Mader Blog

… I have to say: this guy’s good at his job.

By “his job,” I mean governing a G7 nation. Two points. First, isn’t it fascinating to see Harper interviewed by someone with whom he doesn’t have the dysfunctional relationship he has with the Parliamentary press gallery? I’m not laying blame for that relationship; goodness knows there’s plenty to go around. And I’m not saying Harper always deserves the softballs Blitzer tossed him. But isn’t it a welcome change to hear him interviewed by someone who isn’t – or at least who isn’t suspected of being – either secretly or openly hostile to Harper’s policies? Someone who asks a question, lets Harper answer it, and then follows up with a question that builds on the answer rather than attacking the assumptions on which the answer is based? It’s almost like the interview was about what Harper, as opposed to Blitzer, had to say.

Point two is related. The PPG, which spends all its time thinking, writing, and talking about Harper and the national media scene, is understandably focused on the myriad details of the Harper government’s administration. Isn’t it interesting to see an interview more interested in the forest than the trees? Again, I’m not suggesting that there aren’t plenty of trees worthy of attention. But wouldn’t a big-picture interview like this be welcome, once in a while?

And finally – call it a bonus point: can you imagine Michael Ignatieff talking as intelligently, and thoughtfully, and with as much apparent authority–and as simply–about the economic and trade issues Harper addresses? Maybe you can. Certainly the Iggy camp is trying to put together a message of competence versus Harper incompetence. But if the Tories are able to showcase this Harper, it’s not at all clear to me that Iggy will win the competence debate.

Bonus bonus point: Of course Iggy may be just as capable and competent as Harper. Stop guffawing: that’s a very good thing.