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January 20, 2004

Sheila Copps is fighting for her political life, and is clearly unafraid of taking on the daunting Liberal party establishment with reckless abandon.  While there will undoubtedly continue to be calls that Copps is simply trying to refight a leadership race in which she was badly beaten, the historical reality is that Sheila has always shot from the hip, making her a successful Liberal candidate in Hamilton for the past 20 years. 

This style of politics is most definitely prone to mishaps, as in Ms. Copps' untimely resignation in 1996 over the GST.  Then again, taking action to correct broken promises, or taking risks in public policy, seem unlikely to infiltrate the political climate as dictated by the current Canadian government.

Howard Dean's road to the Democratic nomination hit a major speed bump last night, as he placed a surprising third in the Iowa caucuses.  Much of the recent downward spiral of his campaign, however, can be attributed to the ridiculous attacks by competitors and the media that question his temperament.

It is quite humourous when there are concerns as to whether Dean has the appropriate demeanour for the White House and international relations, when the current President's term in office has been highlighted by quotes such as "you are either with us or against us" and "the axis of evil."  Furthermore, in a field of Democratic candidates that are so bland they make Tony Clement's leadership bid for the Conservative Party of Canada look like the second coming of Pierre Trudeau, a little temperament isn't such a bad thing.

Passion in politics...an unfortunate casualty in the race to appeal to the lowest common denominator.

Comments? jonathan@tdhstrategies.com