April 6, 2000
Being Jean Chrétien - THE COMMENTARY
By Joseph Planta
VANCOUVER -- In a couple of days, I’ll be fully immersing myself in the life and times of Pierre Trudeau. It’s a History 12 assignment and it’ll be challenging and worth while, much like the life of Trudeau himself.
I’m in the middle right now of an autobiography of Kim Campbell. Although she served us briefly, her public service is note worthy and interesting much like Mr. Trudeau’s. In her book, Time and Chance, which I’ll review in a future column, she is candid about the last four years of the Mulroney government and in the insight she gives on his Prime Ministership.
Someone, actually a number of people, have said they could see me as Prime Minister one day. Although I am flattered with a most generous compliment like that, I don’t see myself taking up residence of 24 Sussex Drive any time soon or ever in my life.
The job interests me, sure. Any dim-bulb could tell you that being the head of government should be interesting. I don’t think I could muster up enough chutzpah in running for the job.
That’s one thing that doesn’t appeal to me. The act of running for office is one that sounds harrowing. It’s tough and it’s painful, and I don’t think the rewards are worth it. Once you are elected either as a representative of your constituency or as the leader of a party or government, the job doesn’t stop there. It only begins.
Being the Prime Minister is a difficult task, as it is physically challenging to preside over the entire country effectively. This land is large. Face it, you’d have to be so damned popular (or robust) to stay in office a long time. Sure you have spin doctors and staff, plus lickspittles to mend every flaw of yours, but deep down it’s all about the people.
Both Mr. Trudeau and Ms. Campbell never assumed the Prime Minister’s office through elections. Both won their party’s leadership conventions (Trudeau went on to win an election afterwards, Campbell did not at all.) Being the Prime Minister also carries the task of being the leader of a political party.
That’s a tough task. How about when public policy falls directly against the wishes and opinions of your party rank and file? What to do, compromise the state of government for your own? That’s a tough one.
Being the head honcho, also carries the job of having a huge ego. Although I’ve been diagnosed with having a swollen ego, now and then, it is not good enough to carry a party, a government and a nation. The office needs strong figures, and I don’t think I could be so strong.
The final qualifier that disqualifies me from holding the PMO is the fact a Prime Minister now, must be able to speak the other official language. I took French in high school for four years, rather badly I might add, and anyone will know that’s not good enough. Lester B. Pearson, said upon leaving the office to Trudeau, that any future PM would have to speak French. Even though Quebec doesn’t deserve that much attention, our future leaders will have to be a strong balance between the two. Sadly, even Mr. Chrétien isn’t. Perhaps we never will find that equality in a man or woman ever again. That’s why I won’t ever be Prime Minister. For better of worse.
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An archive of Joseph Planta's previous columns can be found by clicking HERE .