Pretty risky on both counts though - by 2019 no one will remember Khadr or worse, if he gets acquited in the US by then Trudeau is vindicated.

Economy might be a legit issue, but it depends.  If it's going anywhere close to as now, the economic/deficit angle won't work for the CPC.

They need a backup plan - i.e., a full slate of policies and ideas they will implement regardless of the above.