Take Me to My Leader!
July 22nd, 2006 | by MadHacktress |I am a liberal. Period. So the leadership race hasn’t been something that I’ve been tracking with any significant precision. In my riding, Kingston & The Islands, the Liberal candidate is Speaker of the House Peter Milliken. He has been the Liberal voice in this riding since 1988 and is the only MP I have ever voted for. As long as he runs, he will continue to receive my vote.
I was too young to take an interest in the leadership race when Chretien was elected and the selection of Paul Martin as successor seemed de facto - at least to me. This, really, is the first race I have been in a position to get interested in; but I didn’t.
Until a few days ago.
The 20-odd news feeds that I subscribe to and read every day have become increasingly flooded with commentary, reports and critiques of the potential leaders. So, I decided to do a little reading.
I can’t pick one. I am torn between two candidates and, ideally, would like them to be genetically merged in order to make my nearly-ideal candidate.
Stephane Dion and Gerard Kennedy are the two men who are more ideally suited to lead “my Liberal party”. Scott Brison and Hedy Frye finish closely behind and I wouldn’t be worried if either of them were to win the position.
Michael Ignatieff needs to go away - the Canadian Prime Minister needs to be a Canadian - and he ain’t. Canadian citizenship does not a Canadian make.
Bob Rae: Egad. I was a public school student when he was the Premier of Ontario - I remember Rae Days. I also remember that Bob Rae made it necessary for us to embrace Mike Harris.
The others should just toddle off back to their houses and weep in to their pillows.
I am still reading, still trying to figure out whether Dion or Kennedy are the better choice, in my opinion, and I’ll definitely rant on this more profusely in the future.
One thing’s for sure… if Gerard Kennedy manages to win the position we seriously have to do something about his look. Ugh.
Entry Filed under: General, Pure Opinion
If Gerard wins, he just needs a good hair cut. Even without a good haircut, I have it on good authority that he makes some liberal women weak in the knees.
I’m partial, of course, but I think Kennedy is the right person for the job.
It’s your decision to make, but here are a few reasons why I think make Dion the better candidate than Kennedy for our party righ now.
1. Federal Experience: Kennedy has no federal political experience, and no deat in the House. Dion has 10 years federal cabinet experience.
2. Education: Dion has a BA, Masters and Doctorate - Kennedy has no degree yet.
3. Bilingualism: Dion is bilingual, Kennedy is not quite up to snuff on his french yet.
4. National Unity: Kennedy has no support in Quebec - Dion could very well take the province.
5. Debate Skills: Dion could beat Harper in the English debate, and Duceppe in the French one. Kennedy likely couldn’t do either.
I’m not sure what number 4 has to do with national unity.
I guess I could have elaborated, you’re right.
But, anyone who knows Quebec would agree that the unity file is one of Dion’s strengths - and, if Kennedy can’t get any political support in Quebec, can’t speak fluent french, and can’t win a french debate, or doesn’t know quebec issues then likely he’s be less proficient on the Unity file.
I’ll say this though, give kennedy some more federal experience and some time working in Quebec as a federal minister and in french he’ll be someone we start to warm up to.
Sarah Jim’s presumption that Gerard has no support in Quebec is a little premature.
Gerard, the man with decency and integrity, will appeal to those living in Quebec the same way he has appealed to those living outside Quebec.
Quebec will embrace Gerard and his family in the months ahead.
Sarah Jim`s No. 5 is also up for debate. It is a biased conclusion.
The other 4, please read the Toronto Star article from yesterday`s edition:
Gerard Kennedy suddenly on everyone`s radar screen
it put`s Gerard into perspective by an unbiased reporter.
I have heard Kennedy speak french, and his french is as good as Dion’s english. Yes, there is a bit of an accent, but he can understand and be clearly understood. This is only an issue for people who want to make it an issue.
Dion has no Western or Ontario support and cannot win the leadership. More importantly, he was part of the previous government and we need to start fresh. Harper will just keep reminding Dion that his government was part of Adscam. Do we really want that? Also, Canada’s environmental record worsened with Dion as minister. He had his chance and his record is less than stellar. Furthermore, he is not that popular in Quebec. Kennedy has no baggage and ties to the previous government. He can start anew with Quebec just like Harper did. If Harper was able to improve his French and win many seats in Quebec than Kennedy can do it too. Kennedy is a superb debater and he will stand up to Harper. I say, let’s appeal to the West and Quebec and renew and grow our party with Kennedy. No other candidate can do it.
Also, regarding cabinet experience, Gerard Kennedy was the Minister of Education in Ontario, which is one of the largest Provincial Ministries in the country. He also brings with him experience as a Chief Executive, having been the CEO of Canada’s largest Food Bank.
And since when could Harper really debate worth a shit. He didn’t really win the debates he just didn’t screw up.
Martha. Libs will be in opposition for at least four years after the next election. Martha is the one. No baggage, al Liberal thru & thru.
err… I meant Volpe
I am very partial when it comes to this. I must admit I am supporting Kennedy. If Mr. Dion win we will see ad after ad from the Conservatives with his picture at the Gomery Commission, also Kennedy has a great policy and happens to be young and interesting so that should play well with the votes.
Egad. I vaguely remember Bob Rae.
wow. you kennedy bloggers are like those blogging tories.
Kennedy seems like a decent dude, but Dion is more qualified for the job. On any scale of qualifications Dion is more prepared to lead the country than Kennedy. Plus, he beat Kennedy one-on-one in an ENGLISH debate.
Jim OUT.
PS: No need to bite my head off.
Look Iggy up. I think you’ll be surprised at how very long he’s lived in Canada. Rumours kill. http://www.michaelignatieff.ca
Hi again C,
Sometimes I think i am the only conservative on the internet and then i remember I bookmarked Anne Coulter’s website and I feel so much happier.
But, I won’t bring up politics, C will bite me. I think she might remember all the times we used to argue politics. hehe
hmmm i wonder what would happen if people just voted on the person for there ideas. because someone moves to the us or where ever to do a job I belive that they should have all the smae right as anyone else. I am not a liberal I am not a conservative but what i do vote for is sound ideas leadership i would like to see someone take control of the liberal party not like chreatien did with fear but with true leadership ability drive to make canada better and from perspective micheal is the best. Plus get rid of regionalism that has been killing this country I can not speak french that well most canadians can not albert was not always been a have province I would not mind getting rid of provincial gvernments all together espicially if it meant make all of us canadian first not manitobians or where ever.