Mulclair is a winner, cue the attack ads

He won the battle, Thomas Mulcair  is the new leader of the NDP.  Now he needs to win the war of bringing his party together.

I have no doubt that Conservative strategists are already burning the midnight oil, trying to come up with a plan of attack that will ensure the roughly 60% of electors who didn't support the Harper government remain a house divided.  Divided enough that the Tories can win another majority with about 40% support the next time we go to the polls in three or so years time.

I do believe the NDP chose wisely.  Yes, Thomas Mulcair will ruffle some feathers with the old guard, those who see the NDP as the conscience of parliament.  But if the NDP is serious about building a bigger tent, then they're going to have to reach beyond their traditional labour base.

I for one would love to see them ditch the 'New' and become Canada's Democratic party.  Like it or lump it branding maters, and selling Canada's Democratic party would be easier than convincing some to vote NDP.

So when will the attack ads start?  That's a good question, but I think any efforts by the Tories will be centred around keeping the majority of Canadians who vote centre-left divided.