Canada needs another Diefenbaker
In recent years, we’ve seen the children of former strong Canadian leaders enter politics. They don’t have to start at the bottom because of the reputations their fathers forged through the hot steel of Canadian issues such as separatism and free trade.
Justin Trudeau and Caroline Mulroney are examples of two politicians following in their father’s footsteps. Mulroney, who appears to be an intelligent and capable person, wanted to lead the Ontario Progressive Conservatives – a rather staid party, from a rather staid province.
Prime Minister Trudeau, on the other hand, still has issues as the result of his trip to India, among other things.
That’s why I think of former Conservative leader John George Diefenbaker. Diefenbaker was a firebrand of a leader who could eat political opponents for breakfast. I remember seeing him debate at the old United College in Winnipeg. He was truly impressive. When he was done with them, his opponents lay scattered on the floor (figuratively), still flopping. He would smile, thank people for attending and quietly take his seat.