“Sometimes during campaigns the rhetoric gets overheated and amplified.”

So Austin Goolsbee was right! Or rather, the consular official in Chicago who transcribed his meeting with them was right. Bonus points: Jim Travers and other handwringers over Canada’s alleged “interference” in the American election are … in need of another topic.

It’s a shame the Tories can’t attend the McCain speech, just because there’s anti-Republican sentiment in many parts of Canada right now. If the Liberals can invite Howard Dean to speak at their lack-of-Leadership Convention, while taking Tony Blair’s talking points on child poverty, why can’t the Conservatives pay a visit to one of the few dignified politicians left in the United States, regardless of party affiliation? Maybe Mac can teach the Tories a thing or two about bi-partisanship.

Liberals define “pro-Canadian” as being anti-American, unless those Americans being dealt with are very liberal protectionist Democrats.

Conservatives define “pro-Canadian” as promoting Canada’s military heritage and international peace-making commitments, while working with any U.S. administration on resolving common issues (FTA, acid-rain treaty, softwood lumber).