With the budget off to Second Reading...

We should ask - what did the two non-government parties get for their support of the budget?

Don't kid yourself - the Conservatives supported the budget, at least in principle. Of course, they then voted to bring down the government, but the support in principle is important. The NDP, meanwhile, also voted to support the government - and did so without the schizophrenia. What did each party get for their support?

The NDP got: Several billion dollars in popular spending on issues that Canadians say they support - daycare, education, foreign aid.

The Conservatives got: A broken-hearted Deputy Leader, and a 10% drop in the polls.

I'm shocked, shocked to discover that the Conservatives are not yet ready to lead this country. After all, they've shown such brilliant strategic thinking so far...