Conservative campaign brings Harper to Hamilton

On Thursday, April 7, 2011, Stephen Harper visited the Hamilton Convention Centre and hosted a rally. Later that same evening, Michael Ignatieff visited Liuna Station in Hamilton.

Having already seen Ignatieff at Redeemer earlier this year, I took the opportunity to attend Stephen Harper’s rally. Upon first arriving, I spotted protestors surrounding the convention centre and felt an instant rush: I was entering the world of politics. Never before have I seen so much blue. Being pro-conservative, I picked up my Harper commercial gear and went to find a seat. As a young female voter, my friend and I were immediately approached and asked if we wanted to sit where the cameras were facing. Surrounding us were peers my age and families, despite the majority of people over 40 in the rest of the room. Politics.

This did not bother me: I had been warned of such political placing, and I was honoured to be a part of it. Overall, I was very impressed by Harper and his campaign. His constant reference to the audience as “friends” was endearing to prospective voters. He even poked fun at his “lifeless campaign” and frequently referred to his commitment not to raise taxes. Surprisingly, Harper was more charismatic than I have seen him on television, and it was refreshing to hear him discuss the Conservative campaign directly, without media jargon involved.

At the rally, I found myself shouting along and jumping up to beat my Conservative thunder sticks together whenever Harper said something I found appealing, such as his commitment to continue strengthening our economy.

The highlight of the rally was a moment that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The handshake. Yes, students of Redeemer, I shook hands with Stephen Harper. It is not often I feel giddy from well-known figures, but this is the Prime Minister of Canada I am talking about. Even if you supported the opposition, I believe it would be an honour to shake hands with the leader of our nation.

Harper voiced his frustration with the election, stating that it was unnecessary and that the coalition merely wants to weaken his government. Harper’s speech ended with sentiment and encouragement, “Friends, I know that you are here for one thing, you are here for Canada.”

A group of students from McMaster attended the rally holding signs which read “Inspire us: students vote!” Signs across the room also demonstrated support through phrases like “Conservative and loving it!” At one point, a man began angrily yelling about steel workers' rights, but he was quickly silenced by security.

I sat beside Bryan Vanderkruk, a member of the David Sweet campaign, and I asked him what he thinks should be important to student voters. He said, “It is important that students look into issues, get past the 'media bias’ and look at multiple sources. Students should look at the track records of politicians and make an informed choice.”

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