The one and only Stephen Harper

I didn't want my next post to be about politics. Really, I didn't. But this is just far, far too good to pass up.



For years, Canadians have wondered what it would take Stephen Harper to show a personality. Suggestions included everything from 'a majority government' to 'it'll never happen'. Apparently, the correct answer was 'Yo-Yo Ma'.

I've mentioned before that I'm not a big fan of our Prime Minister. I - and many others - find him to be cold, calculating, manipulative, and seemingly interested in nothing other than power, which he then uses to do nothing except...get more power.

Apparently we're wrong. Which brings up a glaring question - why? Why would Stephen Harper choose to hide the fact that he can, in fact, have fun?

It is a choice, by the way. During the last election campaign, when the Conservatives ran ads depicting Harper, clad in a smile and a sweatervest, talking about his family and his life outside politics, it was seen as nothing but an attempt to humanize the PM, make him more appealing to centrist voters. In all the coverage I saw of those commercials, not once did I see the suggestion that *that* was the real Stephen Harper, and the 'master strategist' was the fake personality.

But I'm starting to think that's the case. A few weeks ago, Harper was at a photo op (as is his wont). Noticing an unattended piano, the PM shocked the media by covering the Rolling Stones. Combine that with the joyful expression on his face in the video above, and it's clear that Stephen Harper does have a passion for music.

Against his current crop of opponents, that's fine - personality isn't anyone's strong suit, so Harper can come across as the best of a poor choice. But Canadians tend to respond well to politicians who show themselves to be a little something more than an empty shell. Jean Chretien was a regular guest on Royal Canadian Air Farce, Brian Mulroney told Peter C. Newman to do something anatomically impossible, and just about everybody lip-synced to Trooper.

Stephen Harper should follow their example. It's okay to laugh at yourself. Especially if you're a politican

--Ryan