Hence, the attacks on Mr. Ignatieff centre on his years living outside Canada and his motivations for returning. They criticize him for being “cosmopolitan” and for being in politics “only for himself.” Inferentially, they raise doubts about his patriotism and motivation.

The Conservative politicos admire and are sometimes advised by U.S. Republicans. These latest Conservative ads are therefore very Republican in their conceptualization. Republican ads tried to raise subliminal questions about Barack Obama's “Americanness,” Conservative ones implicitly doubt Mr. Ignatieff's attachment to Canada and his understanding of mainstream values.

A poll to be released Monday shows the ads have not stopped the incremental Liberal momentum. Liberals worry, however, that the ads are only the first volley in a sustained campaign against Mr. Ignatieff that, over time, will damage his image. After all, the campaign against Mr. Dion went on for months.