Tag Archives: Wildrose

Kenny Controls the Narrative, Why is this a Surprise?

Posted on February 11, 2019 by susanonthesoapbox

We’ve been so focused on Jason Kenney’s public rhetoric that we didn’t see him transform the Progressive Conservatives and Wildrose MLAs into a bunch of hush puppies ready to recite whatever speaking notes he gives them. The transformation took less … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 38 Comments

Sandra Jansen is right, there are Progressive Conservatives in Alberta

Posted on October 16, 2016 by susanonthesoapbox

Sandra Jansen just confirmed she’s running for the leadership of Alberta’s Progressive Conservative party.  This is good news because her campaign will test Jason Kenney’s assertion that there’s no such thing as a progressive conservative. Kenney is peddling the line … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Who should govern in times of significant disruption?

Posted on September 11, 2016 by susanonthesoapbox

Chris Kutarna says this is the best time in history to be alive.  We’re healthier, wealthier and better educated than at any other time in history…so why are we so miserable? Kutarna is a Fellow at the Oxford Martin School … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 40 Comments

Let’s Make Alberta Great Again: Elect Donald Trump!

Posted on March 20, 2016 by susanonthesoapbox

Donald Trump’s scary lead in the Republican nominee race led Ms Soapbox to wonder whether The Donald’s promise to Make America Great Again! with a mishmash of protectionist, racist ideas grafted to a fiscally conservative and socially conservative platform would … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

Excuse me, your ideology is showing

Posted on September 1, 2015 by susanonthesoapbox

When conservative politicians run out of meaningful things to say about Alberta’s NDP government they whip out the “ideology” card and last week’s debate featuring candidates vying for the seat left vacant by Jim “all-or-nothing” Prentice was no exception. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 27 Comments

The Prentice Campaign: How NOT to Frame the Debate

Posted on April 19, 2015 by susanonthesoapbox

Frank Luntz, famed political consultant to the Republican Party, said when it comes to political hot buttons “those who define the debate will determine the outcome.* Given the mess Mr Prentice has made of the “Team Prentice” campaign he may … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 25 Comments

Prentice Drops the “E” Word on Day One

Posted on April 12, 2015 by susanonthesoapbox

Extremist: /ɛkˈstriːmɪst/ noun, chiefly derogatory: A person who holds extreme political or religious views, especially one who advocates illegal, violent or other extreme action—Oxford dictionary Hysterical rhetoric Of all the bonehead things Premier Prentice could have said in his campaign … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Danielle Smith Betrayed the Wildrose; Jim Prentice Betrayed the Rest of Us

Posted on December 21, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” —Abraham Lincoln Premier Prentice gave every member of his caucus a copy of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book Team of Rivals. No doubt … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Danielle Smith’s Leadership Review: A Game of Power

Posted on November 2, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

“No one wants less power; everyone wants more.”—Robert Greene Danielle Smith, leader of the Wildrose party, put her leadership on the line after failing to capture any seats in the four Alberta by-elections. Her leadership review was to take place … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Bread, Circuses and the Great Alberta Plate Debate

Posted on July 27, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Poor Premier Hancock. Remember him. He tried to pull off the “bread and circuses” gambit—and kicked over a hornet’s nest. The phrase “bread and circuses” was coined the Romans. It refers to the political strategy of distracting the population from … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments