The Moment
Glory Day
How Bob Rae almost got back on top By Philip Preville
Image credit: Tom Hanson/CP
When Bob Rae’s political career comes to an end, he’ll want to be remembered as he was on Monday, December 1, 2008, the day he and his fellow Liberal leadership hopefuls (Michael Ignatieff and Dominic LeBlanc) announced their support for a coalition government. Here was a man of conviction, passion and cunning, with a fresh gleam in his eye. The party was taking cues from him, and the coalition seemed, for a short time, like it might revive his flagging leadership bid. But look behind you, Bob: your old pal Ignatieff may as well be licking his chops. In the week that followed, Harper tainted the coalition as a separatist alliance, Dion bungled his videotaped address, Governor General Michaëlle Jean prorogued Parliament, polls gave the coalition a resounding thumbs-down, and the Liberal caucus scurried for shelter behind Ignatieff, who finally emerged as the dominant half of the political Siamese twin known as IggyBob. On Tuesday, December 9, Rae dropped out of the leadership race—the latest Best Prime Minister Canada Never Had.
Related:
• The List: Bob Rae picks the 10 things he can’t live without
• Friendship, Hateship: Scenes from the epic IggyBob rivalry
• No More Mr. Nasty: Jim Flaherty wants Torontonians’ votes and we want his money. Could this be the beginning of a beautiful friendship?
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