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From: mnh@utcsrgv.UUCP (Mark Hume)
Newsgroups: can.politics
Subject: Re: The Liberal Leadership Convention
Message-ID: <4566@utcsrgv.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 18-Jun-84 16:54:42 EDT
Article-I.D.: utcsrgv.4566
Posted: Mon Jun 18 16:54:42 1984
Date-Received: Mon, 18-Jun-84 17:11:50 EDT
References: <4560@utcsrgv.UUCP>
Organization: CSRG, University of Toronto
Lines: 66


I was an observer at the convention and I would like to offer some differing 
impressions to those in the previous article.

Unfortunately, Chretien didn't have a chance even if Johnston did support him
on the second ballot. Turner was only 125 votes from a win, and with 
MacGuigan's (sp) support and that of the defectors from Whelan, Munro and
Roberts he was sure to win on the second ballot.  And we all new it, But didn't
want to admit it!


Turner's victory speech was definitely aimed at the telivision
audience, those of us who had been at the Civic Center all day were in no
shape (very tired, not bored though) to listen to a long speech that touched
all bases.  We wanted to hear a passionate, rousing one (something like the
ones Jean Chretien usually makes), but Turner must think of the election now,
and who could resist that free, live telivision coverage?

Trudeau embraced Chretien but only shook hands (or arms as is Turner's style)
with John Turner. Hmmmmmmm.

I would like to speak against the speculation that Trudeau might have spoiled
his ballot to remain neutral.  Trudeau... Are you kidding?  He's never been
wishy-washy in his life. Besides, its a secret ballot, why would he have to
spoil it?


I agree about the assesment of Trudeau's speech!  Thursday was a Trudeau
love-in, as it should have been.

On Saturday Chretien had a brunch at his tent on the Civic Center site.
He arrived to a crowd of supporters cheering and walked to the tent, on the
way passing Whelan's tent (Whelan was there).  Chretien walked into the tent
and shook Whelan's hand to sounds of Chretien supporters cheering 

Whelan .. Whelan .. Whelan

A nice gesture for Chretien,  much appreciated by Whelan.

Speeches*

Whelan was off ... not as good as he had been during the campaign.
Munro .....
Roberts ... some good lines, not too exciting
MacGuigan ... the usual

Johnston ... Great musical entrance ... quite a good speech
Turner ... not a good choice of music, very muffled .. nice flags
   Probably the best speech he's made in the campaign... possibly ever
   Certainly the most moving and passionate (if you can call it that)
   that he's made in recent memory.  Certainly a left-leaning speech,
   finally praising Trudeau (when he knew it couldn't do him any harm).
Chretien ... Perfect music for the Underdog. ... Quite a good speech,
   amazing since he read it from a prepared text, and he's usually not
   good when he does that.  Not the best he's made in the campaign.
   No change in positions, pure Chretien.


I would like to plead for the use of electronic (or mechanical or whatever)
voting machines.  Two hours plus to count a single ballot is agony for those
at the convention.

  For those watching on TV,
I think that Saturday was probably a little boring.

In all, a great event for those who were there.