The first rule in politics is simple: appearances are everything and, most times, explanations and reflections can do little to fix a damaged reputation. That's the spot Liberal leadership candidate Stephane Dion finds himself in today thanks to some sleuthing by a Conservative blogger who compared Dion's new environmental plan with the work of famous environmentalist David Suzuki and launched claims of plagairism which the Globe and Mail has now picked up on.
The official reaction from the Suzuki Foundation is that the lack of attribution to the good doctor's work is a 'non-issue' but once a politician and plagairism are tied together in a news story, that's the soundbite that resonates with many people despite the explanations.
It wasn't a good day at all for Mr Dion, afaic. During an interview with the CBC's Don Newman, Dion stated that since the Canadian government has now committed itself to an extended 2 year mission in Afghanistan via NATO, it should now basically stay the course and get the job done. In contrast, Ken Dryden, who followed (but missed) Dion's interview has called for a real debate about Canada's role, wisely stating that a military mission such as this must be continually reviewed and that decisions must be made according to the conditions on the ground - regardless of how the world community may measure Canada's committment by doing so. Dryden may not be one of the frontrunners, but he has a coherent plan on how to handle the Afghanistan mission - short of the pullout proposed by Layton, which I endorse.
It seems Dion's campaign has some explaining to do and although he was one of the top contenders on my list, his star appeal how now definitely slipped after these recent revelations. The upcoming debates should be interesting, although it would be more than beneficial for the candidates who have absolutely no chance of winning to drop out so the field could be thinned out a bit beforehand.
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