Michael Ignatieff Kicks Off Final Push in Liberal Leadership Campaign

Michael Ignatieff began his last push to win the Liberal leadership with a spirited rally in Toronto's Irish pub, Grace O'Malley's, highlighting his vision for a better Canada and emphasizing the importance of hope, faith, and patriotism in politics. Speaking to a crowd of over 150 people, Ignatieff declared that the purpose of politics is not self-interest but to build a better country for all Canadians.

Key Takeaways:

• Ignatieff aims to make Canadians believe again that governments and politics can build a better country, citing hope, faith, and patriotism as the driving forces behind politics.
• He emphasized that the purpose of politics for Liberals is not self-interest, but to serve the country and its people.
• Ignatieff took time to explain his previous statements on the Israeli-Hezbollah war and the Quebec-as-nation proposal, clarifying that he was speaking as an academic and not as a politician.
• Ignatieff acknowledged the media's tough scrutiny and stated that he understands the attention is due to his front-runner status and newness to politics.
• He emphasized the importance of listening to and reaching out to Quebec, highlighting the need for a national-unity Liberal party that strengthens Canadian citizenship.

Statistics:

• Over 150 people attended the rally at Grace O'Malley's Pub.
• Ignatieff will attend a parliamentary caucus meeting in Ottawa in mid-week.
• Ignatieff will speak at a rally in Montreal on Thursday night.
• Ignatieff will be in Toronto on Friday to work on his convention speech.
• Ignatieff will return to Quebec on the weekend to canvass for the Liberal candidate in the federal by-election in the Montreal constituency of Repentigny.

Sources:

• Michael Ignatieff, quoted in "Michael Ignatieff Kicks Off Final Push in Liberal Leadership Campaign. By Michael Valpy. Toronto."
• Michael Valpy, author "Michael Ignatieff Kicks Off Final Push in Liberal Leadership Campaign. Toronto."