come.

This minority government deserves to fall. The Minister of Defence is on life support. If a plug needs to be pulled, it should be his. This is not a time for contemplation; it is a time for taking the reins. Or as Lawrence Martin suggested in his column this morning

Nobleman Ignatieff has brought in new advisers, including some veteran Chrétien warriors. The Afghan detainees file is their first big test. We'll soon get an idea whether they will follow Mr. McKenna's advice and change course or whether it will be more of the same: Liberal popguns, Conservative cruise missiles.