Big Ego Politics

Stephen Harper must be smiling today. The opposition is in total disarray. Stephan Dion and Justin Trudeau have made headlines because they cannot agree on Official Bilingualism, an article of faith in the Liberal party. Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe is likely to leave federal politics after today's announcement that André Boisclair has resigned as leader of the provincial Parti Quebecois.

It's satisfying to watch the troubles that both Dion and Boisclair have faced. Both leaders were praised by the country's media elite as being intelligent and progressive. Both leaders have also been a huge disappointment to their respective parties. When the knives come out there are abundant examples of big ego politics where it's not about the ideas, just the personalities. Two quick examples:

Big Ego Politics in the PQ:

Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe has been rumoured to be interested in moving into provincial politics as a possible replacement for Boisclair.

In a television interview last weekend, Boisclair attacked Duceppe, saying he went
to bed dressed up as the PQ leader.

Duceppe responded Sunday, saying he was "flabbergasted" by the comments.

Big Ego Politics in the Liberal Party:

The Liberal leader put his high-profile candidate in line with the hint of a smile, saying it was a rookie mistake and Trudeau should have been more careful with his remarks.

"He's new," Dion told reporters. "He will, without a doubt, have to provide more clarification of his thoughts."

There has been a chill between Dion and Trudeau since Trudeau successfully challenged Dion's preferred candidate in the Montreal riding of Papineau.

I enjoy politics and it is great fun when the other side gets egg on their face. Still I far prefer the politics of ideas to big ego politics.