In a development that will likely surprise few, it seems that steps are being prepared to permit Bob Rae, the Liberal Party's interim leader, to run for the permanent leadership. I have little doubt, despite his initial denial that he was seeking the position, that this was Rae's plan all along.
His messiah complex, so evident in his efforts to blame everyone (unions, Buzz Hargrove, the economy) except himself following his loss after one term as NDP Premier of Ontario, is obviously very much alive.
Should they choose Rae, I think the Liberals will find that something else is very much alive as well in Ontario: people's memories of his disastrous rule in which he quite blithely abandoned many of the principles that had guided the NDP for a very long time, choosing instead to placate business interests at the expense of the common good.
Not that I think Bob Rae is best suited to lead the Liberals--I can see the Harpercon attack ads writing themselves as I type this, but given the fact there's anyone at this time rising to the occasion looking to lead the Liberals at this time, nor is anyone even hinting at seeking the leadership in the future...Who else is there?
ReplyDeleteAs for Rae's "disastrous" performance as premier of Ontario and "unpaid Rae days". Funny how many remember that always, but are quick to forgive Mike Harris for his performance.
Besides, if that Zach Paikin wins National Policy chair this week-end at their biennial convention, the youngster in Republican-Harpercon sheep's clothing wins, I don't think anyone has to worry about Bob Rae ruining the Liberals. Young Zacky will eat the party inside out for his friends, the harpercons, no doubt in my mind.