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Kennedy is 'the one to watch'

MICHAEL POSNER

From Friday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 2:29 PM EST 01/12/06

Dark-horse candidate is 'the one to watch' ...Read the full article

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  1. 20 20 from Canada writes: Gerard Kennedy sounds promising. I haven't had a chance to hear him speak in either language though, and I don't really know where he stands on many issues. I hope we get to learn more about his views in the leadership coverage.
  2. Michael Crowell from Halifax, Canada writes: Another stunning candidate and what a background. I might suggest he think about an elected school board position somewhere.
  3. David W from St. John's, Canada writes: This article reinforced what I felt already about Mr. Kennedy, that this is someone who could rescue the Liberal party from the corruption and purposelessness that has plagued it for some time now. He seems intelligent and has clear principles, particularly on social justice and the war in Afghanistan. Is he ready to be Prime Minister in 6 months? Who knows? Actually, I think it would be best for the party to be in opposition for awhile and work on figuring out what it stands for other than power at all costs. I cannot think of a better person to renew and reinvigorate the party than Mr. Kennedy. He has tenacity and, it seems, some integrity, qualities that Mr. Ignatieff seems to lack...he is unlikely to even stick around if he doesn't win right away. (by the way, why are people so ready to dismiss Mr. Kennedy as 'not having the right political experience' and then go on to fawn over Mr. Ignatieff, whose political career began this year?). For many (small-l) liberal, anti-war voters, Mr. Kennedy may be just the ticket the next time around...if not, many may go for Mr. Layton in protest.
  4. Martin Andersen from Bergen, Norway writes: Kudos to the G&M for a well-written article. I felt it captured much of the enthusiasm, drive and spirit that embodies Gerard Kennedy. Very refreshing to learn more details about his background in Manitoba & Alberta; as well as his early passion for policy and debate (nurtured in the west, put to good use in Ontario); his resourcefulness and determination to tackle the practical issues surrounding politics -- as opposed to the empty rhetoric which often emanates from other contenders (be it in Canada or elsewhere.) The fact that he is pretty much disassociated from past grievances relating to other Liberal party members makes him an ideal candidate for renewing and invogorating the party. My only gripe with the article is that I feel it was way too short; there are so many things that could have been be elaborated on and included to further illuminate this contender, but hopefully more will follow now that the spotlight is finally on him!
  5. ken m from Canada writes: Wow, this is not a banner year for candidates, the hockey player, food bank boy, the socialist. It is funny how the top ten candidates ran away from the leadership race. I am not saying the liberals won't get elected but God help us if they do. where's Sheila Copps when you need her.
  6. Damir Podnar from Oakville, Canada writes: I had a chance to speak to Mr Kennedy at the Frank MaKechnie aquatic center in Mississauga about two years ago. He was with his two children and I with mine. I have been following this mans career since his days at the daily food bank in Toronto. I remember how this man was passionate about our national health care and was surprised that he had not run under the NDP banner. The sad part was that I did not take the opportunity to actually ask him my questions, I regret that. I do believe this is the right man for Canada at the right time, I just hope Canada does not let the opportunity slip by I as I did.
  7. oh really? from Toronto, Ontario, Canada writes: It would be really nice to have the chance to beleive in someone instead of just against someone / something for a change... it sounds like Gerard Kennedy could give Canadians and Liberals that opporunity.
  8. john chuckman from Toronto, Canada writes: Kennedy is boring, at best, he has enthusiasm without content. When he spoke or was interviewed as Ontario's Minister of Education, he never did anything but circumlocute and obfuscate. The claims made by him and the Great McGint over student improvement were wordy flatulence, the literacy tests in Ontario being a shell game in which every failed kid can pass by passing a meaningless course the next term. The tests are not objective, being written and marked by teachers (the later at considerable expense as teachers are put up in Toronto to do it), and are themselves open to interptretation and bias, depending of course on the political environment at the time. When the Great McGint and Kennedy made their first claim of measureable improvement in scores, the time lags involved in the huge education bureaucracy were such as to make the words almost silly. All Kennedy and McGint did in education was pay the teachers still more and give away, without effective controls, other great lumps of money. Not a performance to brag about. And when he does brag, Kennedy is boring doing it.
  9. anu bose from ottawa, Canada writes: He may have promise but first, he must stop speaking in terrible cliches and apply himself to his French textbooks.
  10. Have Pun Will Travel from Canada writes: Too young. Too soon. Put in 6 more years Gerard.
  11. 'Mad Dog Dillon from Rabiesville BC, Canada writes: As an observer from the other side of the political spectrum I feel Kennedy is the most interesting of the Liberal leadership candidates. Iggy and Rae are not going to be Prime Ministers folks, despite what the G&M say. Kennedy would be in opposition for a while, but I'd rather see fresh blood coming onto the political scene than the old stale 'never were's' that are getting all the press.
  12. Dave Medich from Windsor, Canada writes: Kennedy seems like a perfect follow up to Mr. Dithers.
  13. paul jones from kitchener, Canada writes: after hearing the candidates talk in person i came to the conclusion that Kennedy is by far the best choice for the libs. however, and i told this to the Bob Rae organizer who I happened to be sitting with, i think that the fact that he speaks like an intellectual will be his downfall. i dont think Canadians like hearing college prof-type people dictating to them, and it just might bring Kennedy down. pity.
  14. John Connolly from rfid@shaw.ca, writes: Anyone who can arouse Jack Layton from his 1930's never-never land deserves a fair hearing. Fate is kind to Canada in making Mr. Kennedy a skweaky clean candidate. The liberal hacks and sloths will never elect him. If he changed parties, and went with the Conservatives we'd be rid of these unprincipled, feather bedding liberal clowns for a generation.
  15. D.J. Allen from Canada writes: Thank you for giving me a better understanding of what makes Gerard run. Mr. Kennedy is the only Liberal candidate that would get my vote should he actually win the leadership race. It appears to me that he has the pulse of issues I want resolved, and has the ability to work with those who can get things done. His priorities are to successfully solve difficulties in the public domain and he has a proven track record. He is inspiring.
  16. Steven McNair from Edmonton, Canada writes: We're considering this man? He has zero post-secondary education. Perhaps he should complete his degree, then seek to run the country. While he's at it, I hear U of T is offering French classes.
  17. Nova Scotian by the Ocean from Halifax, Canada writes: Explain to me how a guy who left two universities without even a three-year B.A. is qualified to run the country. It speaks to his stick-to-it-iveness -- or lack of. And his french isn't good either. That said, he is a man of courage and strength and vision. Mr. Kennedy will make a terrific MP -- and if he finishes his education and works on his french, he should run for leader -- some day.
  18. Dan Arnold from Edmonton, Canada writes: I think the Globe describes Kennedy's strengths pretty well here - experience, no baggage, and a real drive to get things done. Great article! I'd also add that Kennedy's Western roots and his focus on policies such as Enterprise probably make him the most appealing Liberal candidate for Western Canada. While the LPC is always obsessed with Quebec, the Liberals will need to win some seats out West if they hope to ever win a majority government again.
  19. Laura J from Waterloo, Canada writes: Number 8... I suggest you educate yourself with what is actually going on in the province. The liberal government is trying to salvage the relationship with the teachers that was poisoned after 8 years of Tory rule during which, contrary to your opinion, teachers across the province were taking pay CUTS left and right. Number 9... Have you heard Kennedy speaking in french or are you just assuming that he doesn't speak it very well. He is far better that Stephan Harper was when he started to lead the Alliance. As for me. I would love to see Kennedy as leader of the liberals and eventually the country.
  20. Elmo Harris from Niagara, Canada writes: Nice write-up on Mr. Kennedy. He has potential but as Anna Bose, #9, points out his speeches are full of clichés which are strung together meaninglessly but can sometimes pass unnoticed because it sounds nice. I only wish a better writer had interviewed Ken Dryden. I have heard both Dryden and Kennedy speak. Ken Dryden's depth in understanding this country and all the people of Canada is superb. More importantly, while I would describe Mr. Kennedy, and many of the other candidates as political technicians, where Mr. Dryden excels, is in his vision for Canada and his ability to connect with the average man on the street. Gerard does the 10 second sound bite effortlessly probably because of his facility with clichés. Ken’s speaking style, however, is not. Probably because of his legal training as a lawyer and a writer, Ken takes time to build a case for his arguments. They start out slowly and circumspect but when he does get to the point, it is always enlightening and usually very inspiring and you usually end up realizing that Canada has so much untapped potential. Potential that Ken wants us all to exploit so that Canada can be all it is meant to be. This doesn’t fit in very well with the 10 second sound bite. Kennedy, on the other hand can go head to head with Harper in that category. Ken however, can take on Harper in a vision for Canada hands down! Harper’s view of Canada, a country, by his own admission, he is not very proud of, is pinched, mean spirited, angry, and full of hatred. He wants a majority government so that he can mould Canada into a “country you won’t recognize” when he is through with it. Ken’s vision, on the other hand, is big, bold and beautiful. He loves Canada and all the people in it. He is very proud to be a Canadian and he wants all Canadians to share his vision of happiness, prosperity and justice so that we may again become the best place in the world to live and work. Not bad for a hockey player.
  21. Loonie Lefty from Tumbleweed SK, Canada writes: I'm with Elmo -- by far the least-detailed, worst-written story on any of these candidates was the one on Dryden, which is a shame since many of us will only get to meet these people here in G&M. Dryden is the one, failing that, Dion, but I am really concerned that the delegates will buy into the whole shallow sound-byte thing we've all come to live by. Go for substance, not surface. And Mr Kennedy sounds like a great guy, but he's a not ready for prime minister player right now. I hope he stays in federal politics a long time. And I think successful post secondary education is paramount for leading a party and running a nation.
  22. David W from St. John's, Canada writes: The comments by #16 & 17 show an appalling elitism. It is also strange to hear that not having a university education should disqulify him, just after reading criticism that he is too 'professorial'. Not all that is useful in politics, and life in general, is to be found in the lecture theatres and libraries of our universities. Many of the most ignorant people I have met have degrees from fine universities. Look at the candidate, not the pieces of paper hanging on their wall.
  23. David Gehring from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes: It seems each front-running leadership candidate's angle on renewing the Liberal party is to swing the party abruptly towards left wing or right wing policies. I can understand this in the context of the devisive nature of current foreign policy debates like Afghanistan, but this should not be happening with social and economic policy. Why don't Rae/Kennedy go to the NDP and Ignatieff/Brison go to the Conservatives? They are all opportunists, trying to lead a party for the glory and prestige of leading a party and increasing their chances at the PM job. For the sake of the Liberals, I hope a centrist with political experience, administrative competence, and minimal baggage comes along to replace the sorry for excuse for a leader that the Liberals will hesitantly (after 4,5,6 ballots) choose in December.
  24. Bobby K from Yahk, BC, Canada writes: I agree with Elmo #20 and David #22. My uncle is a retired dairy farmer, and he is one of the brightest and most able guys I know. He never went on to post secondary though, and I don't know if he even has a high school diploma. When I studied at Ryerson I always remember a history professor saying a few times during the year that higher education isn't going to make you a better person. Of the candidates I like Ken Dryden and Mr. Kennedy the best. But I agree, they may need more politcal 'seasoning' - but they are great assets, not just to their party but to the country. The Liberals may not win the next election either. Neither Rae nor Iggy are catching fire outside of the Liberal ranks, and I don't think the Liberal brain trust are aware of that. And yet there is a sense that it is really a two man race. Like it or not, Harper is impressing people. And his party has learnt from the Stockwell Day era, and are keeping their mouths shut. We are not hearing the conservative/christian agenda, and I think we all know why. They have their eyes on a majority. Liberals haven't made much noise since the Conservatives won. We have heard a lot more from the NDP. And there are still plenty of people steamed at the Grits for their arrogance and corruption. I don't get a sense of humility from them. I believe they think that once they get a leader, the Conservatives will hand them the next election as they have done in the past.
  25. Brian Kuchar from Kingston, writes: I'm 22 years old and I've voted Conservative or PC in every election that I've had the opportunity to vote in, but there's something about Kennedy that really speaks to me. The Cult of Ignatieff has it wrong...if Liberals are serious about rejuvinating a party that needs to separate itself from the old boys of the Chretien/Martin days, this is the man for the job. We need a PM who won't dither, and who has bigger dreams for the country than a vision of which level of government gets to give you a refund. I don't agree with everything he has to say, but I like his drive, and I like his focus on results. To the posters who have said that his lack of education disqualifies him to be PM, give me a break. Academics are great at theory but poor at implementation, and as a university student I see this every day. I bet Ignatieff could write a brilliant, insightful article about cyclical poverty in Canada, but couldn't actually feed a hungry mouth if his life depended on it. Kennedy rolls up his sleeves and takes action; now that's a leader I'd be willing to follow.
  26. John Hinkley from Thornhill, ON, Canada writes: Clearly Gerrard is a dark horse in this race. With luck - he can win and be the best of this sorry lot of clowns.
  27. Steve Konroyd from Calgary, Canada writes: Kennedy is the best long-range candidate the Libs have, due to his not being well into his 50's like the others. Still, I can't believe that neither he (with a French-speaking wife) nor Dryden (schooled & lived in Montreal for yrs) aren't more fluent in French - - it's absolutely vital & they both have had years to prepare for this. Somewhat poor preparation.
  28. X Canadian from United States writes: The kid doesn't stand a chance - at least not in this decade, maybe half way through the next one when the Harper govt has been fully corrupted and caught arrogantly stealing from Canadians like every other Canadian leadership party before it. It's only a matter of time, but certainly not any time soon.
  29. Ranald Walton from Hamilton, Canada writes: Laurier, King, Trudeau.... Kennedy. I don't think so.
  30. Dave T from Toronto, Canada writes: I'm not sure whether Kennedy is the best candidate, but it's interesting to read the posters who think he is too young: he is only months younger than Stephen Harper. (Kennedy was born in 1960, and Harper in 1959.) Harper just sounds a lot older, I guess.
  31. Will Partridge from Delhi, Ontario, Canada writes: Fixation with French is the reason we produce mediocre candidates for all parties. This unnecessary requirement excludes about 75% of Canadians from holding high office. How many excellent potential leaders, both liberal and conservative, have we lost due to this? I'd rather have someone like Kennedy, and Harper too, spending their time crafting effective policy than taking French lessons.
  32. Ice Ko from Steveston BC, Canada writes: I'm not a Liberal, have little interest in who wins the leadership race (given that none of the candidates appeals to me in any way), and don't think about it much. But about 2-3 months ago I had a dream. In it, Gerard Kennedy had just won the Liberal leadership race. You heard it here first.
  33. g c from Canada writes: If the liberals are smart, they will choose Kennedy, and he will win the next election....but how smart are the liberals?
  34. R Swift from Canada writes: 'He's a provincial cabinet minister trying to leap to the national stage. The historical precedents aren't encouraging; there aren't any.' What about Stockwell Day, who was Minister of Finance in Alberta? Right. not an encouraging precedent. Day was clearly out of his depth as a party leader, but seems to be doing a reasonable job as a cabinet minister.
  35. maryetta thielen from Lethbridge AB, Canada writes: Don't count on Kennedy's supposed western roots will win him too many votes out here in Alberta. Had he lived anywhere but Edmonton he may have had a chance, but remember the name is Redmonton. Considering the culture of universities during the past several years, his not having a university degree is a great plus. Without one he has had the opportunity to explore different ideas and to think for himself without getting insulted from the left for daring to be different. Ralph never finished high school and look what he accomplished. Too bad his liberal roots started showing during his last term and that finished him off.
  36. Job Patstone from Quebec City, Canada writes: I think Mr Kennedy would be an ideal candidate. He is young, knows what it is like to be poor, and understands the younger generation, who of course is the future of this country. He certainly has as much experience as Mr. Ignatieff, and he speaks good English, which Mr Dion cannot, and he has more guts than Mr. Rae, so hey, what's holding him back. He will have to brush up on his French, but his wife could do a lot of campaigning for him in Quebec, and Quebec is a very pro- feminist province anyway, so lets go Gerard, isn't Gerard kind of a french name?
  37. Miles Lunn from Vancouver, Canada writes: I see Gerard Kennedy as probably the safe choice. He is not the most inspiring, but he carries the least baggage and so as Harper continues to screw up, the Conservatives will be hoping more and more for the Liberals to choose someone who carries a lot of negative baggage, which Kennedy doesn't. I am not going to say whether he would win or not, but I do think him and Dion and perhaps Dryden are the ones with the best chance of beating Harper in the next election.
  38. Marty McFly from Toronto, Canada writes: This is what we need. Not someone who can't win Ontario. Not a parachute candidate. Not someone with ties to Martin. Not someone with ties to Chretian. A great fresh start to the rebuilding of the Liberal Party. Too bad I don't have $1000 to join so I can vote for him.
  39. Aaron Hynes from Ottawa, Canada writes: Yawn.
  40. joseph Cheng from Toronto, Canada writes: Judging from the postings so far, I got the feeling that Tory supporters are really worried about Kennedy getting the nod from the Grits to be their next leader. I predict that Kennedy as the 'dark house' and 'no prior baggage' candidate, will take it in the third or forth ballot.
  41. Jeremy Kirouac from Victoria, Canada writes: Dion
  42. Matt Stiles from North Vancouver, writes: Kennedy and Dion are the only viable options in this race. With one of them as leader, I would consider voting Liberal. Otherwise, I'll give my vote to the Greens. It's time we started electing people with some vision.
  43. sherry smith from nanaimo, Canada writes: Most of the posts here are pretty positive. I am 61 and if he won the Liberal Leadership I would vote for him and if not I will vote for Jack. Whoever is brave enough to expose this whole war on terror crap that America is involving us in will get my vote. Trudeau would have, and so would have Lester B. They can tell us all they want about being there for the right reasons, but I for one am not buying it. I have also noticed on this site that the pro-war crowd and supporters of the actions to change our role to seek and destroyers are the ones who are name callers towards the left or simply folks who have done a lot of reading of American Foreign Policy in the past 50 years and don't agree with their actions. We have a right to express ourselves without being castigated. Good Luck Mr. Kennedy, you sound like just the ticket for our Country, now, not in 5 years. Anybody who can turn a losing food bank into a thriving business is my kind of guy.
  44. Jake Richardson from Kingston, Canada writes: As of right now, this is just an interesting dance for the candidates to try to sign up delegates and solicit donations. I remember reading that Trudeau wasn't seen as anything more than just another guy in the pack until a week or two before the actual leadership convention. My inclination is that when the time comes one of these gentlemen will manage to take that next step and show why they deserve to be Liberal Leader. Until then, well, these little stories make for interesting reading I suppose. Kennedy seems as good/bad as the rest of the front runners.
  45. Roop Misir from Toronto, Canada writes: This 'dark' horse did shine as Ontario's Minister of Education. However, in the intriguing world of politics, 'surprises' may happen. ... One good thing though is that Kennedy has brains, youth and a famous last name behind him. Will he shine through this time? Good luck Gerard!
  46. Cryin Outloud from Canada writes: Harper = night, Kennedy = day. Kennedy's actions speak for who he is. He doesn't need the Fraser Institiute or the Bush government telling him how to act. In fact I would hope he's flip anyone the bird that lobbied for anything that was not in Canada's best interest. That is who Trudeau was, not the Iggy guy come home from Boston. I am not a Liberal but this Liberal I would vote for.
  47. Steve Valeriote from Canada writes: Funny, I always thought Edmonton was part of Alberta? Kennedy would be a great choice.
  48. Brian Sexsmith from Toronto, Canada writes: Political dinosours have been running the Liberal party for far too long. They are in desperate need of some youthful input and vision and Kennedy could provide this in spades.
  49. Harold Uhlman from Lunenburg, NS, writes: My goodness you Conservative/Alliance guys. You make fun of Liberal candidates and you have Stephen 'Little Bush'Harper as your leader. If he can become PM anyone can. He had no resume, still doesn't. Peter, 'Shoot Me In The Back' ran and look what an embarrassment he is in his present position. Oh yes and you had Stockwell 'Sea Doo' Day as your leader. And you laugh?????
  50. Back by popular request....Shawn Bull from Canada writes: Harold Uhlman from Lunenburg: The difference being...Harper is in power and running the country...and Kennedy doesn't even have a seat in parliament.
  51. If He's Humanity's Conscience, Then I Must Be The Other Guy, Paul Jones from kitchener, Canada writes: #50 - BS, sorry, I mean SB - nice statement. do you have a point? Kennedy has been helping to run Ontario for some time, which is why he doesnt have a seat in Fed politics. I've never seen Harpy 'run' anything. all ive seen him do is dictate. not quite the leader i was hoping for in a democracy. Kennedy would be, by far, the best thing for Canada since, well i dont even know when. i hope he wins.
  52. Hector Fibbs from To rot? no!, Canada writes: The first word of this article: TOROTNO. Great typo was it really accidental?
  53. jack doober from brantford, Canada writes: Some of dumbest people I have met have a BA and some of the most intelligent dont...And then there are lawyers.
  54. Bradley McFadden from Toronto, Canada writes: Sorry, but send Kennedy back to school. I don't want a high school grad running my country and please, this guy does not have an original idea of his own!
  55. Karin Pasnak from North Vancouver, Canada writes: Out of the whole bunch Kennedy is, besides maybe Rae the only candidate I would vote for.

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