The following is an article by Barbara Yaffe of the Vancouver Sun about Canada's Prime Minister:
Stephen Harper's considerable attributes, after 13 months in the job of prime minister, have become apparent. As have his deficiencies.
"He is a political thug of a very nasty order," remarked respected University of Victoria political scientist Reg Whitaker.
In an e-mail posting last week on an website reserved for political discussion, Whitaker didn't hold back: "Mr Harper is not apparently a reasonable man. Nor is he civil."
Whitaker was commenting on what he considered "sleazy" behaviour during a recent Commons question period when Harper attacked Liberal opposition to provisions in the 2001 Anti-Terrorism Act sanctioning preventive arrests and special investigative hearings. MPs voted on the matter this week.
What Whitaker's comments captured is the notion that Harper is consolidating a reputation for being ruthless and somewhat unlikable. Over time this can become a serious liability for a public figure.
Some might argue likability is neither here nor there, what's really important is substance. Yet, it's impossible to ignore the human dimension in political leadership. Ronald Reagan arguably lasted as he did as president because Americans loved him; Richard Nixon was unloved.
Even though George W. Bush's policies have been anathema to many, the guy has a warm, down-home personal style, one that was instrumental in helping him secure a second term.
Similarly, while Jean Chretien became detestable toward the end of his term as PM, he never stopped being humourous and even endearing.
There's nothing remotely endearing about Harper. He exhibits discomfort in photo ops at daycare centres, once shook his kids' hands as a farewell when dropping them at school in another photo op and has quipped publicly that even his wife has never accused him of seducing her.
No question, the guy is competent, a good communicator, principled, smart, straightforward, businesslike, and - most importantly - politically responsive to Canadians' concerns. But he's entirely uncuddly. And that's a big step down from just a dearth of charisma.
SLEAZY
Whitaker's characterization of Harper as sleazy for his over-the-top attack on the Liberals was in keeping with the Harper Canadians have come to know. This is a man who never shows a scintilla of vulnerability or retreats when he goes too far.
When Conservatives outrageously accused Paul Martin of supporting child porn in June 2004, Harper refused to apologize.
When the RCMP recently exonerated former Liberal finance minister Ralph Goodale of involvement in the 2006 leaking of advance information on the Liberals' income trust position, Harper expressed zero remorse for past Goodale condemnation.
Now, strategies exist to deal with stiff leaders. Often, politicians deploy communications staff to nurture an improved persona and court the media.
No one did this better than Peter Donolo, Chretien's communications chief. Donolo sold his leader through one scandal after another. Chretien's popularity took a dive following Donolo's departure.
Harper has not moved to court the press through an intermediary. Indeed he has fostered a rigid, unproductive relationship with the members of Ottawa's press gallery, to the dismay of some of his caucus members.
Nor has he recognized the importance of putting a friendly face on his government through the appointment and showcasing of his more affable ministers.
Harper's own personality has become all the more important because he has muzzled his MPs and ministers. He tightly controls the party message.
It must be said, to date, his government has created a generally favourable impression with Canadians by way of policies that have been broadly appreciated by mainstream voters.
And, if a March 19 federal budget offers fresh tax cuts and vigorous environmental measures, it's likely Conservative popularity will hold, especially given the opposition parties' current weaknesses.
But a leader's likability can become crucial when a government hits rough waters. Fortunately for Conservatives, no big controversies are dogging them at present.
But if Harper could warm up a few degrees, he'd probably be able to increase Conservative support beyond the mid-30s range at which it appears to have maxed out.
...
In addition to this article, Harper has worked as a computer programmer (a profession with a high concentration of Aspies), and is a hockey geek (he's writing a book about the subject; this may or may not be a specific interest).
01 Mar 2007, 5:58 pm
