Apart from sheer bloody-mindedness, the defining
characteristic of politics is an inordinate love of theatre.
No surprise, then, that those still hanging around a summery
capital duly presented themselves yesterday as the necessary
audience for Sheila Copps' dark leadership comedy.
They came and were attentive not because they believe she can
win, or even in the expectation some memorable comment would
inform the moment, but simply because the show, any show, must go
on.
And go on it did, as Copps gamely tried to add the depth missing
from a performance that has ranged from superficial to
embarrassing. With all the breathy sincerity of Hamlet in the
high school auditorium, Copps offered herself as the champion of
all that's good, inclusive and empowering, everything
that's liberal, about Liberals.
Of course it would be a more compelling call to arms if Liberals
themselves were convinced or ready to rally to so forlorn a
cause.
Instead, they share general puzzlement over the campaign's
guiding purpose.
With little money, even less caucus support and no chance of
victory - if a bus hit Paul Martin the ruling party would twist
every rule and precedent to find an alternative rather than risk
its hegemony - Copp's candidacy is more a reflex response to
opportunity than an accurate reflection of political reality. Source.
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