NationStates Jolt Archive

Okay, I'm working with a couple of suppositions here; Next Monday the LPC gets turfed and Stevie Harper moves into 24 Sussex Drive. And that upon hearing confirmation of his electoral loss, current PM Paul Martin either bows out or is forced out as party leader. So - who do you think should throw their hats into the ring for the inevitable Grit leadership bloodbath?

I'll start with a short list - add on and I'll see if we have enough for a poll.

Whaddaya say? (Remember to keep your suggestions within the realm of living Canadian Liberal politicians - federal or noteworthy provincials - or any living Canadians you can reasonably explain away as a worthwhile presence in the House or as party leader. Fair enough?)

Here goes:

1) Pierre Pettigrew (has been groomed for the PMO and is francophone, satisfying unofficial 'french-english-french' pattern of federal Liberal leadership - my number one pick)

2) Brian Tobin (out of fed politics but still warmly remembered for his role in the Turbot Wars)

3) Gerard Kennedy (the man who really ought to be where the charisma-less Dalton McGuinty sits today - in the office of the Premier of Ontario at Queen's Park. GK could be a serious heavyweight contender for leadership of the LPC)

4) Belinda Stronach (left the Tories for the Grits knowing she couldn't advance within the CPC party structure - might she try for leader of the LPC?)

5) Bill Graham (Ah, what the Hell. Who knows? Maybe ol' Bill'll finally come out of his rather shallow closet and confirm what eeeeverybody in his riding already knows: he's a power-hungry man-whore. Just the kinda guy to fight the Tories' plan to revisit the damn Gay Marriage non-issue in the Commons)

OK. Your turn.

And add as few or as many side-comments as you like!

Little Benny should stand up to his domineering, frightening father and defect to the Liberals. That's if he ever stops hosting lame entertainment shows.
He's trained to be charming and diplomatic, and, as he's clearly gay, I'm sure he's not half as right-wing as his father.

Ben Mulroney? Leader of the Grits?

It's a bit of a stretch, don'tcha think?

I mean, I could see him maybe take a run at it - maybe... BIG maybe, really. But I don't see him coming out on top. A trifle too young, methinks.

Perhaps with some seasoning and a little ripening.

I thought Michael Ignatieff was being brought in during this campaign as a fairly obvious contender for eventual succession. I'd pick either him or our ambassador to the USians, Frank McKenna. Stronach shouldn't even think of trying for party leader 'til next time 'round, assuming she has the patience for it.

I'd love to see John Manley as Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister of Canada.
Brian Tobin could be usefull but I think John Manley will be the next big thing in Canadian History.

I don't like Pettigrew very much.
Gerard Kennedy could be very interesting.
Bill Graham is out of the question.

Another good candidate but a long shot would be Art Eggleton.

I'd love to see John Manley as Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister of Canada.
Brian Tobin could be usefull but I think John Manley will be the next big thing in Canadian History.

I don't like Pettigrew very much.
Gerard Kennedy could be very interesting.
Bill Graham is out of the question.

Another good candidate but a long shot would be Art Eggleton.
Manley is a fairly obvious choice, yeah - should've thought of that myself.

Pettigrew - nahhhh, I think the OP has something there. He's one of the only Lib pols to survive Martin's caucus pogrom last year. You don't stay a favourite through two different PMs without intending fully to grab the brass ring yourself some day.

Oh yeah, Graham? don't make me laugh. You're right - totally out of the question.

Eggleton, though... I actually thought he was dead.

I thought Michael Ignatieff was being brought in during this campaign as a fairly obvious contender for eventual succession. I'd pick either him or our ambassador to the USians, Frank McKenna. Stronach shouldn't even think of trying for party leader 'til next time 'round, assuming she has the patience for it.
Ignatieff isn't yet elected. The way I hear it, his chances aren't actually great in the riding they parachuted him into. He's a star candidate, but he's also an effete snob and an academic.

So they might have to get Mikey in through an assured byelection after the fact. But I'll definitely include him in the poll...

Anybody else? Going once...

Now NEW AND IMPROVED with the POWER of POLLING! X% more than EVER!

I voted for Manley.

Is Ben Mulroney even a liberal to begin with?
I don't think Justin Trudeau is a liberal nevermind Ben.

Oops, I forgot Pierre Pettigrew. Damn short-term memory...

*edit: yeah I think I typed in 'Ben Mulroney' when I meant to include Pettigrew.

Oops.

Frizzle McKizzle.