Go to the Globe and Mail homepage  Jump to main navigationJump
to main content  Entry archive:  Mayor-elect Rob Ford celebrates
victory in Toronto on Oct. 25, 2010. (Peter Power/Peter
Power/The Globe and Mail)  Brian Topp  Rob Ford knows how to win
Add to ...  There will be time enough to discuss Rob Ford's
policy proposals - depending on how he plays his cards in the
months to come. But right now, it has to be said: That's how you
win.  As I wrote after moderating a debate between the principal
candidates earlier in the race, Mr. Ford's opponents were unwise
to underestimate him.This was a smart, disciplined and targetted
candidate who knew exactly what he was doing.  More related to
this story  Mr. Ford demonstrated some fundamentals that hold
true for all political persuasions.  Have a clear message, and
stick to it. "Respect for Taxpayers" was a pretty good slogan in
this environment.  Speak to the main issue ("hunt where the
ducks are," as Preston Manning used to say). Clearly the public
was in the mood