I am still smarting from the failure of my beloved Howard Dean (that's Dr. Dean to you, proles), but that does not prevent me from making the following prediction: the Canadian Conservative Party will soon be forming a new government, and Stephen Harper will be the Canadian Premier. Last night's debate was a major step towards that happening. Things seem to be going very well, very well indeed. It's just a couple of weeks until the vote.

Stand by for the inevitable E.J. Dionne article which will shrill in loud, frightened tones, "Hang on! Progressives aren't dead yet! They landed on their feet!"