Stephen Harper Has Proven Again That Political Experience and Political Toughness matters:Machiavelli Would be Proud
Harper: Playing Hardball Credit: Art Threat
In an earlier posting, I had discussed why certain politicians are more successful than others and the influence of Machiavelli on modern politics. Stephen Harper was cited as one of those successful politicians: someone concerned primarily about his own interests and someone willing to do what it takes to succeed. The recent treatment of Helena Guergis for the missteps that she and her husband Rahim Jaffer are alleged to have committed implies self-centered and tough behaviour on the part of Harper. Harper decided to take merely the word of a semi-anonymous source to justify the call for a police and ethics probe and for turfing her from caucus. Although the allegations could be true, clear evidence does not appear to have been presented. Furthermore, at no time does it appear that Harper asked Guergis for her side of the story nor did he inform her about the nature of the allegations. This behaviour seems to bolster earlier descriptions of Harper as a cold opportunist, and someone not particularly fond of women. Many journalists have pointed out that this behaviour allows Harper to remove unequivocally a difficult cabinet minister from Government and from a relatively safe seat that the Tories will probably win again without Guergis.
These views of journalists are not implausible. However, they miss what is probably the prime reason for Harper’s actions. The controversy diverts attention from more serious issues. Misconduct on behalf of one minister is not likely to destroy the Government; many managers may in fact sympathize with Harper, since it is well known that it is hard to get good help. These recent political actions have been brilliant. Like a Tom Cat, Harper is most dangerous when cornered. He is vulnerable on a number of files: most notably on Afghanistan. By calling for two probes of his cabinet minister Guergis and by refusing to divulge information about the suspected misconduct, he has diverted attention from these files (strictly speaking, he did not formally ask for an ethics probe, but he did hint that one was required). The lack of open information only fuels more attention on these probes. Despite the lack of Government disclosure, there have been numerous leaks to the media about Guergis and Jaffer. Harper may in fact be responsible for the leaks and may have thrown some red meat at the controversy by feeding information to talkative Conservatives (with or without their tacit cooperation) who willingly and indiscreetly spout information to reporters. Harper has also guaranteed that the controversy will be long lasting by ordering two probes. He probably knew that the ethics probe cannot be conducted while there is a RCMP investigation. The ethics probe cannot commence until after the completion of the police probe (which historically have been quite lengthy affairs), which means we will be hearing alot about the dynamic duo for some time to come. Moreover, since an ethics review was not formally requested, he may be able to cancel it later if one does not serve his interests.
There is other evidence of Harper’s strategic brilliance. For example, he is incrementally creating a very right wing country without having a national debate about where the country is headed. There are never any bold announcements of surging Conservative power, but with his policies and legislation we are slowly becoming quite right wing. All of this must make Machiavelli proud.
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Tags: Ethics Probe, helena guergis, Rahim Jaffer, rcmp, stephen harper
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August 13th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
No doubt Harper is a good strategist.
Journalists have a duty to present the facts accurately otherwise what they write can’t be trusted. If you are going to compare Harper to Machiavelli or say that Harper would make Machiavelli proud at least show some accurate familiarity with Machiavelli.
He was a diplomat and public servant for a small city-state democracy, which was taken over by a dictatorship. His book, The Republic, is about how to run a democracy, his satirical plays show when he has his tongue firmly in his cheek.
He subsequently wrote his best remembered book, The Prince, in which he very much spoke truth to dictatorial power by exposing the scandals of the day in the guise of advice on how to act like a good dictator. The term Machiavellian comes from the tactics described but I doubt Machiavelli would appreciate Harper but would recognize him from the likes of the Borgias and Medicis.
March 10th, 2011 at 9:22 am
Yes, he is the the best “Prime Minister” this country has ever had and he has done more for us than all previous Prime Ministers. You will get your “majority” this time Mr. Harper. The whole Country is pulling for you.