Sunday, May 3, 2009

“Ignatiaeff yet to deliver substance” –Chantal Herbert, Sunday Star

“Ignatiaeff yet to deliver substance” –Chantal Herbert, Sunday Star


Mr. Ignatieff has a stellar record in academia, but as a politician, he has yet to sparkle. While it is encouraging to have a brilliant academic as a potential Prime Minister, intelligence has only a weak correlation with rationality and “emotional intelligence”. Hopefully, he has it all. What he does lack, though, is the charisma and easy manners of Chretien, or even better, an Obama. He needs to develop and clarify his ideas and plans for his party, providing voters with substance and a true alternative choice; and avoiding trite phrases and platitudes like “hope” and “yes we can”. Those are all ready well worn by Obama. Chantal Herbert’s definition of Ignatieff’s convention speech as “cardboard cake lathered in sticky icing” is hilarious but too true.

Michael Ignatieff is no doubt a man of substance, a strategic thinker and a tactician, every bit Harper’s equal. However, he needs to soften his demeanour, learn to smile with both his mouth and eyes; thus winning the hearts as well as the minds of Canadians. Otherwise, he might end up as just an English-speaking Dion.

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