Posted on 01/19/2006 5:28:14 AM PST by Clive
His name is Buzz, but maybe it should be Buggsy, judging from his erratic behaviour.
Whatever, Buzz Hargrove, head of the Canadian Auto Workers, seems to be unraveling in this federal election campaign.
He desperately wants to be associated with winners, but is succeeding mostly in making an ass of himself.
He's undoubtedly embarrassing the NDP, if not candidates he's personally put his stamp of approval on, as the nation approaches the cusp of the Jan. 23 vote.
Yesterday, Buzz was calling Tory Leader Stephen Harper essentially a "separatist," and urged Quebecers to support the Bloc Quebecois -- a separatist party -- rather than Conservatives.
Odd? You betcha.
Yet here's the guy who on Dec. 2 cozied up to Paul Martin and urged people to vote Liberal because Harper would make a deal with the Bloc.
Which is it, Buggsy?
In fact, Buzz Hargrove is the biggest loser so far in this election campaign.
Shortly after cuddling up with Martin for photographers, the appeal of Martin and the Liberals began to plunge. Coincidence, perhaps, but embarrassing.
This week, he was cooing to Belinda Stronach, warning voters in Newmarket-Aurora that a Conservative win on Monday would be "disastrous for the auto industry, the economy in general and national unity."
Again, he said Conservatives would make a deal with the separatist Bloc that could lead to dismantling the country -- the same thing he is now urging Quebecers to prevent by voting for the Bloc.
Confusing? It sure is! But it's vintage Buzz.
Yesterday, campaigning in southern Ontario with Martin, Buzz said Harper's agenda is out of step with Canadian values.
Oh? If so, why are Harper and the Tories so far ahead of the Liberals and NDP in polls across Canada?
Maybe it's Buzz's agenda Harper is out of step with?
Back in December when Hargrove defected from the NDP campaign to support Liberals it was both surprising and big news.
Buzz repeatedly denied that he frequently disagreed with leader Jack Layton (but he thought calling the election was a bad idea).
Yesterday, he sniped at Layton, said he wasn't happy at the way he's run the campaign and that he spent too much time criticizing the Liberals "as if undermining Liberals was going to strengthen the NDP." Duh?
Last month, he warned a vote for the NDP was a vote for Conservatives.
One wonders how Martin and Belinda view Buzz's endorsements? Ever since, they and the party have plummeted in opinion polls.
The Star has even suggested that the worst punishment for Belinda would be winning -- and being relegated to opposition benches, unless Harper offers her a cabinet post if she switches back (just kidding).
Belinda's NDP rival in Newmarket-Aurora, Ed Chudak, has wryly noted that Buzz's support hasn't done much to help Martin, the Liberals or Belinda.
"People are telling us at the door they don't like a candidate who crossed the floor," Chudak says.
He could say that the same holds true of union leaders who profess to support the NDP but try to get Liberals elected and accuse the Conservative leader of being a separatist but urge Quebecers to vote for the Bloc Quebecois to stop Conservatives.
You figure it out.
My view is that Buzz Hargrove's ego is such that he's convinced he's a political strategist and a deep-thinker who'll win points in the future -- if he's right.
Well, it seems he has been too smart by half.
His preferred candidates in this election may have a tough time in their own ridings -- and that includes Paul Martin who may soon join election footnotes that include John Turner and Kim Campbell.
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I couldn't resist!
You gotta love the CAW
I got several paid for trips to canada because two different locals of engineers in the same plant both said that changing certain code wasn't their job, so I would get flown in from America to do the changes. Love the restaurants in Toronto. By the way the plant was shut down and demolished eventually. Shut down for productivity, demolished to reduce the tax burden on the company.
These guys make the UAW look like pikers when it comes to not working for their wages.
The Buzzards are beginning to circle!
Through with Buzz-Steely Dan
He takes all my money
You know Im through with buzz
Yes Im through with buzz,
All right, oh yeah, uh huh
Hes not very funny
You know Im through with buzz
Yes Im through with buzz,
All right, oh yeah, uh huh
I remember when he stole my girl
Drug her all around the world
You know Im cool, yes I feel alright
cept when Im in my room and its late at night
Maybe hes a fairy
You know Im through with buzz
Yes Im through with buzz
All right, oh yeah, uh huh, all right
What's the "buzz" on the street about Stronach's career, or hopefully lack thereof, if Harper wins? Anybody know?
She'll be sent crying back to daddy on the 24th!!! ;)
In advance of various solo endeavors,
Walter and Donald have gone online with their own websites and Newsletter lists.
http://donaldfagen.com
http://walterbecker.com
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