Brandon716
Senior Member
I don't think Schwarzenegger is particularly "left", he is just not nearly as rightwing than the mainstream of the GOP is in the US and the same is true of Harper in power. The fact that Harper was a rightwing ideologue at the National Citizens Coalition, etc. doesn't matter to the voters as much as what he's done since coming to office. Things haven't changed all that much from the Chretien/Martin years, policy-wise.
The very small minority of Canadians who like Sarah Palin and post on Free Dominion probably hate Harper and think he's a total sellout and want to bring back the Reform Party.
I'm not convinced. I believe Harper is way to the right on many issues, he's proven so in the past. But he's got extreme discipline in wanting to build the party first before his personal political career. He desperate wants the Conservative brand to be built in Canada, so he's submitted to the reality that Canada isn't far right and has bit his tongue to win over Ontario voters.
I believe once they have a sizable majority government (if they are allowed such a travesty in the coming years) you'll see a lurch to the right after Harper is history.