'Stephen Harper isn't perfect': New Tory message raises eyebrows online

People on Twitter react to the latest Conservative ad in which a Tory supporter says that Stephen Harper isn't perfect.

Message used in campaign ad and Harper interview

CBC News Posted: Sep 08, 2015 2:09 PM EDT | Last Updated: September 8, 2015

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper said he's 'not perfect' in an interview with Peter Mansbridge that aired Monday. That same message appears in a new Tory ad. (CBC News/Conservative Party of Canada/YouTube)

Stephen Harper isn't perfect, according to a newConservative aduploaded toYouTubeon Sunday.

The 30-second spot features a series of Canadians talking about their concerns regarding the economy.

"The NDP? They can't manage money. And they don't understand that business creates jobs," says one man.Another says, "Justin's promising to run deficits. Deficits! He says deficits are good."

Toward the end of the videoan elderly woman then comments on Harper.

"Stephen Harper isn't perfect, but when it comes to the economy we can depend on him."

This ad was produced by the Conservative Party of Canada.It is embedded here for informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement by CBC News.

Harper has since echoed the statement.

"I am who I am. Canadians know me. I'm not perfect. But I'm dedicated to my country, I love my country. I think I've done as good a job as I can do," Harper toldCBC'sPeterMansbridge in an interview that aired Monday night.

The "not perfect" sloganraised a few eyebrows on Twitter.

"Stephen Harper isn't perfect." Absolutely every single person in this ad looks like they're about to cry. #elxn42 https://t.co/4PgfYtajkR
—@Adam_Stirling

Our once-bright dreams now crumble around us. All is lost. We will never be this young again. Vote Conservative. #NewToryCommericals
—@Adam_Stirling

"Stephen Harper isn't perfect. Ask a Canadian government scientist. Ha, psyche."
—@bruce_arthur

Several people noticed a similarity with messaging used by Rob Ford

New Conservative ad goes with 'the Ford approach': "Stephen Harper isn't perfect..." https://t.co/G5SdsuKzEt #elxn42
—@siomo

Harper's campaign has now assumed the Rob Ford position of "hey, I'm not perfect, who's perfect?" #cdnpoli #elxn42
—@JonnKmech

Liberal strategist Rob Silver got in on the Ford jabs as well.

Headlines Harper doesn't want "ya, we're copying the post-crack video Rob Ford campaign. Almost identical.." #elxn42 https://t.co/1EXJXjXWrL
—@RobSilver

Some cracked 'Peegate' jokes.

It's true Stephen Harper isn't perfect...he chooses candidates that will pee in your cup while you're not looking #peegate
—@Sarahickling1

Including a former Liberal aide who is no stranger to campaign missteps.

"Stephen Harper isn't perfect"...but at least he wont piss in your kitchen cupboards. #NotARealAd #Elxn42
—@_scottreid

There were hairdo jokes too.

Stephen Harper isn't perfect, but his hairdo is. So there's that.
—@bdenovan

Others saw the ad as a sign the Tories are in trouble...

When your tagline is "Stephen Harper isn't perfect but ..." your campaign is in trouble. #elxn42 #cdnpoli https://t.co/EE8aye6ZDp
—@anniegirl1138

... NDP staffers among them.

If "Stephen Harper isn't perfect" is your strongest pitch, it's probably time for change in Ottawa. #elxn42 https://t.co/egGqIRCGXE
—@samdinicol

But many saw a calculated strategy.

In invu with CBC, Harper used same "I`m not perfect but..." line that`s also in new CPC ad. So this is a strategy. http://t.co/ijLqtRYGcE
—@glen_mcgregor

Interesting line from new #cpc ad: "Stephen Harper isn't perfect." Says a lot about what their polling must be showing. #elxn42
—@jeffjedras

Many others just laughed.

.@CBCTheNational Harper: "I'm not perfect." Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha Greatest understatement ever #cdnpoli #elxn42
—@barkerthom

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