The Written Word: Rafe Mair January 30th

Tuesday, January 30, 2007 03:45 AM

As the fine caricaturist for the Vancouver Province, Bob Krieger, asked in the cartoon above, where the hell is Carole James, the opposition leader?

I’ve no doubt she’s been a decent sort, out in the boonies sipping tea and getting opinions. The problem, from the NDP point of view, is that she has lost her public profile.

You can’t do that anymore.

Leaders have to be seen as aggressively disputing government policy. Ms James has been handicapped by the government not calling a Fall Session but that only demonstrates that Campbell & Co know something about politics that so far has eluded the NDP – oppositions must look hard for ways and means to get their points across and the government sees no point in helping them.

This is the part you won’t like, folks, so before reading on discretion is advised. Successful politicians cannot, at the same time, be squeamish about been seen as nasty. Indeed, successful political leaders all have a good reservoir of nastiness in the working part of the brain.

You may remember Bob Skelly, the leader of the NDP before Mike Harcourt. He was so nice that he offered an olive branch to Premier Bill Bennett. ”Let us”, said Mr. Skelly, “make the Legislative chamber a nicer place, a place Grade I teachers can safely bring their students.”

“Right on, Bob baby” said Mr. Bennett, “if your side will tone down their act, why I assure you, so will we.” He then, I’m told, went to the caucus room and broke out the champagne saying “boys … and girls … the next election is all but won.”

I’m not asking Ms. James to be out of character – in fact I’m not asking her to do anything. I’m only saying that politics is a blood sport, always has been, always will be. It’s also a blood sport in public if you can ensure that the media are paying attention.

No, the eminently likeable and decent Ms. James can do as she pleases. All I say is politics is not a nice person’s game and Ms. James is tiresomely nice.

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Posted on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 03:45 AM in Views by Rafe Mair

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Comments

Posted by: kimbo on January 30 2007 12:15 PM

Yes but she has been doing it to long. As a former NDP supporter I am very disappinted in Ms James. I have sent a number of emails to her and others in the party and have never ever recieved a reply. The greens are starting to looking better as time goes by.

Cheers

Posted by: Gofaster on January 30 2007 4:16 PM

Former NDP'er, what you liberal, socialist, comunist,independent now? Sorry but if you are you are, if you aren't you aren't.... former says you aren't....
just symantics.....

Posted by: Gofaster on January 30 2007 4:23 PM

Bad joke there kimbo.... sorry

Posted by: Chadermando on January 30 2007 9:16 PM

The last few elections I just voted for someone who had a passionate main point I agreed with, but stood no chance of winning. I figure it was better than just not voting at all.

To vote for a potential winner I need to see integrity of commitment towards those they represent. Most either represent unions, big-corp, or whoever else is willing to finance their application for the new job.

Posted by: Chester on January 30 2007 10:37 PM

I am becoming more aware of the need for good people with integrity, values, ethics, high moral character, people skills, experience and the desire to make our community a better place to live, or BC a better province or Canada a better country. They need to put their names forward and make themselves available to serve. Who is they? Good question. But, now is the time to begin positioning themselves, so the electorate will get to know who they are a year or two down the road.

The existing choices have been too limited. We don't have enough options, so we are forced to settle for less. We remain to be frustrated and nothing changes. Chester

Posted by: metalman on February 1 2007 6:48 AM

They are all pure when they are campaigning but once elected the system drags them down, and they must devote at least half their time to being politically correct, looking good to everyone, planning for the next election, scheming up ways to thwart the opposition, and handing out cash to all sorts of groups and organizations, instead of focusing on the relatively few items that are most important to the people and businesses who are footing the tab. I'm sure Ms. James will not stay quiet for long.
metalman.