The Democrats who organized tonight's program in Denver seemed to understand the same point that Conservatives in Canada understood about their opponents, the Liberals, in late 2005. Democratic Party organizers must, at this point in the election cycle, know that many of their potential voters in America already understand that George Bush's presidency has been a disaster and that John McCain is Bush's heir. Just as Stephen Harper felt he didn't need to tell Canadians about the sins of his opponent, the Democrats don't always need to be bashing McCain. Instead, Democrats, like the Conservatives three years ago, need to build a positive narrative, telling voters, 'Ok: We know why you want to vote against our opponent. Now let us tell you why you should vote for our guy."    more »

By contrast, the United States government, recognizing that the information it collects in projects like its national census can help create wealth, boost productivity, and stimulate research, makes the same kind of data available dirt cheap.... Companies in Canada that collect, sell and market this kind of information say that if you want to get detailed figures on household income,dwelling types, education and other variables on a street-bystreet, across-the-country basis,you could pay Statscan more than $10,000 for the privilege.

Here's some of the key dates affecting this potential timetable to an election: Aug. 26 - Prime Minister Stephen Harper holds morning press conference in Ottawa.... Aug. 27 - Harper in the Arctic; Layton in Denver with the Dems Aug. 27 - Commons subcommittee on Oil and Gas and other energy prices scheduled to meet.... Oct. 14 - Tentative release date for Julie Couillard's autobiography, a potential danger zone for Conservatives depending on what new things she has to say about Maxime Bernier and others.