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Stars' Torquil Campbell And Stephen Harper's Spokesman Twitter Fight Over Article On HuffPost

Indie Rocker Vs Prime Minister's Office: Twitter Fight Round II
AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: Torquil Campbell of the band Stars performs as part of the Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park on September 15, 2006 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Matt Archer/Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 15: Torquil Campbell of the band Stars performs as part of the Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park on September 15, 2006 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Matt Archer/Getty Images)

Stars singer Torquil Campbell and Andrew MacDougall, the Director of Communications for the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) got into another war of words Saturday night in an exchange that referred to Stephen Harper, journalists and even the new My Bloody Valentine studio album.

On Jan. 30 Campbell tweeted the following: "fascists start with the economy. then they come for your freedom. @PMHarper drops hints #cdnpoli" with a link to a Canadian Press article on The Huffington Post titled "Harper Drops Law And Order Hints In Pep Talk For MPs."

The tweet caused Andrew MacDougall, the Director of Communications for the Prime Minister's Office, to reply. "Don't worry, @torquilcampbell," MacDougall said. "You'll be safe until the day we decide to crack down on hyperbole."

The two would then embark on lengthy series of verbal volleys back and forth. One point of discussion was a link to another HuffPost article concerning Canada's drop in the Press Freedom Index, an annual report by Reporters Without Borders. The report showed Canada dropping ten spots to 20th place over last year's ranking.

Next, Campbell confronted MacDougall about the controversial rebranding of "The Harper Government."

Check out the highlights of their exchange:

After the lengthy tete-a-tete, MacDougall's final tweet to Campbell's many criticisms was "fair enough. We'll call it a night. See you in March!"

The March reference is most likely in regards to Stars' Canadian tour. MacDougall is a fan of the band, which started this whole feud in the first place. In a tweet in early December MacDougall tweeted his love for the new Stars album The North.

"The whole Stars record is great but 'Hold On When You Get Love And Let Go When You Give It' is the standout track."

News of MacDougall's praise irked Campbell, who pleaded with the Director of Communications to stop listening to the record.

Stars are about to embark on a tour of Australia and Asia in support of The North before commencing the Canadian trek.

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