So did the return of the Jets really help give the NDP in Manitoba a fourth term?
I'm going to argue that yes it did, indirectly. I believe the reason the NDP were able to win government again can be attribute in large part to one emotion: Pride. Or more specifically the explosion of it in the City and the Province and the NDPs ability to connect their messaging to this emotion.
Before the announcement of the return of the Jets, the PCs were enjoying a sizable lead in the polls and their message of change was connecting with voters. After twelve years of NDP government, while not overly discontent, Manitobans were feeling it was maybe time for a change in government. That it would be healthy, it was a message that was safe and connected with voters to a certain extent.
The return of the Jets didn't fundamentally change this idea that it might be time for a change but it introduced a stronger more dominant feeling in Manitoba's public consciousness: pride.
While Winnipeg's and Manitoba's pride hadn't evaporated when the Jets left, it had suffered a large set back. No doubt people had been proud of what Manitoba had accomplished over the past decade but we were never super boastful about it.
However, the return of the Jets gave us that reason to now be loudly boastful about how well we were doing. In addition, we cannot ignore the Bombers success in this fostering this feeling of pride. Just take the team's nickname: Swaggerville... It was another loud, boastful expression of pride. The entire province embraced this new boastful almost cocky demeanor. 2011 became the summer to brag about being from Manitoba.
Now the return of pride couldn't of guaranteed the re-election of the NDP but they won re-election due to the fact their messaging captured this feeling of pride. Rob Ford was able to win on connecting with the public sentiment that tax dollars weren't being used efficiently in Toronto. Just as the message of respect for the taxpayer was perfect for the time in Toronto, Pride was the word of the day for this fall in Manitoba.
Excellent choice of words. I couldn't quite explain this strange feeling I've been having lately. It's been sooo long since I felt this way. Civic pride!?! Holy shit! I don't think I've ever experienced this new emotion! I'm no longer ashamed when people ask me where I'm from. It feels good!
ReplyDeleteI don't think the Jets saved Selinger. Hugh McFadyen's godawful campaign was a far greater factor in Selinger's victory.
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty cynical for Selinger to exploit the Jets return to his benefit, but what politician of any stripe wouldn't have done the same thing?
There are so many government being re-elected with resounding success from various parties. It seems to indicate a support for staying the course and a fear of change.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it ironic that the PCs got clobbered for suggesting that the Jets come back and then get clobbered again when they do. There's rarely justice in politics. Ken Waddell, Neepawa
ReplyDeleteThe return of the Jets was certainly a huge stroke of luck for the NDP, but I suspect the Conservatives would have lost anyhow because of the lame campaign, and likewise could have won if they actually gave people something to vote for.
ReplyDelete