Let's face it. We have all mishandled our relations with Quebec. The NDP were never really there. The Liberals were never liked under Chretien and Dion was a big part of that. And even the separatist Bloc has to accept that the votes they get really have their fingers crossed about the whole separatist thing. So can anyone be surprised that the Conservatives are looking like the same rules apply to them?

Quebec Premier Jean Charest further distanced his government from the federal Conservative agenda Monday arguing against many key proposals in Stephen Harper's election platform. Mr. Charest invited all five federal party leaders to express their views on no fewer that 14 demands as part of a "non-exhaustive" list that appeared designed to underscore the increasing polarization between Quebec and the Harper campaign on many of the issues.

"Hey buddy! Hey, my buddy Jean, former Conservative leader yourself! It's Steve over here! WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING???" Elections are tough. No time to debate the issues as another former Conservative leader once said. And no time either to lean on friends apparently.

Other news for day 24:

• Why are listeria and food inspection not a huge issues in this election?
• 1987 v. 2008: junk bonds v junk mortgages. Compare and contrast. Ask Ben Stein before you do.