'Stephen Harper isn't perfect': New Tory message raises eyebrows online

Message used in campaign ad and Harper interview

Image | Harper not perfect ad

Caption: Conservative Leader Stephen Harper said he's 'not perfect' in an interview with Peter Mansbridge that aired Monday. That same message appears in a new Tory ad. (CBC News/Conservative Party of Canada/YouTube)

Stephen Harper isn't perfect, according to a new Conservative ad uploaded to YouTube on Sunday.
The 30-second spot features a series of Canadians talking about their concerns regarding the economy.
"The NDP? They can't manage money. And they don't understand that business creates jobs," says one man. Another says, "Justin's promising to run deficits. Deficits! He says deficits are good."
Toward the end of the video an elderly woman then comments on Harper.
"Stephen Harper isn't perfect, but when it comes to the economy — we can depend on him."

Embed | YouTube

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.
This ad was produced by the Conservative Party of Canada. It is embedded here for informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement by CBC News.
Harper has since echoed the statement.
"I am who I am. Canadians know me. I'm not perfect. But I'm dedicated to my country, I love my country. I think I've done as good a job as I can do," Harper told CBC's Peter Mansbridge in an interview that aired Monday night.

The "not perfect" slogan raised a few eyebrows on Twitter.

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.

Several people noticed a similarity with messaging used by Rob Ford(external link)

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.

Liberal strategist Rob Silver got in on the Ford jabs as well.

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.

Some cracked 'Peegate' jokes.

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.

Including a former Liberal aide who is no stranger to campaign missteps.

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.

There were hairdo jokes too.

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.

Others saw the ad as a sign the Tories are in trouble...

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.

... NDP staffers among them.

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.

But many saw a calculated strategy.

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.

Many others just laughed.

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.