In 2006 Gerard Kennedy was the dark horse, the long shot of the Liberal Leadership. After a few months of introducing himself to Canadians, with his message of change, Kennedy garnered substantial support from Liberals like you.
He rose to challenge those campaigns that had more old party insiders, more money, and more of the same. After the second ballot he withdrew and supported Stephane Dion to prevent the party from being divided between Bob Rae and Michael Ignatieff.
In 2008 with Stephane Dion announcing his resignation the party faces division between those two older men again. Already both have their organizations in place, their strategies planned, and their deals made. Already these candidates have created their campaigns based on themselves, and not on Liberals.
Gerard Kennedy has not entered the race, he has not created some campaign designed by old party organizers telling you what you want to hear. Gerard Kennedy's campaign begins with you. With Liberals who want change, with Liberals who will lead where others follow.
Those people who speak to doubts about Kennedy's ability to win the leadership, speak from the very attitude which is destroying the Party, that attitude of doubting the power of the individual, the power of Liberals to act, to lead this Party instead of merely following it.
Gerard Kennedy's campaign begins and ends with you. It is not going to win because of a few organizers in Ottawa and their network of connections, it will win because Liberals across Canada will choose to do what others can't, they will choose not to merely support a campaign, but to be the campaign.
This idea is not from any organizer, this idea is not from any leadership campaign, this idea is from one Liberal who wants a Party that leads instead of follows. And it is this idea that will challenge those same old campaigns, because it demands the recognition the power to decide the future of our Party and of Canada does not come from them, it comes from us.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Gerard Kennedy Should Run For Liberal Leader
Every single day that Canadians worry about how they'll be able to send their kids to university, or even put food on their table, is another day Canadians need change. Real change.
Canadians have settled for good enough instead of demanding better for too long. Canadians have elected a party that has weakened the economy, abandoned equality, cheapened our international reputation and has done away with the very Canadian spirit of leading where others choose to follow. This government was not elected because it was the best, but because Canadians were not inspired to become what all they can be. That Canadians instead voted for what was, and not what they could accomplish.
The Liberal Party is not what it once was. It is no longer the beacon of hope and spirit that motivated a country to become the nation of potential, the nation of leaders, where nothing was impossible, where nothing stopped us from doing what was right. Liberals across Canada have lost what we once had, what we were once proud of, our purpose. Our purpose to change Canada, not into some idealistic utopia, but into the very best this world has to offer, and then more.
And though the Party is different it is not the Party that needs to be fixed, each Liberal must realize that change begins with them. That each one of us has the future of our Party and of our nation in our hands, and it is us who must act. It is us who must lead our Party and Canada and not seek what is good, but what is better, not what can be done, but what must be done to change the world.
Run Gerard Kennedy. Run for Liberal Leader. I believe in you.
Canadians have settled for good enough instead of demanding better for too long. Canadians have elected a party that has weakened the economy, abandoned equality, cheapened our international reputation and has done away with the very Canadian spirit of leading where others choose to follow. This government was not elected because it was the best, but because Canadians were not inspired to become what all they can be. That Canadians instead voted for what was, and not what they could accomplish.
The Liberal Party is not what it once was. It is no longer the beacon of hope and spirit that motivated a country to become the nation of potential, the nation of leaders, where nothing was impossible, where nothing stopped us from doing what was right. Liberals across Canada have lost what we once had, what we were once proud of, our purpose. Our purpose to change Canada, not into some idealistic utopia, but into the very best this world has to offer, and then more.
And though the Party is different it is not the Party that needs to be fixed, each Liberal must realize that change begins with them. That each one of us has the future of our Party and of our nation in our hands, and it is us who must act. It is us who must lead our Party and Canada and not seek what is good, but what is better, not what can be done, but what must be done to change the world.
Run Gerard Kennedy. Run for Liberal Leader. I believe in you.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Stephane Dion For Prime Minister
The Convention has crowned Stephane Dion Leader of the Liberal Party. Gerard Kennedy was my first choice to be leader, but my first choice of federal parties is Liberal. The policies and ideology of the Liberal Party out measure any difference between Leadership candidates; thus, as if any of the candidates won, this blog will fight for the Leader of the Liberal Party and for Liberal Principles and Values. It is by this that I will fight hard for Stephane Dion, and not look to the future leadership, because what we need is a Liberal government right now.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
A Great Campaign Photo
This picture was taken on the Kennedy's campaign trek to a Chinese Lunch with Gerard Kennedy. Walking with his wife, Gerard hoists his son on his shoulders.
The Luncheon was attended by hundreds of delegates, not to mention Members of Parliament Mark Holland and Raymond Chan.
The picture says it all. Now is the time of results. Leading into the convention, polls and speculation reigned, now as practical evidence builds, it is evident Gerard Kennedy has one of the most vibrant campaigns.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Kennedy's Stance On Quebecois Gains further Support
Gerard Kennedy gains further support due to his strong stance for a united Canada and against the lack of clarity proposed in the motion that wished to recognize Quebecois as a nation.
In the Globe and Mail, in this article it describes Gerard's growing support.
In the Globe and Mail, in this article it describes Gerard's growing support.
In any event, they suggested that Mr. Kennedy, by coming out forcefully against recognition of Quebec nationhood, may have boosted his support enough to hang onto third place without any help.
Indeed, Mr. Kennedy picked up an endorsement Wednesday from former cabinet minister Sergio Marchi, who said Kennedy's position on Quebec nationhood tipped him into his camp.
“I just thought Gerard's position was one of courage and respect,” Mr. Marchi said in an interview.
Mr. Kennedy said he doesn't know what impact the nation controversy will have on Saturday's leadership vote and denied that was a factor in his decision to oppose Prime Minister Stephen Harper's surprise motion recognizing the Quebecois as a nation within a united Canada.
Like the other candidates, Mr. Kennedy welcomed the decision of the Quebec wing of the party to withdraw a similar resolution from consideration at the convention.
“I've said all along . . . somebody has made this about leadership politics — it shouldn't be,” he said, in a shot at Mr. Ignatieff who started the debate over Quebec nationhood.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Gerard Kennedy At The Convention
Tomorrow Morning, Wednesday, Gerard Kennedy will make his entrance at the Convention. Gerard will register tomorrow morning and meet other delegates. If you would like to meet with Gerard and ask him any questions or to pick up any GK buttons or other GK items, I on behalf of the Kennedy campaign want you to be there.
Gerard Kennedy is the most down to Earth candidate, and the most direct. If you have anything you want to talk to Gerard about or just to meet a possible future leader of the Liberal Party I encourage you to come register early tomorrow morning.
Gerard just demonstrated his great oratory abilities on "The Hour" and "The Rick Mercer Report. You can view them by clicking on the following:
Kennedy on The Hour
Kennedy On A Date With Rick Mercer (Click On "Rick's Date With Gerard Kennedy.")
Gerard Kennedy is the most down to Earth candidate, and the most direct. If you have anything you want to talk to Gerard about or just to meet a possible future leader of the Liberal Party I encourage you to come register early tomorrow morning.
Gerard just demonstrated his great oratory abilities on "The Hour" and "The Rick Mercer Report. You can view them by clicking on the following:
Kennedy on The Hour
Kennedy On A Date With Rick Mercer (Click On "Rick's Date With Gerard Kennedy.")
Monday, November 27, 2006
Kennedy's Statement Against Harper-Duceppe Motion
KENNEDY OPPOSES HARPER-DUCEPPE NATION MOTION
Today, Liberal Leadership Candidate Gerard Kennedy issued the following
statement:
I cannot support the Harper-Duceppe motion currently before the House.
The Prime Minister's responsibility is to protect the constitution and the
unity of the country. This motion does neither. It is wrong for Canada.
The motion creates an unmistakable expectation by giving official legitimacy
to the "idea" of nation, without defining it. This is an irresponsible
step, as there has never been greater need for honest dialogue between
Quebecers and the rest of Canadians. Rather than improving national unity,
the motion will exacerbate divisions and generate misunderstanding in Quebec
and across Canada. It is for this reason that throughout this campaign I
have consistently opposed the "officialization" of the notion of Quebec as a
nation.
Canada is a united country that must be constantly defined by our common
values and a shared purpose. The introduction of this resolution contradicts
this need and instead sows division over uncertain symbols.
I respect the sense of identity shared by many Quebecers, reflecting a
common culture, language, history and accomplishment and I will continue to
promote that identity, rather than playing divisive political games with it.
Further, this motion does nothing to recognize, and potentially takes away
from, aboriginals, Acadians and other official minority groups with a
distinct culture and heritage within Canada.
I deplore that anyone would use this as a wedge issue for political gain.
As Liberals, we have to understand that there is no easy way to rebuild the
party in Quebec but we must stay resolute in our vision for the entire
country. I want Quebecers to know that as Leader of the Liberal Party of
Canada I will forge a common understanding of the best way for Quebecers and
all Canadians to work together on our real challenges: globalization
benefiting all families not just a few; an aging population and the growing
divide between rural and urban regions.
Out of respect for the interim leader Bill Graham, I am not requesting that
any caucus member supporting my candidacy change their vote to reflect my
position.
Canadians will know that I do not feel bound by this vote or this process.
KENNEDY S'OPPOSE À LA MOTION HARPER-DUCEPPE SUR LA NATION
Aujourd'hui, le candidat à la direction du Parti libéral du Canada, Gerard
Kennedy, émettait la déclaration suivante :
Je ne peux appuyer la motion Harper-Duceppe déposée en Chambre. La
responsabilité du Premier ministre est de protéger la constitution et
l'unité du pays. Cette motion ne fait ni l'un, ni l'autre. Ceci n'est pas
bon pour le Canada.
Il est indéniable que la motion va créer des attentes en attribuant une
légitimité officielle au «concept » de nation, sans pour autant le définir.
Ceci est un geste irresponsable, d'autant plus qu'il n'y a jamais eu un
besoin aussi grand pour un dialogue honnête entre les gens du Québec et les
autres Canadiens. Plutôt que de préserver l'unité nationale, cette motion
vient exacerber les divisions et génère l'incompréhension au Québec et à
travers le pays. C'est pour cette raison que tout au long de cette
campagne, je me suis continuellement opposé à ce que l'on officialise la
notion de la nation québécoise.
Le Canada est un pays uni qui doit constamment être défini en fonction de
nos valeurs communes et de notre but collectif. Le dépôt de cette motion
contredit ce besoin et vient, au contraire, créer la division sur des
symboles qui sont mal définis.
Je respecte le sens d'identité que partagent plusieurs Québécoises et
Québécois. Il est le fruit d'une culture, d'une langue, d'une histoire et de
réalisations communes, et je vais continuer à promouvoir cette identité
plutôt que de l'exploiter pour des intrigues politiques qui divisent notre
pays. Je déplore que quiconque ose exploiter cette identité comme levier
dans le but d'obtenir des gains politiques. De plus, cette motion ne fait
rien pour la reconnaissance des autochtones, des Acadiens ou d'autres
groupes minoritaires qui ont une culture et un héritage distincts.
En tant que Libéraux, nous devons comprendre qu'il n'y a pas de moyens
faciles pour rebâtir le parti au Québec, mais nous devons demeurer fidèles à
notre vision pour l'ensemble du pays. Je veux que les Québécoises et les
Québécois sachent, qu'à titre de chef du Parti libéral du Canada, je vais
m'efforcer de forger une compréhension commune quant au meilleur moyen pour
aider les gens du Québec et l'ensemble des Canadiens à travailler ensemble
sur les vrais défis auxquels nous sommes confrontés : une mondialisation qui
doit profiter à toutes les familles et non à un nombre restreint d'entre
elles; une population vieillissante et l'écart grandissant entre les régions
rurales et urbaines.
De façon à respecter notre chef intérimaire, Bill Graham, je ne demande pas
que les membres du caucus qui appuient ma candidature changent leur vote en
fonction de ma position.
Les Canadiens comprendront que je ne me sens pas lié par ce vote ou ce
processus.
Today, Liberal Leadership Candidate Gerard Kennedy issued the following
statement:
I cannot support the Harper-Duceppe motion currently before the House.
The Prime Minister's responsibility is to protect the constitution and the
unity of the country. This motion does neither. It is wrong for Canada.
The motion creates an unmistakable expectation by giving official legitimacy
to the "idea" of nation, without defining it. This is an irresponsible
step, as there has never been greater need for honest dialogue between
Quebecers and the rest of Canadians. Rather than improving national unity,
the motion will exacerbate divisions and generate misunderstanding in Quebec
and across Canada. It is for this reason that throughout this campaign I
have consistently opposed the "officialization" of the notion of Quebec as a
nation.
Canada is a united country that must be constantly defined by our common
values and a shared purpose. The introduction of this resolution contradicts
this need and instead sows division over uncertain symbols.
I respect the sense of identity shared by many Quebecers, reflecting a
common culture, language, history and accomplishment and I will continue to
promote that identity, rather than playing divisive political games with it.
Further, this motion does nothing to recognize, and potentially takes away
from, aboriginals, Acadians and other official minority groups with a
distinct culture and heritage within Canada.
I deplore that anyone would use this as a wedge issue for political gain.
As Liberals, we have to understand that there is no easy way to rebuild the
party in Quebec but we must stay resolute in our vision for the entire
country. I want Quebecers to know that as Leader of the Liberal Party of
Canada I will forge a common understanding of the best way for Quebecers and
all Canadians to work together on our real challenges: globalization
benefiting all families not just a few; an aging population and the growing
divide between rural and urban regions.
Out of respect for the interim leader Bill Graham, I am not requesting that
any caucus member supporting my candidacy change their vote to reflect my
position.
Canadians will know that I do not feel bound by this vote or this process.
KENNEDY S'OPPOSE À LA MOTION HARPER-DUCEPPE SUR LA NATION
Aujourd'hui, le candidat à la direction du Parti libéral du Canada, Gerard
Kennedy, émettait la déclaration suivante :
Je ne peux appuyer la motion Harper-Duceppe déposée en Chambre. La
responsabilité du Premier ministre est de protéger la constitution et
l'unité du pays. Cette motion ne fait ni l'un, ni l'autre. Ceci n'est pas
bon pour le Canada.
Il est indéniable que la motion va créer des attentes en attribuant une
légitimité officielle au «concept » de nation, sans pour autant le définir.
Ceci est un geste irresponsable, d'autant plus qu'il n'y a jamais eu un
besoin aussi grand pour un dialogue honnête entre les gens du Québec et les
autres Canadiens. Plutôt que de préserver l'unité nationale, cette motion
vient exacerber les divisions et génère l'incompréhension au Québec et à
travers le pays. C'est pour cette raison que tout au long de cette
campagne, je me suis continuellement opposé à ce que l'on officialise la
notion de la nation québécoise.
Le Canada est un pays uni qui doit constamment être défini en fonction de
nos valeurs communes et de notre but collectif. Le dépôt de cette motion
contredit ce besoin et vient, au contraire, créer la division sur des
symboles qui sont mal définis.
Je respecte le sens d'identité que partagent plusieurs Québécoises et
Québécois. Il est le fruit d'une culture, d'une langue, d'une histoire et de
réalisations communes, et je vais continuer à promouvoir cette identité
plutôt que de l'exploiter pour des intrigues politiques qui divisent notre
pays. Je déplore que quiconque ose exploiter cette identité comme levier
dans le but d'obtenir des gains politiques. De plus, cette motion ne fait
rien pour la reconnaissance des autochtones, des Acadiens ou d'autres
groupes minoritaires qui ont une culture et un héritage distincts.
En tant que Libéraux, nous devons comprendre qu'il n'y a pas de moyens
faciles pour rebâtir le parti au Québec, mais nous devons demeurer fidèles à
notre vision pour l'ensemble du pays. Je veux que les Québécoises et les
Québécois sachent, qu'à titre de chef du Parti libéral du Canada, je vais
m'efforcer de forger une compréhension commune quant au meilleur moyen pour
aider les gens du Québec et l'ensemble des Canadiens à travailler ensemble
sur les vrais défis auxquels nous sommes confrontés : une mondialisation qui
doit profiter à toutes les familles et non à un nombre restreint d'entre
elles; une population vieillissante et l'écart grandissant entre les régions
rurales et urbaines.
De façon à respecter notre chef intérimaire, Bill Graham, je ne demande pas
que les membres du caucus qui appuient ma candidature changent leur vote en
fonction de ma position.
Les Canadiens comprendront que je ne me sens pas lié par ce vote ou ce
processus.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
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