The Liberal Leadership Race

Things seem to be firming up in the race to take over the most haplessly managed party in Canada, this side of the Greens. It's been a long time since we've seen a new entrant to the race since Iggy formally announced (and no-one was surprised). Indeed, there's been a veritable parade of notable, and not so notable, Liberals to declare that they will not be seeking the leadership.

The highest profile person to declare a non-interest in leading the Liberal Party of Canada is Gerrard Kennedy (sorry for the National Post link, but it was the first one that came to hand and I can't be fussed to look elsewhere). To that, I say "good", and wipe my brow, because if he had been Liberal leader there would be no chance to knock him off next election. Now there is. Also, he remains an empty suit with a good haircut, and unqualified to lead the Liberals.

It is increasingly looking like a three-man race, starring Dominic LeBlanc, Bob Rae and Iggy in what is already turning into an entertaining gong show, what with the debate fiasco last week. We know where Iggy and Rae stand, generally speaking (though with Rae you never can be sure), but LeBlanc is more of an unknown quantity, lacking much profile beyond his home province of New Brunswick. This is something like Alex Atamenenko (good guy though he is) theoretically running for the leadership of the NDP. He is a second generation politician, as his father was also a Liberal MP, and LeBlanc's highest position was parliamentary secretary to various ministers. There is not much information available that I could find with regard to his political leanings, but I have heard some mutterings (mostly from the bobbleheads on the CBC's At Issue panel) that he is trying to wrap himself up in the generational change flag hoisted by the victory of Barack Obama in the States.

Unless someone new and high profile joins the race, and aside from Dalton McGuinty I can't think of who that would be, this contest will come down to Rae and Iggy, with LeBlanc shouting from the sidelines. Both of these two major candidates have significant baggage though, and both of them will face attacks from both the right and the left should they get elected leader.

Something about Iggy, besides the right-wing policies really grates on me, and from what I can tell most of my political junky law school friends (who I should say are mostly Conservatives): his condescension. He spends most of his career in the States, and then deigns to come back and grace us with his presence and wisdom. I think he may well see himself in the mould of a Platonic philosopher-king, to some extent like Pierre Trudeau. Sorry Iggy, but that isn't what Canada wants or needs right now. And you've made quite clear where your ideas would lead us: American imperialistic aggression as tag alongs. So no, thanks, Iggy. If you get defeated one more time, why not go back to your position at Harvard. I'm sure they're still holding it open for you.

As for Rae, I just plain don't like him. He sold out the NDP when in government, betraying the principles of the party and our supporters in the labour movement. He governed ineptly, allowed a free vote on equal spousal benefits for same-sex couples (the measure failed), and blackened the name of the Ontario and federal NDP for the better part of a generation. He is a pro-Israeli hawk and shows a marked void of any sort of principles whatsoever. But then again, he is a high-profile Liberal. That comes with the territory.

In summary, and I'm sure surprising no-one, I don't like any of the contenders for the Liberal leadership. However, in my mind Iggy represents the best bet to kick Harper out of office while still allowing for further NDP growth, so I hope he wins. He won't get a majority, but if he gets a minority the NDP can wield some influence, and we can get better governance out of it. Yes, I know that's selfish and partisan. So sue me.

Days Remaining in Bush Presidency: 61