With the Bob Rae talk bellow, I got to thinking about the Liberal Leadership race. I did some Liberal Leadership Speculation last winter but a lot has happened since then, so it’s likely worth revisiting.
The Contenders
John Manley: Likely still the front-runner and, in my opinion, he has the most substance of any of the serious candidates. But his obsession with not wanting to be disloyal to the leader is hurting him vis-à-vis the other contenders on the ground game.
My advice: Participate in a US flag burning or something to dispel the “pro-American” label.
Scott Brison: Rumour has it that Herle and a lot of the other Martinites are quietly laying the groundwork for a Scott Brison leadership run. And, you know, if he loses he can always jump to the NDP or Bloc.
My advice: Say anything of substance at some point. So far, he’s been nothing more than a pretty “let Justice Gomery do his work” doll.
Martin Cauchon: Has developed a habit of “coincidently” bumping into Liberals at conventions and conferences.
My advice: Don’t talk to your fishing buddy Jean Lafleur…ever again.
Frank McKenna: If there’s a leadership race within the next year or two, he likely won’t run. It will likely take him at least two or three years to get on the same page with the government on missile defense anyways.
My advice: Make sure nobody reminds Liberal delegates of the record of Provincial Premiers who believe they are Prime Minister material.
Those who have deluded themselves into believing they are contenders
Joe Volpe: Unless he goes Tony Soprano over the other candidates, it ain’t gonna happen.
Maurizio Bevilacqua: I keep getting mail-outs from his guy explaining how Maurizio slayed the deficit and orchestrated eight straight balanced budgets.
The Academics
Michael Ignatieff: He’s definitely been the hot topic at Liberal barbecues this summer. How he does in Cabinet will make it or break it for him.
Stephane Dion: Hasn’t been organizing but he’d make for a very intriguing and popular candidate if he did run. His best chance would likely be at a Liberal Leadership convention which happens about a month after a PQ victory in Quebec.
Remember Me?
Brian Tobin: For a guy who likes to make a lot of noise, he’s been really quiet. I doubt he’ll run but the guy did call his autobiography “All in Good Time” so ya never know.
Bob Rae: The mere fact that people are actually speculating about Bob Rae running shows how shallow the talent pool is.
Intriguing, but I wouldn’t count on it
Belinda Stronach: “Being Prime Minister is a very complex job. But if we just grow the economy and bake a bigger economic pie…”
Ken Dryden: Deflecting shots from right wingers since 1971.
Dalton McGuinty: Maybe in 5 or 6 years…
Token Western Candidate
Reg Alcock: Honestly, I think the Liberal Party will likely look a bit higher up in the gene pool for their next leader. Sorry, Reg.
David Emerson: You know, because it might be the only possible way for him to ever get his name in the news. I doubt that even political geeks could name Canada’s Industry Minister.
Ralph Goodale Jack Layton: Only because the Finance Minister is always a possible candidate.
Ujjal Dosanj: Ha ha. Just kidding.
Token Female Candidate
Anne McLellan: Would allow her to dust off a few more Richard Nixon campaign slogans.
Umm…uhh…ahh….I dunno….Sheila?