Justin Time?

By now, most people who pay even a smattering of attention to Canadian current events have read and heard the 'big' news: Justin Trudeau, the eldest son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and his wife Margaret, supposedly will announce on Oct. 2, 2012 he's going to run for the leadership of the federal Liberal party; with the ultimate goal of landing in the prime minister's office.

This political Trudeau has won two federal elections and been a member of parliament for about four years, representing the Quebec riding of Papineau.



                         QMI Agency File Photo

Savior Personified

By all accounts in various media, many people—including Justin Trudeau--seem to think Justin Trudeau, today's 'boy wonder' at the age of 40, is naturally meant to be Canada's next prime minister, the second coming and Messiah of the federal Liberal party rolled into one, the only person in the country with the wherewithal including the instant bankroll, the charisma, the 'boyish' good looks, and  the 'easy charm' to pull it off. His surname and paternal heritage don't hurt either.

Word to the Wise

But here is my free suggestion for Trudeau. Even if he has decided to run for the Liberal leadership, he still has time to change his mind; which he's already done various times anyway. What's once more?

Now that former Quebec Liberal Premier Jean Charest is out of office, the Quebec Liberal party is in transition and needs a new permanent leader to replace its present interim leader. Whoever eventually takes the reins of that party might easily topple the new minority Parti-Quebecois government led by Premier Pauline Marois; and become Premier of Quebec.

That could be a good place for Justin Trudeau, who seems to have high political aspirations, to get his political feet really wet, assuming his political philosophy meshes with that of the Quebec Liberal party. Afterwards, unlike now, he'd have some political and professional substance and clout before trying to become federal Liberal leader and prime minister before he's ready.

Unheeded?

Sadly, I realize there is a chance Trudeau will not take my unsolicited but generous advice that he should first seek the Liberal leadership and Premiership in Quebec. And if, as rumored, he does announce his candidacy next week for the federal Liberal leadership, it likely won't be a huge surprise to a lot of people.

Ready or Not?

There has been a lot said in various media about Trudeau's readiness or lack thereof for the federal Liberal leadership, about his overall professional experience or lack thereof, about comparisons between him and his celebrated dad who was prime minister for about 15 years, about his real motivation if he runs for the leadership and ultimately for prime minister, about his personal and political maturity or lack thereof, and his judgment.

Questionable Judgment?

Trudeau's judgment could hit him where it hurts, politically, if he does run for the Liberal leadership. If current news stories are right, ironically his so-called 'inner circle' of advisers includes young men and women who apparently advised two of the federal Liberal party's recent failed leaders--Stephane Dion and Michael Ignatieff. 

If correct, at first glance this seems like a recipe for failure for Trudeau. To a casual observer, those two former leaders seemed decent and likeable enough, albeit inept leaders. Did each of them disappear from the Liberal leader's office in almost no time, relatively speaking, partly because they got bad or misguided advice from the young men and women who apparently now are advising Justin Trudeau? 

If so, is Trudeau unwittingly sabotaging his chances of success if these advisers--who apparently could not secure success for two of the Liberal party's recent leaders—are now advising him on how to become Liberal leader and ultimately prime minister?

Maturity

Trudeau also still seems dogged by his childish rant in the House of Commons several months ago. That's when he called Peter Kent, the federal Environment Minister, a piece of excrement—except Trudeau used the common slang expletive, starting with 's' instead. 

Then there was the boxing match a few months back between him and Conservative Senator Patrick Brazeau to raise money for cancer research; adolescent machismo and showing off their bodies and bravado, albeit for a good cause. 
Diversion or Calling?
Many media pundits wondered what Trudeau has ever done to warrant elevating him to the office of Liberal Leader, and potentially the prime minister's office. Some point out that he taught for a while at a private high school in British Columbia some time ago. And apparently he was in graduate school at McGill University in Montreal for a while, pursuing a master's degree until he either dropped out or took a 'break' from his studies to run for political office.
Does this suggest Trudeau has trouble committing to professional endeavors? Or does it imply he knows he doesn't have to commit to them as many others actually do, because he has financial wealth, thanks to his inheritance from his dad? Or did he just not find his true calling until now?
Fleeting Fancy?
Because Trudeau doesn't have to work for money, is the prospect of being Liberal leader and possibly prime minister just another temporary professional diversion like some of his previous pursuits seem to have been? This seems a reasonable question, and his fence-sitting about the Liberal leadership hasn't helped his image in this regard. 

First he said he wasn't ready for the leadership role and had other work to do as an M.P. first. In taking that position he indicated he recognized he doesn't have enough political experience to either try for the Liberal leadership or to be the leader--which was inspiring and showed political and personal maturity and self-awareness. 

But Trudeau soon changed his tune and seemed to be buying into the notion He is The One: the Liberal party's Only Hope for redemption, salvation, and taking back the prime minister's office. He said he was thinking about the Liberal leadership some more and would decide at a later date; even though he previously said he had decided he wasn't ready, personally or politically, for the job. 

Has he really been that undecided, or was he just being coy to see how many people would stroke his ego and encourage him to run for the leadership?

Decision Day?

If Trudeau does announce on Oct. 2, 2012 he will be a candidate for the federal Liberal leadership, does this necessarily mean he's in it for the long haul, win or lose? If he runs and doesn't win, or if he wins the leadership but ultimately is not crowned King of the (Parliament) Hill--prime minister--will he take his toys and go home in a huff? Or will he just find a new playground?