Thread by @JeffRybak

Recently, I added some criticism to the pile on Jagmeet Singh, for his announcement of the NDP's intentions in the coming term. I believe the criticism was warranted, but also deserves nuance. So here's what I really think about the NDP and what needs to change. #cdnpoli 1/12

First, let's acknowledge the NDP are in a tough spot. Justin Trudeau is leading a big-spending, left-leaning Liberal government - unlikely to offer any plans or legislation the NDP really opposes. The NDP may want more and to go farther but that's a different issue. #cdnpoli 2/12

When the NDP threaten to abstain it's no threat at all. Remove 25 NDP votes and there are 313 votes remaining. Of those the 160 Liberals are a majority. The NDP can't stop anything by abstaining. The only real threat is to vote against things they mainly agree with. #cdnpoli 3/12

Now, I truly believe the NDP have an important role to play as the voice of social conscience. I believe they have legitimate concerns that many Liberal plans may amount to half a loaf. But it's not easy to vote against half a loaf only because you want a full one. #cdnpoli 4/12

Instead of honestly approaching this very real problem, and laying it out publicly, the NDP have defaulted to sound bites, superficial criticism, and negativity. And that's my real objection. It's empty, ugly, and a lost opportunity to admit complexity in politics. #cdnpoli 5/12

Mainly, the NDP strategy seems to be making a lot of noise about their issues and demands. Then when the Liberals do something similar - as they probably will anyway - scoop up some of the credit. Which is just sad, really. The NDP can be so much better than that. #cdnpoli 6/12

The NDP problem is something most people can relate to. Is it worth going along with something tolerable, even "okay," at the cost of fighting for more? Or do you stand on principle and fight for the whole thing, even when it means leaving what's on the table? #cdnpoli 7/12

I just wish the NDP would embrace the debate and the challenge of this problem. Talk about it publicly. Ask people what they would want and what they would do. The answers may not be easy but at least the debate would be about something more than sound bites. #cdnpoli 8/12

If the NDP ever hope to be relevant in this government, and to bend any agenda, they'll have to vote against something and not merely abstain. If it comes to that, people will need to know why they did it. And that means putting cards on the table well in advance. #cdnpoli 9/12

The NDP are a party founded in labour and union politics. They're entirely familiar with the challenges and opportunities of rejecting an imperfect deal in order to reach for more and better. Sometimes it's hard to sell that to people - but that's the task at hand. #cdnpoli 10/12

If the NDP want to fulfill their role as the voice of social conscience in Parliament, they need to stop demonizing Liberals - not just because it's annoying but because it isn't working. The extreme left likes it, the right loves it, but no one else is buying it. #cdnpoli 11/12

The NDP should embrace the truth - Liberals may be trying to do the right thing but the NDP wants to do more and go farther to address wealth inequality, climate change, social issues, and more. And trust voters to decide when they're ready for that. Trust voters. #cdnpoli 12/12