Go with the Devil we know!

So ok, it’s not exactly something we’ll be seeing on a campaign poster, or as a closing line in one of those sentimental TV commercials with Paul Martin walking through a throng of children. But as far as endorsements go, it’s about as warm and fuzzy as Joe Clark is going to get.

Clark today decided that revenge best served cold, is better is served lukewarm. Just a few months after his brand of Conservatism, was hijacked by the forces of Harper (should Clark acolytes call him Dr. Evil?) Joe has offered up his opinion on who should best lead the nation after the next election. And Clark has decided that he’s more comfortable with four years of Paul, than a sentence of four years with Stephen.

Appearing on CTV’s Question Period, Clark said that he believed that Martin was a less dangerous choice to lead the country than Harper would be. Clark’s main concerns about Harper were a lack of leadership potential on the issues of health care, the role of women, gay rights, environmental concerns and foreign affairs. Clark is fearful of the agenda that the hard-line Reform/Alliance types are bringing to his old party, with the old line Tories being tossed aside on the sidelines, as the new hybrid gets ready for any election.

While Clark didn’t express any ringing defence of the Prime Minister, he effectively gave him a backhanded compliment with his comments on the current scandals enveloping the Liberals. In the end he says “he’s very worried about Mr. Harper. Personally preferring to go with the devil we know.” Clark’s comments make for a nicely worded placing of the knife, right into Harper’s ribs. To his credit Clark has been upfront all along about his dislike for Harper, though the timing of his comments may be considered to be sour grapes. He followed up his analysis of the leaders with some political suggestions for the Canadian voter.

He advised Canadians to consider the best candidate in their local race, avoiding the desire to vote just on the party line. Perhaps it was his version of a way to combat the “democratic deficit.” It will be interesting to see what Harper makes of Clarks latest broadside targeted at his leadership. The newly united right seems to still have a few recalcitrant converts to the cause. A lower level civil war than the one which Liberals are presently waging, but things aren’t that quiet on the center-right front either!

For Martin it’s a double edged sword, it’s always nice to get a high profile endorsement, lukewarm or not. But the devil comment is one that could cause havoc with his campaign. We can’t wait for the first poster, billboard or lawn sign to get its “devil horns”. Send the bill to Joe, he’ll dance with the Devil and clean his signs as well.