My early morning thoughts on the CPC race.

Scheer’s speech — an embarrassment. Blames everybody but himself. Then goes on twitter and rants at a couple reporters. Goodbye Andrew Scheer.

Vote dynamics — McKay and O’Toole start about equal. On second count, Sloan’s support goes about 3/4ths to Lewis. In third round, Lewis’ support goes about 3/4ths to O’Toole, putting him over the top. And that’s that. Wonder if MacKay will stick around or go back to Bay St.

O’Toole’s speech — pivot to the centre. Mentions of inclusion and diversity. Mentions for Quebec — but not Alberta. Presents self as wanting to meet voters where they are at, rather than Scheer’s (failed) intransigence. Wants to broaden coalition, etc etc. Lotsa patriotism.

Can he make the turn? Despite his leadership campaign persona, my impression of O’Toole has always been that he’s something of a Red Tory. I was surprised at his pivot to the right. But it worked. Now can he pivot to centre and leave that baggage behind? He needs to prove that.

I corrected and reposted this thread because incorrectly referred to Leslyn Leslie rather than Leslyn Lewis. Bad on me. Getting names right is important.