A stark observation recently surfaced regarding the dynamic between Canadian conservatives and their liberal counterparts in the media: unsolicited advice from those openly wishing for the conservative party’s demise. It’s a peculiar phenomenon, akin to receiving strategic counsel from a declared enemy.
The current outpouring of praise for Prime Minister Mark Carney in Canadian newspapers has reached a level bordering on hagiography – uncritical and excessively flattering writing typically reserved for saints. This stands in sharp contrast to the relentless criticism leveled against Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
The narrative pushed by many liberal commentators consistently portrays Poilievre as a political liability, someone his own party would be better off replacing. The unspoken hope is a return to a more moderate, “Red Tory” approach, believed to offer conservatives a better chance at long-term survival.
Conservative MP Jamil Jivani highlighted a critical flaw in this dynamic, pointing to the recent and unexpected defection of social conservative Marilyn Gladu to the Liberal party. He argues that conservatives repeatedly fall into the trap of seeking approval from those fundamentally opposed to their principles.
Jivani’s core message is blunt: Liberal detractors are rarely, if ever, sincere in their critiques or suggestions. The belief that conservatives can win over liberal media figures by compromising their message or adopting a more palatable tone is a dangerous illusion.
There’s a persistent strain of thought within conservative circles – a longing for a world where good policy ideas are met with praise from across the political spectrum. This yearning, Jivani contends, is a distraction from the core task of building a strong and principled conservative movement.
Conservatives possess a unique mechanism for leadership change – the ability of their caucus to remove a leader. As they contemplate the future, particularly amidst reports of further potential defections, a crucial question looms: will they continue to heed the advice of those who actively seek their defeat?
The lesson, increasingly clear, is that seeking validation from opponents is a futile exercise. True strength lies in staying true to core beliefs and building a movement based on genuine conviction, not the fleeting approval of those who wish it ill.
