Is it really all over for John Tory? You know what they say about a day in politics being a lifetime. Heck, there’s still a week to go. A few more tearjerkers like that puff piece in the Star Wednesday (September 3) – yes, we were all touched by the tears welling up in Tory’s eyes as he recounted his encounter with that single-mom in Flemingdon for the Star’s editorial board – and Tory may be able to recoup some of the damage done by his funding for faith-based schools flub. Expect his handlers to start emphasizing Tory’s “sensitive” side – his work for United Way, etc…The remaking of Tory into sensitivo politico began the moment he made his U-turn on funding for faith-based schools. It was a plea by one Beverly Cassel, or so Tory says, that changed his mind on the issue. That seemed to come as news to Cassel. “I couldn’t believe it,” was her reaction. After all, her chance meeting with Tory at a rally in Sarnia took all of, what, five seconds maybe? This after she couldn’t get any answers from Tory’s crew to her many phone calls and letters on the issue? Hmm. What better way to show you care about what voters have to say than by taking the advice of a 66-year-old grandmother? All of a sudden what the media are calling a policy flip-flop looks like just a leader listening to the will of the people. The Tories have been trotting out “average” Ontarians to illustrate the supposed folly of Lib policies in staged events throughout the campaign. Among the more curious, before Cassel was dragged into the spotlight that is, was a photo op at the home of one PC voter in affluent Oakville of all places to try and make the point that seniors are being force out of their homes by high property taxes. Hard to believe many Tory supporters in the 905 heartland are that desperate to make ends meet. Now comes the “John Tory knows poverty” shtick for the Star. But don’t believe the crocodile tears. How serious can Tory really be about helping the disadvantaged when he won’t commit to a $10 minimum wage and is pushing the kind of law and order agenda that often ends up ensnaring the same poor people he says he’s trying to help? Don’t cry for me JohnTory.
