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NDP Identity Crisis for August 5, 2009
Today, Canadian news media sources are all mentioning the possible name change for Canada’s New Democratic Party. There is, however, a lack of thorough discussion about what this means for the party that remains in the background of federal politics. Among the more serious questions being asked are whether talks about a name change will prompt debates about the party’s mandate and target audience.
- Political soul searching — The Ottawa Citizen
The NDP convention will feature a speaker from the Obama presidential campaign; many within the party support this. They feel the party needs effective strategies to engage with younger voters who don’t identify with any of the federal parties. Lawrence Martin discusses this and believes a name change is the first step in the right direction.
- A new name for the NDP would be like a fresh coat of paint by Lawrence Martin — The Globe and Mail
One of the proposed names is to drop the ‘new’ and become, simply, the Democratic Party — another connection to the Democratic Party of America. Maybe it is true the NDP are trying to mimic the Obama sensation as much as they can? Though Obama’s campaign was successful, Barry Weisleder argues the NDP should distance themselves from the American democrats.
- Obama’s spin doctor has no business at NDP convention by Barry Weisleder — Rabble
Corvin Russell, on his rabble.ca blog, points out the lack of any racial or gender diversity on the program for the NDP convention.
NDP bring white fest to Halifax by Corvin Russell — Rabble
