Election Power Meter: Singh is doomed, even at home; a PMO advantage; Hecklers get results

Welcome to National Post’s campaign Power Meter, where we will track the shifting tides of the election. As the race unfolds, we’ll rank parties, candidates and other characters based on momentum, performance, and public perception. Who’s gaining ground? Who’s losing steam? Keep checking in as we measure the moments that could shape the outcome.

THE NDP: The NDP are languishing in the polls more than ever with only a wretched eight per cent support, according to a recent Leger survey . If current trends hold, the polling aggregator 338Canada projects that the NDP will only win eight seats, which would mean it loses official party status. And just as troubling for NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is that he appears to be doomed in his own riding. 338Canada says Singh’s Liberal opponent has a 94 per cent chance of beating him. Even more embarrassing for Singh is that he’s currently polling in third place in his own Burnaby Central constituency, according to the polling aggregator.
POWER METER RATING: EXISTENTIAL FEAR

HECKLERS: If you’re resigned to the notion that one person can’t make a difference in the world, then take note of the chain of events that followed a heckler’s shout on Tuesday at Liberal Leader Mark Carney’s rally in Calgary. First, Carney was accused of agreeing with the protestor’s characterization of a “genocide” being carried out in Gaza (“I’m aware. That’s why we have an arms embargo (on Israel)” said Carney), before walking back his comments on Wednesday and arguing that he actually hadn’t heard the man properly. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took notice and accused Carney of attacking Israel.
POWER METER RATING: INTERNATIONAL INCIDENT

CAMPAIGN PAUSES: For the third week in a row, Liberal Leader Mark Carney has paused his campaign to fly back to Ottawa and resume the role of prime minister. The first two weeks at least had a plausible rationale, when big tariff news from the U.S. was hitting Canada, but this week is a little more suspicious. As many commentators have pointed out , playing the role of prime minister has worked in Carney’s favour and his campaign hasn’t missed an opportunity to get that positive PR.
POWER METER RATING: CONVENIENT

National Post

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