But dont forget that the leader of parties are chosen by the members of each party. In the case of the Conservatives, Stephen Harper was chosen because a large base of Conservative members are looking for someone with a strong interest in ensuring that the values of the old Reform/Alliance are still represented. The Conservatives may have increased support among voters during this campaign, but before their sudden rise they were still a party who relied very heavily on in its traditional western base.
Yes maybe a more moderate leader would have given the Conservatives a better chance at a majority, but then for that too happen, the base itself would have to adopt a more moderate stance. For the Conservatives, they could not have done any better than Stephen Harper. Not only has he managed to convince enough Canadians that he is not an ultra right wing boogeyman, but he has also ensured that most of the platform of the Reform/Alliance has still been able to be make it in under the radar.
The Liberals, well, thats a different story. Their downfall seems to be more to do with arrogance than anything else.
