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norman spector

New Democrats will be hearing today from two Obama advisers, and later will debate a motion to re-brand themselves the Democratic Party. These days, they're even boasting about their links with the United States: According to National Director Brad Lavigne, "There are way more bridges and doors opening [for the NDP]within the Democratic party because of Obama winning. … There's more of our friends in their campaign and their offices than at any time in the recent past."

Here are two questions I'm hoping reporters in Halifax will ask NDP leader Jack Layton:

1. President Barack Obama campaigned on Afghanistan being the 'good' war, he's increasing the number of U.S. troops in that country and is expanding the war to Pakistan. Do you still think we should withdraw Canadian troops from combat immediately, or should they be helping our American friends fight the resurgent Taliban?

2. President Obama says that Americans will be able to keep their private health insurance plans if they like. Do you think that Canadians facing long waiting lists for medically necessary services should also be allowed to purchase private insurance, as the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in its Chaoulli decision?

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