Over and done with...

Much has been made over Harper's initial foray into Same Sex Marriage barely a couple days into the campaign.

Harper went out of his way during his opening news conference Tuesday to put on the record that a Conservative government would allow a free vote on restoring the traditional definition of marriage.

Here's a shocker: a Canadian politician takes a stand on an issue that he has always taken.

The Conservative leader's decision to dive headlong into the debate mere minutes into the campaign sent many pundits' jaws dropping to the floor, in the belief they had witnessed the first misstep of the eight-week race.

Yesterday, however, the verdict was less decisive as some concluded it was part of a deliberate, offensive strategy intended to help Harper get the issue out of the way and focus his campaign on the central themes of accountability and taxes. (link)

It could be very well true that Harper did this dileberately. However I was left with the impression after reading several accounts of the events in question that it was the media that asked him the question. In fact one of Harper's people had to cut off reporters questions on the issue. The question as to whether or not the issue was dragged out by Harper or not is mute at this point though. It's out there.

Now the issue should be over and done with. Or at least that's what the hope is of Harper and many of the people that surround him I think. They know they've already gained as much support as they are likely to from the SSM debate. Now they want to focus on other issues. The media wouldn't like that very much.

And now the game begins. For those hoping for an actual debate on SSM - nice dreaming. To have a real debate on SSM we would need not a 30 day campaign, not a 56 day campaign but a 120 day campaign for the issue to have the adequate time to air and digest itself out in the minds of the Canadian public.

It'll be up to Defend Marriage to bring up that issue - which I suggest they do and often. I'm hoping for a television ad that urges people to find out where their local candidates stand - or at least some radio and newsprint ads. TV though is much better. Either way, it's up to them. Harper's done the best he can in his position. He's done more than many others would be willing do to. Now we'll see if he gets destroyed for having done it.