The Politician as Clown

For some reason, I feel warm feelings about a fair number of Canadian politicians, despite the general sense that they are rascals. It is hard for me, and I think for Americans, Brits, Germans, or French, to have the same fondness for any of their politicians, perhaps because the stakes are higher.

But the lovable scoundrel seems to be the default image of the politician in Canada. Starting with the legendary alcoholism, and political wheeling and dealing, of our founder, Sir John A. Macdonald. A stark contrast with the imagined moral perfection of George Washington. We Canadians love Sir John A., but do not particularly respect him. Or tradition is of the politician as clown, as comic entertainment. We have a comic culture.

Other lovable scoundrels or humourous types: Rene Levesque, generally thought of affectionately even by the most determined federalists. Bryce Mackasey, of whom Brian Mulroney once said, “there’s no whore like an old whore.” Also a heavy drinker, reputedly. Ralph Klein. Jean Chretien. John Diefenbaker. Eugene Whelan. Pierre Trudeau, at least for his reputed sexual escapades. Joey Smallwood. John Crosby. Bill VanderZalm. Phil Gagliardi.

That's what the federal Liberals need if they hope to get back into the fight. They need someone we can all laugh at.