In the middle of this international ruckus over Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper supposedly “interfering” with the Democratic Primaries in the United States, and by proxy, influencing the USA’s selection of a new President, now enters suggestions that perhaps Harper and by proxy, Canada’s Conservative government has become a weapon in the knock-down, drag-out battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.

What I have noticed about most articles discussing this kerfuffle, is that both the Obama camp and the Clinton camp have admitted to anti-NAFTA rhetoric on the campaign trail, but both have assured Canadian officials that they are not to be taken seriously.

What does that say about the credibility of either Obama or Clinton that they would do this?

That question aside, I am starting to wonder if perhaps there is another side-effect to this mess. Harper is facing flack all over the Commons over our Prime Minister merely expressing concern over thinly veiled threats against a major international trade treaty that has massive effect on Canada’s economy.

Why shouldn’t our government be expected to comment on such an important document as NAFTA being threatened?

But maybe another question should be asked. If the outcome of this flap damages Harper’s credibility as Prime Minister, then maybe it is, once again, American interests influencing Canadian politics, and not the other way around, as our opposition seems to want to frame the issue.