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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Liberals without Bob Rae
Bob Rae is an effective interim leader of the Liberal party who has helped keep the party's head above water at a time when many Canadians would be content to see it sink beneath the waves. Even Liberals themselves seem ready to give up on the brand, according to a recent poll that found 67 per cent of party members favoured a union with the NDP.
Mr. Rae, who opposes a merger, says the party will be better without him as leader, probably because he is a somewhat divisive figure within the party.
So the search begins anew for a saviour to rally Canadians and drive out the proverbial Philistines under Stephen Harper.
The problem with this analysis is it assumes the Liberals can be reborn, if only they can find the right leader. It also posits that Canadians want to turn away from the Conservatives, if only they have an alternative.
The facts, however, are the Liberal brand is still damaged by a reputation as an arrogant and corrupt party of the past, while the Conservative image as the steward of the economy and low taxes is strong.
Under these circumstances, the Liberals appear to be leaning on the false hope that a messiah can lead them to the government benches. How else to explain Liberal panting over the prospect of handing the reins to Justin Trudeau? He is a capable young man, but it's unlikely he would draw a crowd without the allure of the Trudeau name.
Former Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff was recruited by the party because it was hoped he would be the second coming of Pierre Trudeau, but it was never entirely clear what he stood for, other than getting elected, which was always the prime directive for Liberals in the past.
The problem with some Liberals today is they still regard themselves as the natural governing party that will return to power when Canadians wake up and discover the country has been hijacked by an alien ideology.
Instead of waiting for their turn, however, party members need to decide what they represent and why they want to form a government.
The Liberal party machine was successful in the past at appealing to the prevailing winds, but a reputation for blatant opportunism is a legacy that haunts the party still.
Mr. Trudeau could develop into an impressive candidate if he decides to run, but the more important task is the development of policies and an identity for the 21st century.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 15, 2012 A12
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