Sean Holman at Public Eye Online got his hands on a memo being circulated by regional Conservative organizer John Buckham, which encourages local Tories to show their support for beleaguered Liberal Conservative cabinet minister David Emerson at a counter-demonstration on Friday:
…hand written signs would be a great addition to the day, not only do they show up well for those who are across the street wondering what is going on but they also provide a great opportunity to get our message of support into the media.
Some suggested signage:
I support David Emerson!
Emerson = Courage
Re-Elect Emerson!
Keep up the good work!
We support you!
United we stand!
Not to mention “I can’t be trusted to come up with my own sign!” and “Insert talking points here!” Am I the only one hearing an eerie echo of George Bush’s 2000 primary campaign, with its centrally-produced “grassroots” hand-lettered signs?
Of course, it’s understandable that the Conservatives would want to keep the messaging on track at this kind of event. They’ve had enough experiences with grassroots members (or even their own MPs) pulling them into communications hell to want to clamp down.
But it’s funny that this should happen a day after Emerson’s former aide told the media that his ex-boss confessed to being surprised and disappointed at the heavy-handed control the Prime Minister’s Office was exerting.
