[SB00]

Is anti-Americanism in Canada so severe that he thinks the risk of going to President Reagan's funeral is greater than any potential PR benefit?

Martin himself is not anti-American but many in his party are as are many liberal Canadians. He's trying to protect his left wing base.

[conservative in nyc]

It won't work. Martin's getting so outflanked by the NDP from the left and the Torries from the center that the Grits are being squeezed into minority party status. What a pity!

Why did he leave the G-8 summit early to go hide with his political advisors? It's not like he didn't know D-Day and the summit came in the middle of the campaign season when he called the election.

The Liberals look and sound desperate.

[hershey]

True, but sad, that Martin feels it's necessary to sacrifice principle for political survival.