Peter MacKay meetings with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates

It is good to see such cooperation between the Obama administration and Harper government on issues including the auto sector, economy, trade, environment and Afghanistan. It has been a long time since relations between the US and Canada were this strong. Hillary Clinton today is calling for a conference on Afghanistan.
-Darryl

Are Liberals going to blast Obama for suggesting it might be a good time to buy stocks

In the October election, Stephen Harper suggested that the falling stock market presented a potentially good buying opportunity for investors because many of the stocks at the time were trading below their true value. Today President Obama said the same thing. When Harper made the comment in October, Liberals tried to turn it into a gaffe and a major issue. Today after Obama's comments, I hear silence from the left. Why aren't Layton, Ignatieff and May up in arms that Obama is insensative and doesn't realize we are in a recession?

Perhaps my good friend Ms. Takacs can now see that these two leaders are much closer than Liberals (and their former Bush/Iraq supporting) leader care to admit. As I have said many times, when Obama's first four year term expires, I suspect it will be the left wing camp that ends up the most disappointed.

"If Conservatives like Darryl wish we were actually taking the kinds of bold of approaches in Canada as Obama is, I'd strongly encourage them to join them to join the Liberal Party to help make that happen :)."

I appreciate the kind offer, but I am quite satisfied with the relationship the Conservatives have developed with the new US administration. Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party supported our largest trading partner and closest ally even when it wasn't fashionable. Amazing how quickly things have changed in the Liberal party now that Obama has achieved international fame. Now that the wind has blown in a different direction, it is interesting how some people have changed.
-Darryl


Obama: Stocks are a `potentially good deal'

By BEN FELLER – 4 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — As Wall Street tumbles, President Barack Obama offered up some investing advice on Tuesday, telling a wary nation that stocks are becoming a "a potentially good deal" for those willing to think long term. The White House later cautioned people not to read too much into the statement.

Obama also said he will not base policy on what he called the "day-to-day gyrations of the stock market." The Dow Jones industrial average fell again Tuesday after plunging on Monday to it lowest level in more than 11 years.

The index has lost more than half its value since a record peak in October 2007. The toll on retirement plans, college savings and nest eggs has been huge.

"You know, the stock market is sort of like a tracking poll in politics," Obama said during an appearance with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. "It bobs up and down day to day, and if you spend all your time worrying about that, then you're probably going to get the long-term strategy wrong."

Yet lately, Wall Street's direction has been down, period. Investors are in despair over the state of financial companies, the deepening scope of the recession and doubts about the government's various attempts to bolster the banking sector and create jobs.

Obama says those plans will work.

"I'm absolutely confident that credit is going to be flowing again, that businesses are going to start seeing opportunities for investment," he said. "They're going to start hiring again. People are going to be back to work."

The White House is out for a balance. Obama and his aides must recognize the depth of public worry and fear about the unraveling stock market, yet keep trying to get people to understand that Wall Street is just one, volatile measure.

Obama said his focus is on the long-term recovery of the U.S. and world economy. He said lax regulation and risky, faulty investing have put a beating on the banking sector, which in turn has resulted in a lot of losses.

"It's not surprising that the market is hurting as a consequence," Obama said.

And then he sounded a bit like a financial adviser by referring to a common measure used to assess whether a stock is overvalued or undervalued.

"What you're now seeing is profit and earning ratios starting to get to the point where buying stocks is a potentially good deal," he said, "if you've got a long-term perspective on it."

Was that the president telling people to buy stocks?

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs urged caution. He said people shouldn't "overly read into" any suggestion that they should buy or sell in their particular portfolio. Asked again to calibrate exactly what Obama meant, Gibbs said: "I guess I didn't read into it as much as many people may have."

In his comments with Brown, Obama urged the American people to take a longer view as massive efforts to reshape the economy unfold.

"We are cleaning up a mess," he said. "It's going to be sort of full of fits and starts in terms of getting the mess cleaned up, but it's going to get cleaned up."

Prentice standing up for Canada in Washington

Barack Obama promised that he would get America off it's addiction to oil as a matter of national security. T. Boone Pickens talked about the transfer of wealth leaving America because of energy needs. The clean coal industry in the U.S. seems confident that Obama is an ally of theirs based on recents ads airing on CNN. The fact of the matter is, if Obama does not want to buy oil from the Middle East or Hugo Chavez; he needs to depend on the Canadian supply including the oil sands. I find it quite sad that so little attention is being drawn to the oil sands in the United States; yet environmental groups, the media and the left seem to want to shut them down including all the prosparity they bring to Canada and Alberta. Rex Murphy is right. Stephen Harper is right. On this issue even Michael Ignatieff is right in the sense that the oil sands are a national unity issue. With the exception of Quebec, all Canadians believe that the benefits of the oil sands outweigh the costs. I am all for coordinating a climate change strategy with the United States and Mexico; but during this time of economic recession we need to be careful not to bite the hand that feeds us. I applaud Jim Prentice on his efforts to work with the Obama administration on a climate change strategy that makes sense for both nations.
-Darryl

Cannon meets Hillary Clinton

More evidence of the growing relationship between Stephen Harper's Conservatives and the Barack Obama administration. The November election will mean good things for Canada-US relations. Help is on the way in Afghanistan. Omar Khadr was discussed.
-Darryl

Update: Some video of Hillary and Cannon from today. Hillary is coming to Canada and is looking forward to skating on the Ottawa canal. Cannon briefs reporters on his meeting.

"In the light of Canada's experience in Kandahar, I also offered to share the lessons Canada has learned in Kandahar in the areas of training the Afghan National Police, border management and overall reconstruction and development work," Cannon said

Harper's relationship with Obama means "Yes We Can" to a Conservative Majority

Well it looks like Stephen Harper has a hidden agenda after all. It is one of “hope” and “change”. It is an attitude of “yes we can” in our relations with the United States. Yesterday, Stephen Harper did well on his media tour in New York. Canada is on the radar in the United States, and the visit from President Obama has turned around the momentum in favor of Stephen Harper. In the past under George Bush; Harper took a lot of heat for “hidden agendas” and for being “too close to George Bush” or for “supporting the Republican Party”. Ironically, past statements from Michael Ignatieff would indicate that he is actually the George Bush clone who also would have led our troops to war in Iraq.

Today with George Bush gone and a popular US President replacing him, it is now fashionable to be close with the United States and after years of taking heat for his agenda South of the Border; Harper now finds himself with a close friend in Washington that can be worked with and who validates his past positions. On the environment we are not heading to Kyoto, we are heading to a global solution that includes the US, China and India – a position Harper has been pushing for years. Obama has promised to cut spending so that the US deficit is cut in half. He talks about tax cuts for the Middle Class. He offers an opportunity for Canadians to work with him on the auto sector, environment, economy, Afghanistan, trade and international affairs. Obama is a huge supporter of the mission in Afghanistan, an issue Stephen Harper has shown leadership on for quite some time. Obama also had praise for our financial system and the action Canada has taken to prepare for this global economic crisis. The endorsement of Harper policies from Barack Obama is huge, and Conservatives have every reason to play them up for electoral gain. Frankly, the better Harper’s relationship with Obama – the more likely we will be in obtaining our majority government.

Yesterday in the House of Commons, Obama’s name was mentioned frequently. Expect this to continue as Lawrence Canon meets with Hillary Clinton today. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has an opportunity to play President Obama’s best friend and have a real impact on foreign affairs issues. Politically it will become an asset and not the liability we have seen for the past 8 years. Given that Stephen Harper and Barack Obama are so close on their views, I wonder what this means for Jack Layton who ripped Obama’s campaign style off in the last election. Right now Layton and Duceppe seem to be acting like “cynics” and demonstrating a “No We Can’t” attitude while Prime Minister Harper is saying “Yes We Can”. Clearly Layton’s policies would clash with the new administration and Canadians should not be fooled by his cheap imitations. Obama is not a socialist nor is he on the extreme left. As for the Liberals, they may have a pro-American leader but they are not a pro-American party as people like Carolyn Parrish have demonstrated in the past. That leaves Prime Minister Stephen Harper as the best option for dealing with this new Barack Obama administration along with the Conservative Party. So far they are doing a great job protecting Canadian interests while at the same time expanding ties with our top ally and largest trading partner.

During the primaries and US general election, I took a fair amount of heat for campaigning and rooting for Obama to become President. Now that he has been elected, quite frankly he is our best bet for a majority government going forward in these uncertain economic times. It is good to see our party embracing him the way I did well over a year ago. It is now time to move forward on the agenda of increased economic, security and other integration with the US that could not be accomplished under the previous American administration. We have a friend in the White House who is loved by Canadians. Frankly there is no doubt in my mind that if Barack Obama was a Canadian politician and kept his views consistent with what they are right now, he would be more likely to find a home in the Canadian Conservative Party as oppose to the Liberals or certainly the NDP, Greens or Bloc. “Yes We Can” to a majority Stephen Harper. “Yes We Can!!!!”
-Darryl

Conservative Statements in the Hansard and Media over the past few days:

Mr. Speaker, contrary to what the hon. member is professing, the doomsaying scenario which he seems to luxuriate in, I can tell the House that we are working very closely with the sector, of course, with Premier McGuinty and the Government of Ontario, and with the Obama administration, to ensure that we have a vibrant car industry, not only for the present but for the future as well. That is what we are focused on, on this side of the House.
-Tony Clement

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member opposite will know, President Obama visited last week and praised the efforts that had been made by Canada, by the Canadian government, with respect to our economic stimulus. Canada, quite frankly, is a leading light in the world and is being used as a model in the G20, with respect to the way to handle the financial system and the way to regulate. Canadians can be proud of our financial sector.
-Jim Flaherty

Mr. Speaker, we do not agree with that suggestion. We have a plan to reduce greenhouse gases by 20% by 2020. These targets are more rigorous than the targets proposed by Mr. Obama, the President of the United States.
-Jim Prentice

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member dwells in the past in terms of 1990.

This is a government that is going forward, working on a plan that has been developed with the new administration in the United States. This is a plan that will lead the world in terms of the development of new energy research and clean energy technology. We are working on a dialogue with President Obama and his government that will provide leadership to the world in dealing with this problem, something that has never happened before in our country.
-Jim Prentice

Mr. Speaker, our position remains exactly the same as that already taken by previous governments. We all know that the individual in question has been charged with serious crimes against Americans. In that respect, President Obama has established a procedure. We intend to follow that procedure through to the end.
-Lawrence Canon

"There was lots of speculation that President Obama wanted to do a wholesale renegotiation of NAFTA," Day said. "We understand now that that's not on and we think there's ways of accommodating the environmental concerns and the labour concerns."
-Stockwell Day

“The President and I agree that both our countries must take immediate action to restore economic growth by lowering taxes, ensuring access to credit and unleashing spending that stimulates economic growth. We also agreed to strengthen our cooperation in the areas of environmental protection and global security,”
-Stephen Harper

Article from the Star: “Obama a closet Conservative”
http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/article/590950

Yesterday a Big Win for Stephen Harper

I thought yesterday was a very good day for Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party. Clearly Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama got along well and came to agreement on many issues. Both men represented their nations with honour. For Barack Obama it was important that his first foreign trip was a success. There is no question that he did all the right things. He was well briefed on Canada and was up to speed on our issues and media. He took some time to acknowledge his supporters in Canada and also those who campaigned for him during the primaries and general election. He stopped in the Ottawa market. I was also happy that he recognized our military efforts in Afghanistan and thanked our soliders while paying tribute to those brave men who have fallen as part of the mission there. He had a good 33 minute meeting with Stephen Harper and also had a strong press conference. There were no controversies and clearly there is a new attitude with regards to relations between Canada and the United States at least among Canadians. Gone was the usual anti-Americanism from the left in this country. It was terrific to see an American president greeted by fans and well wishers as oppose to the protesters that were common under the previous president. President Obama can now go back to Washington with a successful foreign trip under this belt and evidence that his election is repairing America’s image in the world that was damaged under the previous administration.

For Stephen Harper, this was the day I was waiting a long time for. In the past, Harper has took it on the chin for being “too close to Bush” or “too close to Americans”. Ironically that quickly turned around into a positive as under this president he can work together to further enhance the relations between our two nations without the usual criticism from the opposition and media. There was a lot of pressure to show that he could build a relationship with the popular US President. I think there was chemistry between the two and there is no question that Harper achieved his objectives of building a relationship with Obama while presented himself as an equal and someone willing to stand up for Canadian interests when necessary. I think Obama largely endorsed Harper’s position on the economy and environment. He gave credit to Canada’s financial institutions and actions that helped prepare us for this international economic crisis. He stressed the need for a climate change agreement that included India and China; a position Harper has been criticized in the past. There was no talk of Kyoto – a treaty that is now officially dead and irrelevant. There were no harsh statements on the oil sands, in fact based on Obama’s position on “clean coal” it seems that the environment will take a back seat to economic and energy issues. There were compliments on our commitment to Afghanistan, an issue that is sometimes controversial here. Finally, Obama went out of his way to show that he supported trade reducing concerns about previous statements on NAFTA and also the “Buy America” provision in the US stimulus package. I couldn’t help but notice how Harper and Obama sounded similar on the important issues of the day. If anyone was disappointed yesterday, it would be the left in this country who assumed that Obama was some kind of super Liberal or socialist. The reality that I couldn’t help but notice was that if Obama was a Canadian; his positions would be closest to the Conservative Party here. That makes sense as America in general is to the right of the political spectrum when compared to Canada.

As for the opposition, Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae (was he representing the NDP?) got their meeting but with little media attention. This foreign visit seemed to move Ignatieff’s positions closer to Harper’s as outside of Omar Khadr there was not much difference in what both leaders were saying in their meetings with Obama. It will be interesting to see what this means in terms of the polls. I suspect Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party will get a slight bump as it was clearly Harper who enjoyed the majority of the spotlight during this crucial visit by the new American President.

Outside of partisan politics, I think yesterday was a good day for improved relations between Canada and the United States. The biggest winners will be the citizens in both countries who will enjoy the benefits of increased trade, coordination on the economy and enhanced ties between our nations. Yesterday I was very proud of the United States and very proud of the way Stephen Harper represented Canada during this visit. Barack Obama and Stephen Harper’s people should be very proud of a successful meeting that was organized and met the objectives of both leaders and both countries interests.

-Darryl

Full Obama and Harper press conference video

I think the visit was a huge success for both men
-Darryl

Obama thanks Canadians who helped campaign for him



You are very welcome!
-Darryl



"I want to also, by the way, thank some of the Canadians who came over the border to campaign for me during the election," Obama said. "It was much appreciated."

Welcome to Canada President Obama

Today is a day I have been waiting for a long time. For a few days leading up to Super Tuesday, I had the pleasure of driving out to Chicago to call Democrats in the various primaries encouraging them to come out and vote for Barack Obama who at the time was in a tough nomination race with Hillary Clinton. On the second last day of the trip, I had the opportunity to see Mr. Obama speak at the Regency Hyatt on the night of Super Tuesday. Following the speech, he came around and shook hands with his supporters in the first few rows in front of the podium where he spoke. I shook his hand and said “Canada loves you too”. He gave me a thumbs up.

Since that time, Barack Obama has become President of the United States. The election excited America and the world. Supporters of Barack Obama believe in the change he talks about and have a hope that he can lead us through these extraordinary times. I am very much pro-American and had accepted that it was impossible for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to move forward enhancing our relationship with the United States while the unpopular George Bush was in power. Today instead of protesters, hundreds of thousands of fans will make the trip to Ottawa to welcome President Obama to Canada. The visit will be short, but crucial both to Canadian interests in general; and Stephen Harper’s political fortunes.

There has been a lot of speculation about how Stephen Harper and Barack Obama will get along. I have every confidence they will hit it off in a manner that reflects the strong ties between our two nations. America is our largest trading partner. NAFTA is the world’s largest free trade agreement. A billion dollars in trade crosses the Canada/US border every day. I saw this first hand when I went to school in Windsor and lived close to the Ambassador Bridge there. We are allies in NATO, NORAD and make a contribution to NASA. We share a culture and many of us have friends and family South of the border. Our military has fought along side the United States through many historical battles. Today we are fighting shoulder to shoulder with the US army in Afghanistan. During the last US election, hundreds of Canadians crossed the border to assist Obama in swing border states such as Ohio and Michigan. Unlike George Bush, Barack Obama visits Canada with an approval rating higher than any Canadian political leader and with the Canadian public firmly approving the job he has done thus far as President. It will be a historic visit even if it is going to be quite brief. Stephen Harper has an interest in building strong relations with the new President because of his popularity here. Barack Obama is going to want to make his first foreign trip a success.

The top agenda item for today’s meeting will largely be to build a relationship between the Canadian and American leaders. Other issues that will surely be discussed include the economy, trade/NAFTA, the auto industry, the war in Afghanistan, a North American energy/environment strategy, borders and security and possibly Omar Khadr. I do not expect any major announcements or breakthroughs on any of these issues, but this will be a good time to reset the American-Canadian agenda under a new administration. Bob Rae and Michael Ignatieff will also meet Obama for 15 minutes at the Ottawa airport.

After a long campaign, today is the day that many have been waiting for. It will be interesting to see the outcome of this visit as it will pave the way for future summits down the road. It is time for a new era in Canada-America relations.

PM Harper on CNN Situation Room, Obama on CBC National

I think Stephen Harper represented himself very well on US television. A very good interview. I also think Barack Obama did a great interview with Peter Mansbridge. Clearly he was very well briefed on Canada. I expect a great meeting between the two leaders today.
-Darryl

Obama speech in Canadian Parliament February 19?

Looking forward to heading to Ottawa on February 19. I am hoping to get tickets to the parliamentary gallery should he deliver a speech to a recalled parliament. I am excited to see Obama deliver a barn burner on Canadian-American relations and am looking forward to the photo op between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama. A crucial visit being the first foreign country to host the President of the United States of America. This will be a great opportunity for Prime Minister Harper to build strong relations and produce results on the many challenges both our nations face. For Canadians, Obama offers hope that relations with our best friend and ally will only grow stronger under the new administration and more beneficial for both the Canadian and American people. Expect a huge crowd of people at Parliament Hill on the 19th and for a change it will not be to protest. Yes We Can to good relations between Obama and Harper.
-Darryl

Obama coming to Ottawa on Feb. 19

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/01/28/obama-canada.html

U.S. President Barack Obama will visit Canada on Feb. 19 in his first official trip abroad, the White House announced Wednesday.

No details of the trip, including what city he would visit, were announced, but CBC News has learned that his destination will be Ottawa.

Although Parliament will not be sitting that week, it may be recalled so Obama can address a joint sitting, CBC's Paul Hunter reported.

"This is a testament, not just to the size of our trading relationship and the closeness of our alliance, but also the strength of our friendship," Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the House of Commons.

"I look forward to an important and productive working visit."

Obama had already pledged his first official foreign trip would be to Canada but had not specified a date.

"Canada is a vitally important ally," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters. "The president looks forward to the opportunity to speak with Prime Minister Harper and visit our neighbour to the north."

Former president George W. Bush made his first foreign visit to Mexico.

Last week, Harper spoke with Obama following his inauguration and congratulated him.

The Prime Minister's Office said Harper and Obama discussed the economy, his trip to Canada, energy, environment and the war in Afghanistan.

A recent poll, conducted before Obama took the oath of office Jan. 20, showed large support for the new president, with 81 per cent of Canadians holding a positive view of him.

Obama phones Harper

Barack Obama called Prime Minister Stephen Harper today to discuss the auto industry, the economy, environment, energy and Afghanistan. Barack Obama has already committed to making Canada his first foreign visit and there are a lot of key issues between our countries that need to be discussed between the two leaders. It is expected that he will meet with Stephen Harper sometime in late March or early April assuming the budget passes. Overall it is good to see Obama make Canada one of his first priorities for a phone call and it is also great to see both leaders already working together to address the economy.
-Darryl

Barack Obama's Inaugural Address


January 20, 2009 at 12:07 PM EST

Full text of Barack Obama's Inaugural Address:

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Update: Video version

Part I

Part II

Part III

Today Barack Obama becomes President of the United States of America!!!

Happy new year and welcome to 2009!!!! Sorry it has been so long since I last updated this blog. I wanted to take a vacation over the holidays and have been extremely busy at work. Given the events of today, I figured this would be a good day to post something.

Some readers might remember that during the primaries and US election, I was a supporter of Barack Obama. On Super Tuesday, I had the opportunity to spend a few days campaigning in Chicago for Obama. I also had the chance to see him speak in person and it was a moving experience. After what seemed like the longest Presidential campaign in American history, today is the day that change is finally coming to America and the world.

The historical significance of today is huge. Obviously given the history of the United States, the civil rights movement and the fact that President Obama’s inauguration is taking place a day after Martin Luther King day; the significance of America electing the first African American president cannot be overstated. Hopefully the swearing in of Barack Obama at 11:56am will result in unity and allow America to turn a new page in race relations. This story is going to be played up in the media and I think it is crucially important that young African Americans can now grow up with the dream of one day becoming President of the United States of America. The personal story of Mr. Obama having a father from Kenya, a mother from Kansas and taking advantage of the opportunity America provides is inspirational and proof that the United States is the land of opportunity. As I watch coverage on CNN, FOX and the international media; I cannot help but get caught up in the excitement, hope and unity that this day brings. Outside of the significance of America electing the first ever African American president; there is also a celebration about change and it will not take long before the Americans and citizens of the world realize that there is a new reality on several issues. Already, Mr. Obama has enhanced the image of the United States globally and right now he currently has the burden of solving all of the problems Americans and the world face.

After the inaugural balls, parades, ceremonies and symbolism takes place, it is expected that Barack Obama will get to work on some major issues almost immediately. We are hearing that Obama will meet with his economic advisors and get to work on a stimulus package to address the financial crisis that has impacted the United States and most of the world. It also seems clear that Obama is set to meet with his military advisors and will ask them to draft a plan to pull out US troops from Iraq within 16 months. We should also see more troops and increased attention on the Afghanistan mission and a refocus on capturing Osama Bin Laden wherever he is. As early as this week, Barack Obama is going to send a major signal to the world by closing Guantanamo Bay via executive order and banning torture. There is also talk that he will almost immediately implement tougher fuel standards on the automobile industry in an effort to signal he is serious about climate change. Finally Obama is expected to appoint a Middle East envoy (Bill Clinton?) that will immediately get to work on the peace process early in his term as oppose to Clinton and Bush who addressed this issue towards the end of their terms. All of this is expected to occur this week.

We have also learned that President Obama will in fact make Canada his first foreign trip as President. This meeting will be of crucial importance to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. For starters 82% of Canadians approve of the job that Obama is doing as President-Elect. Only 4% of Canadians disapprove. Previous polls have shown that Obama is more popular than any Canadian politician right now and this will be a major change from Canadian attitudes towards George W. Bush. Stephen Harper who has always believed that strong relations between Canada and the United States must be a central part of Canadian foreign policy is going to have a much easier time working with Americans on crucial issues without having to worry about being labeled as “too close to George W. Bush”. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Canon will pave the way for the visit. With major issues such as NAFTA, the oil sands, the environment, the auto industry, the economy, Afghanistan and security on the agenda; now is the time for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to prove to President Obama that Canada is America’s closest friend and ally. Domestically, the politics of a good relationship between Obama and Harper will have an impact on the next Canadian election campaign. While it will be tough to face comparisons between Obama and the political leadership in this country, the election of President Barack Obama does offer an opportunity to pursue a pro-American agenda and get to work on the common interests affecting our nations.

Domestically in the United States, Obama has his hands full. The US economy is getting worse and time bombs such as health care and social security are going to have to be addressed. President Obama has set very ambitious targets on climate change. Once the honey moon is over, he will have to find a way to work with the Senate and Congress in order to get his agenda implemented. Up to this point he has lived up to his word and stayed above partisan politics. Internationally, we could see drastic change as in the past Obama has said he is willing to talk with both Iran and Syria. He also is open to ending the embargo against Cuba. He will face challenges with Russia, India/Pakistan and China. North Korea remains a threat. There is a lot of hope in Africa that his Kenyan roots will benefit that continent. There is also a lot of hope that he will be able to rebuild relationships with allies in Europe, South America and elsewhere. Expectations have been set to the highest levels imaginable. The question is how will he live up to the hype starting tomorrow?

Today we have a chance to celebrate the election of President Obama and also the culture and democratic traditions of the United States of America. Tomorrow we begin a global agenda of change and it is important that Canada acknowledges the new reality in Washington and ensures Canada has a strong role to play. I congratulate the United States of America for electing Barack Obama as President. I look forward to strong relations between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama who will be working together to address the mutual challenges our nations face. For me personally this is a huge day and it is an honour to have played a small part in Obama’s historic campaign and this historical political event.

Yes We Can!
-Darryl


Update: Barack Obama takes the Presidential Oath

Hillary Clinton would be a great choice for Secretary of State

I hope the reports here, here, here, here, here and here are correct. Hillary Clinton would be an excellent choice given her experience and relationships she and Bill have with world leaders. I hope she is in fact the Secretary of State. A meeting between her and Lawrence Canon would be great to see. It was also great to see Obama have a face to face meeting with John McCain today. I am also excited about rumours that California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger may also get a position in cabinet.
-Darryl

Secretary of state job Clinton's, if she wants it, reports say

SIRI AGRELL

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

November 14, 2008 at 10:46 PM EST

Almost a year ago, Barack Obama was asked in a debate how he could rely on so many Bill Clinton-era advisers while still providing a break from the past, prompting his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton to burst out laughing.

Turning to face her, Mr. Obama deadpanned: “I'm looking forward to you advising me too, Hillary.”

Now president-elect, Mr. Obama it seems was not joking.

The pair took a secret meeting in Chicago this week, and Washington is abuzz with rumours that the New York senator will be tapped as his secretary of state.

CNN quoted Democratic sources as saying Mr. Obama and Ms. Clinton had a serious discussion about the secretary of state job and that she left the meeting with the impression that it was hers if she wanted it. The Huffington Post blog went further, saying Ms. Clinton was offered the job and requested time to consider it.

But Mr. Obama also interviewed New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for the position yesterday, media reports said.

Mr. Obama has also begun staffing his White House, transition team and economic panel with former Clinton administration insiders.

After a two-year battle in which each politician was accused of disrespecting the other, it appears that the Obama-Clinton rift is being repaired, one job opening at a time.

His transition chief, John Podesta, was Bill Clinton's chief of staff during the last two years of his administration. Mr. Obama's own newly hired White House chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, was a senior Clinton adviser before winning a seat in the House of Representatives.

In fact, 31 of the 47 people named to Mr. Obama's transition team or staff have ties to the Clinton administration.

“He's definitely playing on good advice and past expertise and the most recent Democratic administration,” said Melissa Haussman, an associate professor of political science at Carleton University who worked on Ms. Clinton's presidential campaign. “The fact that Obama is inheriting problems that are the worst facing any president in the 20th century, he knows he's got to be prepared.”

Ironically, Dr. Haussman believes the new president learned that lesson from Mr. Clinton, whose own early White House staff was composed of some loyalists unprepared for the task at hand.

“They've got people with a whole lot of experience dealing with Congress, and that's something the Clinton White House was a little short on,” she said of the emerging Obama team.

While Mr. Obama's staff is drawing so heavily on administration insiders of the 1990s that Politico.com joked he is putting “the Clinton band back together,” the most symbolic gesture would be a high-profile position for Ms. Clinton.

Passed over for the vice-presidential slot, the primary runner-up campaigned for Mr. Obama during the general election and is regarded as a natural source of advice, expertise and political capital for Mr. Obama.

Already, she has been approached by Mr. Obama's wife, Michelle, for advice about raising kids in the White House. And now it seems Mr. Obama might be hoping she will help him contend with foreign policy as secretary of state.

But she is already being touted as a smart choice for the position, with an established international reputation that would help heal the country's damaged relationships abroad.

But what's in it for her?

Taking a position in cabinet means Ms. Clinton would lose her Senate seat and influence in domestic policy.

The past two secretaries of state, Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell, have been lightning rods for criticism, a situation Ms. Clinton may not be willing to endure again.

“Let's face it, as first lady and presidential candidate she was open to a lot of barbs and spears,” Dr. Haussman said. “It's a multiplicity of considerations, thinking about where her talents lie and how much does she want to put herself in a high-profile position again.”

CNN Takes A Look At The Campaign That Made History

Great recap of the 2008 Presidential campaign from the primaries to election night. It clearly was a historic and exciting election. Great video montage that was put together.
-Darryl

My Reflections on the American and Canadian elections and the future under this new political landscape

October 14 Canadians went to the polls and November 4 Americans went to the polls and at the end of the day Stephen Harper of the Conservative Party and Barack Obama of the Democratic Party were easily elected to office in their respective countries.

Stephen Harper has a stronger minority at 143 seats and a stronger cabinet because of the increased talent pool. Following the Conservative convention in Winnipeg, Parliament will return on November 18.

Barack Obama will likely name an all-star cabinet with names like Colin Powell, Chuck Hagel, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John McCain, Michael Bloomberg, Warren Buffet, Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson, Caroline Kennedy, Al Gore and John Kerry mentioned as possibilities. His transition is taking place right now and he will be sworn in January 20, 2009.

Both leaders have now won the prize of an economy heading for recession, a war in Afghanistan and international pressure to do something about the environment. Both leaders must now face the same issues such as how to deal with China, Russia and Pakistan. There are wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Israel and Palestine conflict remains an ongoing issue. Threats of nuclear proliferation and terrorism still exist. There are emerging economies such as India and Brazil that offer both opportunity and threats to Western economies. Genocide is going on in Sudan and Congo. Even within the Americas, we have issues with Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela. Today the world is a small place and we are all integrated together as part of the global economy. As we have seen from the US financial crisis, what happens South of the border can have a huge impact in Canada and around the world.

The economy will be priority one and a new era has likely arrived in the international fight against climate change. Kyoto is dead and Obama will attempt to lead the world towards a new agreement once he becomes president. Healthcare will be interesting with Stephen Harper supporting universal healthcare in Canada while Barack Obama tries to bring universal healthcare to America. Already we have seen the Conservative government reach out to Barack Obama by proposing solutions on the environment file in a way that acknowledges the current state of the economy. Stephen Harper stuck to his principles that he would not sign an international climate change treaty that did not include the United States and other major polluters. Obama has set ambitious domestic targets and will want to show global leadership on the issue. This is Stephen Harper’s chance to act as a bridge between Europe and America while demonstrating that Canada too has a big role to play. NAFTA may come up as an issue, but Canada has signaled it will play the energy card in negotiations and could also open up the issue of fresh water. Issues with NAFTA from the perspective of the Americans could have more to do with Mexico such as labour and environmental standards as oppose to Canada where those standards are already in place. Obama has also promised to become energy independent from the Middle East and Hugo Chavez. To reach that goal, Canadian oil will be necessary. Together a strengthened Conservative Party in Canada will have to work with a strengthened Democratic Party in the United States. Both the Conservative Party and Democratic Party seem to want to show that they are moving closer to the centre. In Canada Conservatives are moving from the right while Democrats are doing the same from the left. There is every reason to believe right now that both Obama and Harper should be re-elected, but in politics things turn on a dime. Expect these two leaders to have good relations as both have an interest in a strong relationship between Canada and the United States as well as overall prosperity in North America.

Ironically the opposition parties in the United States and Canada have a lot in common right now as well. Neither the Republicans nor the Liberals have a leader and in both cases all of the frontrunners have some major baggage. Both the Republicans and the Liberals are having trouble fundraising while facing opponents who are earning a huge advantage with small donations from a high volume of people. The Liberals and Republicans have not found away to use the internet to their advantage at this point. Both the Liberals and Republicans are not national parties on the political map following the most recent elections and have shrunk to their very core base. Both have a sense of entitlement to power, offer out of touch platforms, lack principle and have a history of corruption and scandal during their time in power. Stephen Harper in 2006 and Barack Obama in 2008 were both elected on platforms of change and will now govern. Liberals and Republicans must change internally before they offer a credible government in waiting alternative to Conservatives and Democrats. Liberals will fight amongst themselves as Ignatieff and Rae divide the party. Republicans will have the same battles between those who Sarah Palin and others who would like to see anyone else. In both cases leadership is only a small part of the overall problems with these parties. Taking responsibility for losing and doing what it takes to win again is what really matters. Liberals blame CTV while Republicans point the finger at CNN. Building membership, picking a new leader, coming up with an appealing platform, improving fundraising and putting together a campaign machine is easier said then done. Both Liberals and Republicans have neglected the grassroots. The rebuilding process is more likely to take years not months. I predict both Republicans and Liberals will likely not have their acts together by the time the next election occurs and will face opponents that likely will have strong records to run on. For Liberals it will be difficult to watch Harper perform where he performs best on the world stage as a statesman. Every meeting between Obama and Harper will be a reminder to both Liberals and Republicans that they lack relevance and are not in power.

In the United States, this election is historic because Barack Obama is now the first African American elected president, young people voted in huge numbers creating generational change and two women in both the Republican and Democratic parties played crucial roles in the 2008 presidential race. Obama’s honeymoon will be short and domestic issues will be pressing. Americans want health care. Social security is becoming a major issue. The deficit and increasing debt threatens inflation. Consumer confidence, credit availability, employment, GDP growth, housing prices and individual savings are all going down. Manufacturing jobs are being outsourced to China and elsewhere and America is running a huge trade deficit. There will be pressure for protectionism. He must find away to get the troops out of Iraq both safely and responsibly as promised. Guantanamo Bay will be shut down as promised. Finally Obama has promised energy independence, action on the environment, tax cuts for the Middle Class and Canadian style healthcare. That will be tough to achieve in his first term. He has also promised to go after Bin Laden and add significant troops to win the war in Afghanistan. He will need allies and Canada with Stephen Harper as leader will be his most reliable ally. Even among America’s enemies and rivals such as Castro, Chavez, Kim Jong Il, Dmitri Medvedev, Hu Jintao and Ahmadinejad; reaction thus far has been positive to Obama’s victory. Already it looks like Obama has healed some of the American image lost under George W. Bush. Obama will bring change to American policy on many issues that will impact Canada. His election victory will give Stephen Harper an opportunity improve his image as a moderate and portray his party as being close to the center.

In Canada the agenda will likely be continuing the course of the last two years. Dept repayment and tax cuts if there is a surplus. Controlled spending. Balanced budgets. Tough on crime stance. Leadership on the world stage. A focus on native land claims. Working towards a climate change agreement that includes China, India and the United States. Limited interference in provincial and municipal jurisdictions. Expanding free trade agreements. Managing the mission in Afghanistan until 2011. A focus on families and Canadians who work hard and play by the rules. Attempts at democratic reform including the Senate. Dealing with needs in healthcare, infrastructure and poverty reduction. Harper was largely elected to maintain the status quo during these uncertain times. Obama is more likely to find a friend who is pro-American as oppose to a rival that is pro-Bush or Republican leaning. With Obama enjoying the support of 75% of Canadians, Stephen Harper is likely to benefit from Obama's popularity as the two are seen together engaged in heavily staged press conferences and photo ops on the world stage and during visits. He is unlikely to make time for Liberal leadership contenders should he make a Canadian visit early in his presidency. Obama may face filibusters in the senate as he failed to get an absolute majority of 60 seats. Harper must deal with a minority government and the reality that an election can occur at any time.

At the end of the day the election of Barack Obama helps Conservatives and Stephen Harper. We can now get something done without the opposition parties or media accusing us of being too close to George W. Bush. Any photo ops between Obama and Harper will look great in election brochures and television advertisements down the road. Liberals should resist the temptation, get caught up in the moment and try and rip off Obama as a quick fix. Once the hype wears off, he will face serious challenges and have real decisions to make. He may not be as popular tomorrow as he is today. On top of that Liberals already jumped on the green trend after Elizabeth May’s second place showing in London. The result of that decision was Stephane Dion and electoral disaster. Liberals shouldn’t make the same mistake twice. The Star also had a good article taking a closer look at Obama’s positions on Kyoto, gay marriage and other issues. Their conclusion was that if Obama was involved in Canadian politics, he would barely qualify as a red tory. In terms of the Obama campaign, all parties could learn from it and implement some of the strategies, especially those used online in future elections. What Obama brings is change and a new reality to international and American politics. On November 18, the Conservative Party and Stephen Harper will set out a vision for governing in this new political climate with a speech from the throne that will be an automatic confidence vote.

Yes we can to free trade. Yes we can to great relations between Canada and the United States. Yes we can to victory with our NATO partners in Afghanistan. Yes we can to tax cuts for the middle class. Yes we can on the environment. Yes we Can on the arctic. Yes we Can to turning around this economy. Yes we can to tough diplomacy with our enemies. Yes we can to facing tough challenges that are not yet evident. Yes we Can to the best possible relations between Stephen Harper and Barack Obama for their mutual benefit. President Obama and Prime Minister Harper have a lot of mutual challenges that must be worked on together. I have no doubt that both have the leadership qualities to guide their nations through these difficult times. Barack Obama and Stephen Harper have far more in common than issues that divide them.

Thanks for reading...

Darryl

Harper, Obama have 'warm exchange' in congratulations call: PMO

These leaders have far more in common than most people think. I am quite sure relations will be strong between these two great leaders. Tuesday will prove to be a great day for both Canada and the United States. It is likely that they will have an opportunity to meet at the G20 summit where Bush has invited Obama to attend. I must say that the positive reaction among the world community, American citizens and world leaders if far greater than I expected. Barack Obama becoming President of the United States is inspirational and demonstrates that America truly is a land of opportunity. I fully expect a warm relationship between Harper and Obama. The media focusing on "NAFTA-gate" is really not relevant as it appears that there is no hard feelings from what went on in the primaries. I think Stephen Harper and the new Conservative cabinet have done a great job in protecting and promoting our interests with the incoming American administration.
-Darryl