Check out the NEXT CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER on YouTube!

Stephane Dion is the newly minted Liberal leader in Canada.

In one week he has caused a surge in the polls for Liberals, and although a leadership convention often causes such a surge it is a strong bump - 7% nationaly with a 5% drop for Conservatives.

One of the issues that the rightwing is already swiftboating Dion on is his dual citizenship. He got French citizenship due to his mother was born in France. Some have questioned whether he should give it up if he wants to be the Canadian PM.

Here is Dion answering to the controversy on a CBC segment with Peter Mansbridge:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=db7LX6HOp5c

I would be very interested to hear your objective first impressions of the man, assuming this video provides your first impression.

regards.

:+

Still, I thought ya'll might be a little interested in the guy who will take out Bush's best buddy "Steve" Harper!

I liked his practical response to the question about renouncing his French citizenship -- if it is a problem for many people, if it might prevent the Liberal Party from ousting Harper, then I will sadly renounce my citizenship -- but, it wasn't a problem for Turner and I should be perceived as a strength, given the reality of globalization.

How long ago was Turner in office?

I have to say that if ever I am guilty of seeming unexcited about Canadian politics it is only because the political issues that MOST strongly attract my attention relate to the horror of US use and abuse of military to destroy other nations for resources and control of markets. Given that Canada hasn't fallen into that particular hell - I think y'all must have everything worked out just about right. (Also, I deeply envy your social safety net - health care and all).

:hi:

Of course once you do I won't be able to give my liberal Canadian friend shit about how they also have neocons in power.

last choice...the leaders imploded, and then things started to snowball for Dion, who by all accounts, is very "unprepossessing".....

Refreshing, I'd say.