Political babble – Jean is back!
Several years after former Finance minister slash prime minister Paul Martin have been replaced by Steven Harper. Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien’s face shows up once again on several medias. This time, Jean, who I personally respect the most, released a book of memoirs. In this book, one point he stated was he should have fired Paul Martin in the year 2000.
According to the book, Jean was the victim of a mutiny lead by Mr. Martin. This started around 2000, but the idea was pushed aside due to the possible repercussions on the financial sector.
For those who don’t know who Jean Chretien is, click here for more information. As a Canadian, my memories of him are the following:
Human! The most Human politician I can name, aside from Bill Clinton.
Attacked by PC ad campaign, these ads focus on his face, not leadership skills.
Saying something funny about the person who is making a speech, with his microphone completely on.
In Self defense, held a person in what looked like the classic Homer Simpson ‘I’ll kill you boy’ style.
Joked about pepper spray.
Aside for the pepper spray joke, I think the rest of the stuff make Jean a real ‘human’ in the political circle. It is something that you, me or anyone would have done if we were in his shoes. Yet most politician won’t do it. They’ll have their body guard do it, or somehow use the federal police to their advantage, but never personally.
A special note, those PC ads that targeted Jean Chretien’s face was lead by Campaign leader John Tory. Yes the same John Tory who lost in his own ridding recently in the Ontario Election 2007.
Here is a quick link to Jean’s New book, My years as Prime Minister.