This Is Typically Where Conservatives Fail

Flaherty set to confirm delayed deficit target in fiscal update

Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty responds to a question during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa
We talk the talk...less government, increased accountability and fiscal responsibility...but results suggest quirk in our step.  The reality is we spend more then we take in. The 'fiscal conservatives' can't balance the books.

It seems like Conservatives often squirm in this situation.  We deflect, blame and point.  This obviously is not good.

If in fact the Conservatives are going to announce delayed deficit targets, here is what they should say, "We champion ourselves as the party of fiscal responsibility.  We failed.  We incorrectly mis-assessed the variables we were entrusted by the Canadian public to asses and handle.  The results speak for themselves, and here is how we are going to fix the problem: 1. 2. and 3.  We will not blame circumstance or others, but look to our failed efforts and move forward to eagerly improve in this area to remain your party of choice."

In business, it's natural to speak candidly about reality. Why do we often play games in politics?  After all, the Conservative party is the 'personal responsibility party', right?  We can't be: 'when it fits our discussion, we love personal responsibility...when it does not...we blame'.  I will be watching closely the remarks with respect to these developments, and trust you will be too.