The Written Word - September 23rd
By Rafe Mair
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 03:45 AM
What’s happened to the sure footed Liberal party which knew what it takes to win elections as proved by their momentary lapses that allowed others to have a short stint?
The Trudeau formula for success was to win Ontario and Quebec and to hell with everyone else. That’s not a winning formula any more if only because Quebec is changing and this most conservative of all provinces seems to be taking to Harper enough to provide his some seats. The Liberal Party is no longer the party of Quebec.
The problem the Liberals have is that there’s no charismatic leader in waiting for the resignation of Stephane Dion that will take place before the end of the year unless a miracle happens between now and the election. And charismatic leadership is needed in this day of massively invasive television.
The most intelligent and thoughtful member of their caucus is Ken Dryden, Hall of Fame goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens. A wonderful man to interview he has as much charisma as one of the pucks he used to stop. If Canadian middle-of-the-road voters continue to demand glitz at the top, people like Dryden are non starters.
Michael Ignatieff is interesting – I only heard of him when I read his biography of Isaiah Berlin which is not much to go on. Still, he doesn’t seem too exciting from this vantage point.
Then there’s Bob Rae, the failed ex NDP of Ontario who is probably the best bet. He is articulate and looks and acts comfortable under the political lights
One thing you can be sure of, the Liberal backroom boys will be looking not at the steak but the sizzle, if indeed there’s any sizzle around
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