Ouch.

Even the National Embarassment Post is musing about Harper's future as leader of the Conservatives:

...Rather, we imagine the trouble lies with how the message is being delivered. Mr. Harper is a glum, moody figure who has shown little enthusiasm for the rituals of mass-media politics and for the simple glad-handing expected of party chiefs. And instead of hiring communications staff who make up for these weaknesses, he has hired glum, clannish people who reinforce them.

Mr. Harper should think long and hard this summer about how badly he wants his job. Is he prepared, or even able, to do the things necessary to win at retail politics? If the answer is yes, Mr. Harper should return this fall a man transformed. If it is no, then he should consider bowing out.

You know your future is grim when your own partisan press is asking you to "transform" yourself.

Frankly, Harper's had his best shot to take down the Liberals, and he blew it. He'll never get a better chance than the one he had in April. In any other party, he'd already be a lame duck. I agree with the Post, though - Harper's done some strong work by moving the party towards a moderate-conservative stance. Now let the Conservatives choose a leader who doesn't scare small children and we might seen an interesting election come February.