Kennedy was Dion's Remedy

What a show! This was probably the most dramatic leadership race I've ever seen. Throughout the day the political commentators were insightful as usual if not more, on CBC at least. But at the beginning no one really predicted a win, let alone a very convincing win for dark horse Stéphane Dion. What did seem clear after the second ballot, is that over 90% of Kennedy's supporters backed Dion for leader, as well as the majority of Rae's followers after the third ballot.

Sure there are going to be disappointed candidates, but I get the sense that all the Liberal candidates were satisfied with the choice of Dion. Michael Ignatieff, who was probably just relieved to have the wait over, probably said what many may have been thinking, "We have chosen a man of principle, a man with vision, a man with courage, a man with conviction."

Though I have not followed in great detail the 8 month long race itself, Stéphane Dion comes across as the more genuine, dedicated, and perhaps more non-self serving than the other candidates. He seems like the type who is content to do his thinking, problem-solving in the dim lights, and I think that may have been part of his appeal. The impression I get is that he is compassionate and maybe more visionary than his colleagues, and possibly the pm. He has been seen to have little charisma, but I feel that his passion on matters like the environment and national unity will now be more apparant, and his charisma has yet to reach a crescendo. I just hope he is good for our province and country in opposition and/or government.

In any case the Liberal leadership day of decision was exciting and surprising. The next election should be dramatic too, provided some new scandal information doesn't surface to make it a predictable election. Anyway good luck to Stéphane Dion to handle the national, and political challenges he faces.