#ThankYouStephenHarper: Tories' hashtag tribute to former PM goes awry
It was meant to be a tribute to the former prime minister and soon-to-retire MP, but the Conservative Party’s #ThankYouStephenHarper hashtag took on a sarcastic and sometimes nasty turn overnight.
The hashtag was featured as part of a video tribute to Harper presented at the party’s annual policy convention in Vancouver.
Conservatives are watching a video tribute to Harper. #cpc16 pic.twitter.com/6WxkOcBIeL
— Catherine Cullen (@cath_cullen) 27 May 2016
#ThankYouStephenHarper #cpc16 #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/k8FUCdcLvi
— Conservative Party (@CPC_HQ) 27 May 2016
Right away, some people predicted that the campaign would go sideways.
An official #ThankYouStephenHarper hashtag? This won’t end well… #cpc16 #cdnpoli
— Stephen Lautens (@stephenlautens) 27 May 2016
I predict #ThankYouStephenHarper may not provide the tributes CPC were hoping for https://t.co/UWY2FTWTaN
— Andrew Tumilty (@AndrewTumilty) 27 May 2016
Initially, the hashtag was used as intended — earnestly by those who wanted to acknowledge his leadership and wish him well as he leaves politics.
.@stephenharper just walked onstage to @acdc’s “Thunderstruck” #bestPMever #thankyoustephenharper #cpc16 pic.twitter.com/TnuNaowSIB
— Madison McSweeney (@MMcSw13) 27 May 2016
#ThankyouStephenHarper A great party leader and great PM, now its time for the party to reform and move forward.
— John (@jpime) 27 May 2016
However, as the night went on, most of the tweets were sarcastic in nature, pointing to what his opponents see as his failings in office.
#ThankYouStephenHarper for inspiring a new line of bumper stickers. Job creation! pic.twitter.com/teeP3jidcM
— PatRiotChick (@HaikuVikingGal) 27 May 2016
@calmecam Yours is the tweet of the day. Thanks!
— Lori Cameron (@nonstopsewing) 27 May 2016
#ThankYouStephenHarper For all the partisan ads that we paid for. Swearing at the TV whenever one aired provided family bonding moments.
— Rebecca (@RebeccaO1340) 27 May 2016
#thankyoustephenharper for holding Canada back 10 years on climate change.
— David Simms (@DaveSimms) 27 May 2016
#ThankYouStephenHarper for that debt of yours pic.twitter.com/pur1Yo3GAu
— Nickie (@MuskokaMoneybag) 27 May 2016
How much you will be missed #ThankYouStephenHarper pic.twitter.com/gpx6PQFDpU
— Lauren Boothby (@laurby) 27 May 2016