Article content continued

The issue of leadership is more vexing. The severe intelligence that serves Mulcair so well in the House of Commons as he cross-examines the Conservatives works less well on the campaign trail. The truth is that, beyond the borders of Quebec, voters simply have not warmed to him. It may be time to place a greater emphasis on the team and lend increased profile to those who connect more easily with Canadians, such as MPs Megan Leslie and Nathan Cullen. You can’t hide the leader, but you can help him. You can surround him and soften him with the presence of others.

One priority is indisputable and stands above all others: The NDP must cultivate Quebec with the devotion of an adulterer. Even if that means alienating others in their own party. Even if it means turning off voters in other parts of the country. Rural Quebec stands as the NDP’s best hope for the future. It must be served and preserved at all costs.

Ultimately, NDP success starts by facing up to the prospect of failure. The grand plan to force the party into the centre is simply not working. Evidence of that fact is to be found everywhere. Without a swift change in strategy Tom Mulcair will continue to be overwhelmed by Justin Trudeau and a resurgent Liberal brand. Confronting such a hard truth will be difficult internally.

But it must happen. Any practical improvement will require taking some risks – beginning with the risk of being honest with themselves. For New Democrats, it’s time to let go of the Orange Wave. It’s gone.

Scott Reid is a principal at Feschuk.Reid and a CTV News political analyst. He was Director of Communications for former prime minister Paul Martin. Follow him on Twitter.com/_scottreid.