Canadian politics has seen many iconic moments, times when the prime minister shocked the flock. How about Jean Chrétien, in dark shades, looking like a mafia don, taking a protester by the scruff of the neck and heaving him aside?
How about Pierre the bannister-slider Trudeau and the infamous fuddle-duddle outburst wherein he told the members of the opposition to go forth and multiply?
Or Brian Mulroney taking to the stage with Ronald Reagan for a rousing rendition of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling?”
These moments were all in keeping with the character of the perpetrator. Chrétien, a streetfighter, Mulroney, a ham, etc…
What made Stephen Harper’s piano and song act Saturday night more astonishing was that it was so unlike Stephen Harper. He was seen to be a philistine, the guy who turned up his nose at chi-chi galas. His image as a brooding chess player, a leader bereft of mirth and spontaneity, was what held him back. Canadians didn’t want to give a majority government to someone, no matter how competent, they did not like, could not warm to.
For years everyone has been telling Mr. Harper, “For god’s sakes, lighten up.” He’s been well aware of the personality issue. On policy he adroitly moved his government to the moderate middle, finding a comfort zone with Canadians. On personality he knew he still had a lot of work to do.
The blue-sweater commercials in the last election campaign served to soften his image somewhat. But he soon reverted to old form. It was like he couldn’t help himself, couldn’t quite tame his antagonistic instincts. He needed something to jolt the image.
Enter his wife, the sprightly Laureen. Hats off to her. She was the brains behind the caper at the gala.
No doubt he has changed a lot of perceptions with his gutsy performance. This clip will be shown on every Harper hi-lite reel from here to eternity. Any time someone tries to suggest this guy’s a creep they’ll get this image thrown back at them.
His career has seen many surprise moments — his bringing Liberal David Emerson into his cabinet, his stunning Quebec nation gambit, his entirely bizarre budget update of last fall.
But none beats this one. He still has a ways to go before he works his way into the people’s hearts. But for the first time, he’s within striking range.
