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."