The Government Lottery

"There's no doubt that people want competency and they do like the idea of leaders that can empathize with them, that they can relate to, that they can imagine having the proverbial beer with."
"[Prime Minister Stephen Harper is seen as] less approachable and compassionate than his rivals."
Bruce Anderson, chairman, Abacus Data

Montreal Gazette.com - Prime Minister Stephen Harper, virtuoso politician

Another poll. This one asking Canadians which among the three federal political leaders best exemplifies a random sampling of eight functions out of a possible 16 scenarios. The purpose of the questions, according to the chairman of Abacus Data which conducted the poll, was to obtain a picture of "what the edges are that people see in the personalities of these three leaders."

The picture that emerged, presumably, would give an edge on speculation over the outcome of the general election to take place in October of 2015. Expectations are a moving target, and so are apprehensions as people react to events that occur requiring their political leaders to reveal their own reactions on behalf of the country, revealing their functionality in their primary post, leading the country.

So that, while for a period of time it appeared that many voting-age Canadians expressed a preference for the perennially callow scion of a former prime minister, leaving the current Prime Minister in second place should an election be called, events since have leveraged the political party (Conservative) that now dominates in Parliament to a more hopeful position for re-election.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper scored high with Canadians in five of 16 categories, respondents selecting him as best suited to act as chief executive of a large company (47%); give investment advice (46%); give career advice, (41%); give advice to your children about their future (37%); and negotiate a contract on your behalf (38%).

On the other hand, Mr. Harper was viewed as being "less approachable and compassionate than his [political] rivals". The popular standards obviously representing the shallow recognition of collegial veneers like charisma and a relaxed personality.

Thomas Mulcair, leader of the NDP, is viewed as generally being compassionate and competent, reflecting the very traits he has been polishing for popular consumption. He is viewed as most likely to loan someone $100 (38%); closely following Mr. Harper in negotiating a contract (35%); giving career advice (36%); and advising your children (33%).

"I think the question for Mr. Mulcair is less that he has ... weaknesses on a personal level in public perception and more that he leads a party that a lot of people aren't sure that they want to have run the government", explained Mr. Anderson.  Right ... on ...!

Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party on the other hand, was chosen as representing the best fit for ten of 16 possible descriptors, including -- wait for it -- choosing a good movie to watch (53%); babysitting your children (44%); most able to survive in the wilderness (42%); and looking after your pet (40%). Trivialities? You betcha! These are the compelling characteristics to represent a politician seen as fit to run a country?

"He's seen as a more approachable and empathetic politician than many have been. But the efforts by his opponents and maybe (?!!!) some of the things he's done have contributed to the sense that he might not be as ready with the skills on the management side and maybe on the financial planning for the future."

That sums the latter's competency and capabilities up well enough. Hold the beer and let's have a good laugh at the very idea of a country governed by an intelligence as shallow as Justin Trudeau's.