The "center-right" vote *is* going to be split between the liberals and conservatives. Every little thing like Joe Clarke endorsing the libs, Stronach and other perceived "moderates" defecting makes it worse.
And I cannot entirely blame the media. We have the National Post (in addition to other CanWest holdings), and basically all of the Sun Media papers not towing the Liberal line. Sure, the overall media picture here is left biased, but it isn't the only noise people hear.
I'm not sure what it is going to take, but adscam (etc!) apparently isn't big enough for a lot of people to accept Harper's Conservatives as an alternative.
Two points:
1) Stronach is obviously an overly ambitious lightweight, i.e. a real threat to any leader or party. How long before Martin the the ol' Liberal network throw her under the bus? i.e. shuffle her out of cabinet, challenge her nomination for re-election, whatever.
2) To the issue about Canadian apathy or just plain stupidity, the only explanation I have is that the indoctrinization is almost complete. Many Canadians have been convinced that the purpose of government is to solve all their problems. True conservatives want less government and more self-sufficiency which is "scary" to many.
Since the economy has been reasonably stable, in large measure to US and conservative governments in Alberta and formerly Ontario, the public seems prepared to reward the federal Liberals.
Many people are on the government dole, either directly as employees or indirectly through subsidized industries. Again, those scary conservatives might take something away. Sadly, the idea of a better life through reduced taxes and more efficient, less corrupt governance is lost, especially in much of Ontario.
I admit to being somewhat at a loss as to the "their all the same" crap but I suspect its really just a cop-out to hide their ignorance and fear.
Unfortunately, the only remedy I see is an economic meltdown to take away the Liberals means of bribing the populace with our own money.
I think playing the "moral" card will swing a lot of voters over, plus all those who would otherwise stay home...
Try this one laddie...all of the MSM may not be "left biased' as you put it,...but the CBC which is dependent on taxpayer dollars for its survival sure the heck is left of mainstream North American views and values ..its so far left that Castro is its next door neighbor...conclusion...your post suggests questionable reasoning..oh well.. goodness knows I should not be destructively critical....keep posting..even BC BOY has a bad day now and then...EH
If Adscam and suitcases of taxpayers cash being peddled around and God knows what else doesn't convince the Ontario Liberals that these corrupt despots need to go, THEN they are simply BRAIN DEAD!! WHO with two brain cells to rub together likes having their pockets picked? I guess Ontario Liberals????? BIZARRE INDEED!! The West NEEDS to separate. Forget Quebec, WE need to separate.