Leaders, Not Supervisors

With the election now in full swing, I’ve increasingly observed how woefully uninteresting the party leaders are. They seem universally to lack chutzpah. Where’s the panache of Trudeau pirouetting behind the Queen? Kim Campbell starkers behind her legal robes? I’d even settle for Steven Harper occasionally throttling a protestor like Chretien used to do. The current crop of leaders seem to be running for the role of national supervisor or custodian. They’re practical, efficient and really, really boring.

Their achievements aside, the leaders we remember and honour all have flair. More people will remember Chretien’s final year in office for his comments about trying marijuana once he retires than his stance on Iraq.

I did see Jack Layton making snow angels with Rick Mercer, so that’s a start. That was before the election was called, though (it was Ed Broadbent, thanks Mike). The candidates may have more flamboyance than I give them credit for. They and their spin-doctors realize that slow, steady and boring wins the race. Perception is everything, the media are everywhere, so leaders have to tread very lightly. I expect that I’ll have to wait until a leader gets into power before I see his true colours. Given the current crop of candidates, though, I don’t hold out much hope.