Taking a Pass
The great thing about another Liberal leadership race is that I can pretty much recycle my blog content from 2006. So, having updated my "Frank McKenna isn't running" post, it's time to update my "John Manley isn't running" post.It's sad that Manley decided to take a pass, although it's hard to fault him given the difficulty of tossing together a leadership team in a few weeks. And a lot of Liberals dislike Manley for a lot of irrational reasons - his decision to put country over party for the Afghanistan review annoyed many, even though the Liberal caucus ended up supporting the position he recommended.
John Manley has always struck me as a straight shooter with integrity to spare. He also came across as a really great guy the few times I met him while working on his 2003 leadership campaign. Between that, his experience, and an impressive track record in a wide range of portfolios, I don't doubt John would have made a great Prime Minister.
So, with another heavyweight biting the dust, that leaves the field as follows:
In
Dominic LeBlanc
Bob Rae
Duh
Michael Ignatieff
Definitely, Maybe
Ruby Dhalla
Denis Coderre
Martin Cauchon
David McGuinty
Gerard Kennedy
Martha Hall Findlay
Long Shots
Carolyn Bennett
Ken Dryden
David Orchard
Belinda Stronach
Dave Bronconnier
Garth Turner
Taking a Pass
The rules will be announced Sunday at 1 pm Eastern...I'd expect that we'll have a good idea of the field within a week from then.
Labels: Liberal leadership race
posted by calgarygrit at
7:12 p.m.
14 Comments:
Ujjal has taken himself out of contention, officially because he doesn't speak French, but it may have something to do with the near-death experience at the recount.
He was on CBC and MDL yesterday talking about it.
By
jad, at 8:16 p.m.
It will be Iggy most likely, Rae finishing second and a risk of someone coming up the middle. You are right about a repeat of 2006
By
Darryl, at 8:30 p.m.
John Manley always struck me as an empty-headed "yes man" Chretien puppet.
Which is also why I thought he would be the obvious successor.
By
Robert Vollman, at 11:27 p.m.
"John Manley always struck me as an empty-headed "yes man" Chretien puppet"
Chill, Robert! Chill!
By
JimTan, at 11:40 p.m.
Dhalla is the only one who could be Canada's Obama
By
Anonymous, at 3:35 a.m.
What a ridiculous, and ultimately racist comment, anon.
Obama's race is a factor, but by no means is it the only factor in his success. Dhalla has written no books, given no inspiring speeches.
If there's any politician on the scene who might be our Obama, it's Justin Trudeau. And it's worth noting that our "John Kennedy," Trudeau pere, was elected 8 years after JFK.
By
Reality Bites, at 7:49 a.m.
Manley came across as right-of-centre. He would have probably stolen some voters from the Tories. On the other hand, he might also drive away some left-leaning voters.
I heard Trudeau on CBC radio, and he came across as a bit vapid and boring. In his defense, he's still very young and inexperienced, and I only listened to one interview. But he was nowhere near as engaging as his father was.
By
Mike514, at 11:57 a.m.
Why would we want Justin Trudeau as PM, or even as Leader?
He have done nothing more than the average canadian in his life. The only thing he have is Trudeau as last name.
Come on, we don't live on a monarchy, we don't choose our leader because they are from a certain bloodline.
By
Anonymous, at 3:18 p.m.
//And a lot of Liberals dislike Manley for a lot of irrational reasons - his decision to put country over party for the Afghanistan review annoyed many,...//
Many Liberals seem to have the memories of goldfish.
1) Who sent Canada to Afghanistan?
2) Who sent Canada to Kandahar, after dithering so long we ended up with the most dangerous assignment?
3) Who was at the Cabinet table where both were approved?
4) Plus, Chretien, Martin, and Dion all denied Parliament a vote in the above decisions.
5) Plus, Iggy supported both Iraq and Afghanistan, and wrote an apologia for torture (even though he personally rejects the case he made for it).
6) Plus, Obama is big on Afghanistan. Harper will get Obama to get the Liberals to change their position again (and split the Liberals against, driving the anti-war vote to the NDP).
By
whyshouldIsellyourwheat, at 4:33 p.m.
Too bad. I'm a Manley man all the way.
By
Ashley_Wilkes-Booth, at 5:31 p.m.
Can we please stop all Obama references? I like Obama but it has to end sometime.
That being said, I can see David Orchard running because that is what he does, he finds races he can't win, runs in them and then loses. It's his M.O.
By
Unknown, at 7:41 p.m.
I can see David Orchard running because that is what he does, he finds races he can't win, runs in them and then loses.
That's not very Obama-like of him.
Oops, sorry.
By
Möbius, at 7:59 p.m.
Ruby Dhalla has no organization and isn't even thinking of running!
I'd move her name down the list... as in off
By
Anonymous, at 7:07 p.m.
The chap is absolutely just, and there is no question.
By
tablet pc 10 pulgadas, at 3:09 a.m.
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