UNC Gasparillo meeting

[saltwater]

I was listening jus now. is another successful meeting for the UNCA. They say traffic for so, people by the thousands. Is a UNC tsunami sweeping the country. The speakers did not spare the COP which got some licks and they keep telling the people if the leaders dont want to unite, then they the people mus unite because a vote for the COP is a vote for PNM. Panday say give the UNCa a chance to complete what it started before Robbie tief the government from them.

[Sumana]

goat farmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm :lol: :lol: :lol:

[BW]

It seems like many COP supporters are starting to come to their senses. "It's time to come home" is the new battlecry, apparently.

[Maccogirl]

Cop must be getting sick with these crowds, if the UNCA paying people to come out I really don't think they would be able to pull this off night after night never happen, COP better start to really think about their situation in all this it not looking good for them but am sure I will get cuss for saying this, I just cannot buy into this nonsense that people being paid not like this every night . :roll:

[cm103]

It's great that the UNC keeping people entertained and pulling crowd. My mother's side of the family from Gasparillo and they said they had a good time as well. They're COP members btw and already used their orange jerseys to wash the car before they went to rally.

I see we are still talking about crowd and COP getting worried. Well if that makes the UNC and PNM supporters feel better then go ahead and think that. Crowd don't win elections and no amount of crowd will help Panday get back the PM job.

While you're at it think about this. If the COP supporters are really mostly the middle class then what percentage of the middle class goes out to attend the rallies rather than watch it on TV or catch it on the radio? My neighbourhood is in a PNM controlled seat but almost my entire block is comprised of COP members who do not attend meetings.

[Maccogirl]

CM am fully aware that crowd don't win votes but for a party that was said to be dead or in the dying stages they sure don't look that way to me, as for being entertained all I heard was the tassa drums and the dj so I don't know if they had other entertainment because the radio did not say so to me this was just a political meeting.

If your family used their t shirts to wash their cars that is their right, me I not taking any t-shirt from any party that I don't support far less leave my house at night to face traffic and rain just to go hear what they saying I could buy the papers in the morning or turn on my radio.

COP has support yes I will not say no to that, but unfortunately its not a huge support concentrated in areas where they will do any damage to their opponents to win a seat, COP support seem wide spread so you get 1000 here maybe 2000 there but will it translate into the COP candidate winning the seat I don't think so, but that is just my take on it you may differ in your thinking.

As for the middle class support again I really don't know if this support is heavy enough to win a seat for example westmorring is middle class but its not only westmorring people that vote in this area, and the lower class voter if you want to call them that out numbers the middle class vote by a wide margin so even if the entire westmorring community comes out for the COP what about all the other people living in the hills and back streets, four roads, powder magazine and so on the westmorring community is small to that.

[cm103]

All valid points MG. The fam didn't have far to go though for the rally, just a short walk down the road and it better than sitting home on a Monday night. The t-shirts they got when they were running transport for the Midcenter rally. I also personally would not take anything from a party which I did not support but would not like to disrespect my family by saying that they were wrong to do so. I'm sure you would understand if it was your relatives.

The UNC has support yes, but not the type that they enjoyed previously which won them a couple elections. One of the main reasons I moved from supporting them is that they became too much a one man party and that man seemed more concerned in holding on to control rather than allowing others to show up. Forget what happened to Dookeran and the leadership role, it goes beyond that. Bringing back Ramesh also soured me and a lot of former UNC supporters as well. Panday needed him to try and remind voters of the 1995 days but what deal was made to bring him back? You may notice that I don't join the voices saying that the UNC will die after this election but they do have to seriously show some type of life after Panday if they hope to survive.

Anyways, its not only now that if you don't support the PNM then you vote UNC for a change. The COP is campaigning on a platform for integrity and people politics and non maximum leadership like the UNC and PNM. They may not win a seat but they may start a movement for change for those fed up of the UNC antics and the PNM disregard of the people.

[perkelv]

The COP is definitely pulling a concentrated group of miiddle-class support. They may yet surprise a lot of people and win substantial seats, but some how i doubt the numbers are sufficient from that demographic. Notwithstanding the huge middle-class and media support they may not fare too well.

AS MC says the cncentration of "income-earners" within any particular district is heavily skewed towards "below-middle".

Apart from this, in talking to a lot of people who were borderline (thinking of leaving to go COP or undecided) there are some worrying signs.
1. "Evey body loves a winner" factor - (UNC surge making it harder for borderline undecided in that category)
2. Media - Interestingly there seems to be some backlash against the media who are woefully lopsided in favour of COP and not reporting factually. This won't make people change their vote, but what's happennig is that people are no longer buying the super COP image being portrayedlike a few weeks ago.
3. Choice of candidates - While many people are comfortable with the "squeaky clean" Dooks, the COP can't keep hiding the less-desirables forever. Devant, Selby, Hulsie etc are liabilities.

BTW howcome nobody here talking about the PNM meet in Chaguanas East ... very interesting!

[Maccogirl]

I agree with your opinion as how you see it perkelv, that is what I was telling CM there are worrying signs starting to show, and I do believe that the COP made some miscalculation along the way, yes and it could have been aided with the nonsense of the media for not calling it as they saw it thinking that was helping the COP, as for the PNM meeting I think they also had a crowd don't know how large it was the announcer did not say but there was a lot of background noise, maybe the media will fill us in on that one.

[Maccogirl]

I would also add this addition of Anil Roberts, and Inshan Ishmeal as spokesmen for the COP is not doing Dookeran's or the COP image any favor they are liabilities these fellas are loose cannons that mouth off, name call and just downright hostile, they turn off the undecided, Dookeran once again by his nice guy approach let these fellas off the hook without reeling them in this makes people feel he is soft and cannot control people around him.

There are good people with good intentions in the COP but some of the people that speak for them is a total turn off and that gives the entire group a bad image, maybe Dookeran got too caught up in the election that he did not set clear guidelines I don't know, but somethings are being said on the platform and on the media that is not sitting too well in the Indo community and that is where the COP was looking to get their support from.

You cant go on the radio and cuss the Mayor, you cuss the HCU accuse the HUC of bouncing checks and making all kind of statements, call people backward and so on and not feel there will be a fall out to this, then as Leader you remain silent, no you will lose support for that.

[perkelv]

I agree with your opinion as how you see it perkelv, that is what I was telling CM there are worrying signs starting to show, and I do believe that the COP made some miscalculation along the way, yes and it could have been aided with the nonsense of the media for not calling it as they saw it thinking that was helping the COP, as for the PNM meeting I think they also had a crowd don't know how large it was the announcer did not say but there was a lot of background noise, maybe the media will fill us in on that one.

Ok, not meaning to hijack the thread, but i have a question .. who you think Manning considers more of a threat at this time, the UNC with their large crowds such as tonight, or the COP with their apparent dwindling of momentum though with big finance and media behind them?

I think i know who, but let's hear your POV :)

[cm103]

Honestly I think he's arrogant enough to not consider either one a threat. Especially since they are divided and Manning seems content to console himself with the results of polls he commissioned.

[saltwater]

I would also add this addition of Anil Roberts, and Inshan Ishmeal as spokesmen for the COP is not doing Dookeran's or the COP image any favor they are liabilities these fellas are loose cannons that mouth off, name call and just downright hostile, they turn off the undecided, Dookeran once again by his nice guy approach let these fellas off the hook without reeling them in this makes people feel he is soft and cannot control people around him.

There are good people with good intentions in the COP but some of the people that speak for them is a total turn off and that gives the entire group a bad image, maybe Dookeran got too caught up in the election that he did not set clear guidelines I don't know, but somethings are being said on the platform and on the media that is not sitting too well in the Indo community and that is where the COP was looking to get their support from.

You cant go on the radio and cuss the Mayor, you cuss the HCU accuse the HUC of bouncing checks and making all kind of statements, call people backward and so on and not feel there will be a fall out to this, then as Leader you remain silent, no you will lose support for that.

Macco
Daiz examples of Dookeran leadership skills. He is the ultimate leader.

[Maccogirl]

Manning does not feel either the COP or the UNCA is a threat to him, his take is to protect his base so far to him from all indications his base is holding, Manning is letting UNCA and COP go neck and neck at each other for the fight for Central with the hope that the vote is split in the marginals and the PNM candidate gets a chance at winning the seat.

From Laventille to D/Martin is covered by the PNM, Tobago 2 seats PNM. No one yet can show me what PNM seats either the UNCA or the COP winning, UNCA will maintain some of their traditional seats Kamla, Bas and so on the spoiler in there will be the COP not because they can win the seat but because with the splitting of the vote the PNM has a good chance of getting traditionally held UNCA seats. I cant say if that is the COP intention but there presence is making it a whole lot easier for the PNM in some seats and that is what Manning is banking on.

It was always foolhardy for the COP to feel or give the perception that they are now in control of the UNC seats in central that is not looking as if that is the case so exactly what is the presence of the COP in this election? I stand to be corrected but I don't see what other function than probably giving PNM more seats than what the PNM presently holds now as a factor of the COP in this election.

As I said I can be wrong but if I felt the COP could beat both the PNM or the UNCA outright then I would be happy to say yes the COP is making a big difference in this election.

[JPersad]

goat farmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm :lol: :lol: :lol:

And you aspiring for high office .
Trinidad really must have plenty plenty dumb people !

[JPersad]

Maccs ,
I must say UNC doing a hell of ajob .
Jack really muyst feel the UNC going to win .
To spend that money night after night on a rent a crowd .Surely it adds up to a tidy sum.
Maybe Jack intend to re-imburse himself in the unlikely even that the UNC form the next government ?

[Maccogirl]

Jp if you feel its a rent a crowd what can I say that is your opinion, I have to differ not even mighty PNM with all the government revenue can rent a crowd night after night and PNM has the best election machinery of all the parties. We have to start to be realistic about this thing and stop this old talk nonsense especially when we cannot provide the proof to back up some of the statement of Jack spending this and that, geez how much money does this man have don't you think that talk is kind of silly now?? :roll:

[vaio]

Maccs ,
I must say UNC doing a hell of ajob .
Jack really muyst feel the UNC going to win .
To spend that money night after night on a rent a crowd .Surely it adds up to a tidy sum.
Maybe Jack intend to re-imburse himself in the unlikely even that the UNC form the next government ?

well he did say tht he wanted a salary one dollar, so for him money ain't an issue.. but to rent ah crowd night after night... ah wonder what de going rate is :geek: :D

[TheLight]

Maccs ,
I must say UNC doing a hell of ajob .
Jack really muyst feel the UNC going to win .
To spend that money night after night on a rent a crowd .Surely it adds up to a tidy sum.
Maybe Jack intend to re-imburse himself in the unlikely even that the UNC form the next government ?

You still living in denial yes, :roll:

[JPersad]

Maccs ,
I must say UNC doing a hell of ajob .
Jack really muyst feel the UNC going to win .
To spend that money night after night on a rent a crowd .Surely it adds up to a tidy sum.
Maybe Jack intend to re-imburse himself in the unlikely even that the UNC form the next government ?

You still living in denial yes, :roll:
The same way you think Panday is god !

[fluxxx]

Poor UNC fanatics. I was trapped in the Gasparillo traffic for close to an hour. It wasnt caused by sheer numbers, it was caused by the "intelligence" of the police who diverted ALL traffic entering Gasparillo through a narrow wasa abused road which was blocked by 5 YELLOW BAND maxi taxis. Cars had to drive ON THE PAVEMENT IN SINGLE FILE in order to get through.
And as for the "thousands", there were almost 50 yellow and red band maxis parked up along the ramps coming on and off the highway....Most of that crowd was IMPORTED. The same band of fanatics that they bus around to all of their meetings. And we "native" constituency residents aren't ignorant enough to fall for that gimmickery....

[Maccogirl]

Why does the COP pretend that they will never do such a thing as bringing their supporters to any meeting they having, so all the people at Skinner Park and Woodford sq went there on their own?? There was not talk of maxi taxi's, no talk of transport nothing oh please get real nah. :roll:

As for last night meeting for the COP in morvant well the rich and famous stayed away must of been the location, out of all these faithful followers only about 50 people showed any way the COP neck and neck with the PNM so these silent voters just sitting and waiting for election day to come out in the masses and stain their fingers for the COP. :roll:

[bluemellow]

The COP meetings at Woodford Sq and Skinner park were GENERAL rallies.. for ALL supporters of ALL constituencies, unlike UNC and PNM who transport their "followers" to EVERY meeting in order to delude themselves and the public into thinking their support is overflowing.
The COP does not hire transport for regional/ constituency meetings as do other parties.

That is the big UNC/ PNM tactic. Show the people big crowds so that their support will waiver. Hopefully the public had their share of doctored photos, rent-a-crowd, giveaways and payments to be swayed from the REAL issues on election day.

By the way, can someone please tell me the UNC's plans for ANYTHING should they win???
AND... did you hear Bas' new attempt to sideline the Ramesh issue? "Vote party, not the candidate".

It is hilarious because if the shoe were on the other foot, and that bit of stupidness was uttered by Manning... the UNC would be all over it! And what does that say about the candidates of the UNC? So... they are inconsequential then? Hmm.. Perhaps it is a case of any crapaud in an orange t-shirt.

[bluemellow]

Jp if you feel its a rent a crowd what can I say that is your opinion, I have to differ not even mighty PNM with all the government revenue can rent a crowd night after night and PNM has the best election machinery of all the parties. We have to start to be realistic about this thing and stop this old talk nonsense especially when we cannot provide the proof to back up some of the statement of Jack spending this and that, geez how much money does this man have don't you think that talk is kind of silly now?? :roll:


it's not just rent-a-crowd.people are admitting (in the media) to being paid to attend with hundred dollar bills wrapped up in unc t shirts!
tell me why if the UNC was so secure in their support was the photo of centre city digitally enhanced?
i suppose unc will say that that is a figment of our imagination too. ;)

[Maccogirl]

You still with this digital photo ok the UNCA only had 1200 people there while the COP had 30,000 in the sq happy now, COP not only neck and neck they winning all 41 seat Dookeran will be PM and Opposition all by his self, and after election T&T will instantly be transformed no more poverty, no high food prices and so on, as for the UNCA and PNM they will never enter politics again so Dookeran will rule from that day one :roll:

[bluemellow]

"We have to start to be realistic about this thing and stop this old talk nonsense especially when we cannot provide the proof to back up some of the statement of Jack spending this and that, geez how much money does this man have don't you think that talk is kind of silly now??"

it's about as silly as saying that you willing to work for one dollar.

[bluemellow]

tsk tsk tsk... struck a chord?

[peanut]

Yeah I heard that same music coming from Mayor Bloomberg in NY :roll: :roll: :roll: