If you can fake insincerity, you've got it made

Yesterday's devastating CanWest poll puts Harper well out in front as the public's choice of leader - and Dion in third.

Conducted for CanWest News Service and Global National and released Tuesday, the Ipsos-Reid poll said respondents see Harper as more trustworthy than Dion and as someone with values closer to their own.

The online survey — conducted among a random group of 1,000 people from Feb. 15 to Feb. 19 — reported 46 per cent said Harper would make the best prime minister.

NDP Leader Jack Layton was their second choice at 29 per cent while Dion was third at 25 per cent.

But wait. It gets worse.

The findings also had bad news for Dion on the one big issue the former federal environment minister has sought to own.

Harper and Dion were virtually tied when those surveyed were asked which leader is "sincerely committed to dealing with climate warming."

Harper scored 30 per cent and Dion scored 29 per cent.

Yes, but what people want is someone who's insincerely committed to dealing with climate warming, as I explain in today's column.