Just a Gaffe or Poor Judgement

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 17) February 26, 2014

Canada’s political landscape has recently been peppered with political mistakes, miscalculations and errors in judgement.  On one extreme a politician explains his or her difficult circumstance and the media reports it as a simple gaffe – a gaffe meaning an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator, a blunder.  The term comes from Michael Kinsley who said “A gaffe is when a politician tells the truth – some obvious truth he isn’t supposed to say.”  On the other extreme, the political opposition reflects on the same circumstances being a result of poor judgement and poor character – making the individual or individuals involved unworthy of public office.   Here are three examples of politicians being judged by the media and other politicians:

Redford’s $45,000 Trip to Nelson Mandela’s Funeral

Premier Redford was correct in offering to the media full cost details and all the circumstances related to her South African travel plans – even the Wildrose Party critic recognized the importance of the trip to Nelson Mandela’s funeral.  As to the use of an Alberta government jet to get Premier Redford to Ottawa and on to Prime Minister Harper’s jet, why not?  The circumstances were unusual and extenuating.  From my perspective it was the circumstances and not poor judgement that created the atrocious bill.

General Leslie’s $72,000 Veteran’s Moving Benefit 

Retired Lieutenant General Andrew Leslie explained to the media that his moving bill of $72,000 was correct and in full accordance with federal government policy. Mr. Harper’s government response suggested that Gen. Leslie’s move was against the “spirit” of the policy – it was later revealed that in the last five years, 21 generals have taken advantage of the veteran’s moving policy that has cost the federal government $600,000.  What is obvious to me; Retired General Leslie’s name has been besmirched, largely because he is now an advisor to Justin Trudeau and a likely Liberal candidate in the 2015 federal election.  A number of serious questions come to mind; firstly did the Conservative election machine misjudge the situation regarding Gen. Leslie’s rights as a veteran or was it just a quick attack on a Liberal advisor?  Secondly, what are General Leslie options and do they include a lawsuit?

Justin Trudeau’s Gaffes are Dangerous

Justin Trudeau emerged from last weekend’s Liberal policy conference in Montreal as a more confident, more mature leader of the Liberal Party of Canada – capable of being a prime minister.  What was particularly impressive in his speech last Saturday where he has staked out the political centre to be solely Liberal territory – Mr. Trudeau even invited members of opposing parties to join him in the political centre.  With all the hype over his dynamic persona there is a noticeable crack in the armor – Mr. Trudeau cannot handle news scrums and that could be his Achilles heel.  Mr. Trudeau has already shown that he can be too cute in his glib remarks – his handlers say that his remarks are being taken out of context – a dangerous defense for a politician.