Ever since Barack Obama was elected President of the United States, there was a fear in Canada that we had picked the worst time ever to elect a Conservative government. Here was the United States, our closest neighbour and ally, riding this wave of hope and liberal sentiment. And here we were, stuck under the leadership of a neo-con from Calgary. The U.S. was heading in the direction that we had always wanted them to go, and we were going to be left behind. So naturally, as Obama’s visit to Canada approached, the media began to speculate over whether or not Harper and Obama would clash ideologically as Bush and Chretien did. The answer, which should have been obvious to all, was a resounding no.

You all saw the pictures. The smiling, the waving, they’re on a first name basis with each other. Their 10 minute private meeting went 30. There is an open dialogue on trade, climate change and Afghanistan. This week Stephen Harper and Barack Obama laid the foundations for a relationship that could rival Chretien-Clinton for respect and influence (although admittedly, I doubt they will approach the Mulroney-Reagan level). Many people are surprised that this liberal saviour and neo-con ideologue can get along so well. Those people do not understand the differences between the American and Canadian political spectrums.
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President Obama’s first meeting with Stephen Harper was suppose to be a closed door affair. However, the meeting was taped and leaked to the media. Several files of that tape are now on Youtube. Here is the transcript of what was taped:
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Unless you have been buried beneath 40 feet of Newfoundland snow, you have probably been barraged by all the “Obama’s Coming To Canada” onslaught by the Canadian media.

First off, the man is coming to our capital for a grand total of five hours (working lunch included). The CBC has come closest to a round-the-clock CNN coverage that I have ever seen. The CTV network not to be outdone came short of trying to speculate which toilet Obama would be using or if he could hold it for the full five hours that he is there.
I watched CBC anchor Peter Mansbridge’s interview Obama yesterday and today it was run once again and over-analyzed by Peter and a panel of experts.
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President Barack Obama & Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner Speaking About Executive Compensation

Although Obama’s term as president is only in its infancy, he’s already impressed me in many ways. First was his ability to quickly put together an extensive stimulus plan (which took far too long for Canada to do) and then his plan to close Guantanamo Bay within a year. Now, it’s his idea to impose a salary cap for many U.S. business executives.

Obama’s plan is to place a $500,000 salary cap on executives at troubled U.S. financial institutions that accept federal bailout funds. And it’s a brilliant idea.

Here’s an excerpt from Obama’s announcement:
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It all started when Barack Obama included “Buy American” language in his economic stimulus plan coming out of congress. That built tension worldwide after an $825-billion stimulus plan was passed last week by the House of Representatives requiring the sole use of U.S. made iron and steel in public projects. The protectionist messages being relayed by the US are especially a concern for Canadians, given that the US is our largest trading partner.

In a panicked response, the governments of both the European Union and Canada sent letters to Congress urging that the provision must be dropped.

But Canadians nervous about a trade war with the US heard reassuring words from Obama after he realized the extent to which nations worldwide were panicking. “I think it would be a mistake … at a time when worldwide trade is declining for us to start sending a message that somehow we’re just looking after ourselves and not concerned with world trade,” Obama stated. He also assured the world he did not want to send a protectionist message.
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Inauguration Night. I have two remote controls, a bag of Smartfood, a gallon of aspertame. Really psyched. I’m eagerly channel surfing the coverage, CNN, CBC, CPAC, CTV. I know what the game is. I am to fall. I should fall. I want to fall. Last summer I was so thrilled watching the Democratic Convention. I had tears watching Wrigley Stadium on November 4^th. But something slows me now. I’m a wallflower. I can’t join in with Will.I.am’s tears tonight. I’ve come down with something and I believe it’s a case of Post Republican Stress Disorder.

I call a girlfriend I know will be watching. “It came on all of a sudden,” I tell her. “I just don’t think I can make the jump. Eight years of Bush and I may be too cynical.” She tells me to give it up. Face it. The Obamas Might Be Cool. I know it but I just can’t do it.
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Today, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States.

I must admit, I wasn’t convinced he had the experience or charisma to win that election. I was rooting for Hilary, mostly because it would bring Bill back into that inner circle of power. Say what you must about Bill’s personal shortcomings, he is a brilliant man and a political giant. As it happens, Bill liked to have actual power and did not appear keen on simply being power-adjacent. The former affable, smoothee also went slightly off his cake during the campaign, calling his stability into question.  They may have dodged a bullet. (Sorry Bill)

But, since his win on November 4th, Obama has impressed me.
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Barack Obama Being Sworn in as President of the United States

It is inauguration day. Today, we watched history enfold itself. Today we watched a man dedicated to change, dedicated to a world of peace, dedicated to his fellow citizens stand and take power – not into his own hands, but rather into the hands of the future. Today we witnessed the start of a long journey, but one filled with hope. As the torch gets passed from the old generation to the new, questions linger in everyone’s mind, questions only answered by time itself.

During his speech, President Obama did not once look down at his notes, he did not once look down to collect his thoughts, he looked forward. He looked to the seas of people who had been awaiting this day. He looked towards what lies ahead, the heavy tasks that lay in the future to correct this faltered world. He looked towards those who stood in the way of progress and denounced their heavy-handed ways. His action is symbolic of the man he is. Far exceeding his words – which was like poetry, sending chills down my spine and a tear down my cheek – his body showed the world what the future will bring. We must all take sight of this and do the same. Look ahead to your opponents, look ahead to your battle, look ahead to the future, and not at your feet or any small obstacles in the way. Do not shy from any problem, take courage, honor and truth by your side and take the 21st Century as we should have 8 years ago. Above all else take hope, imagination and solidarity for change to create a world of peace, started not by countries, not by politics, not companies or organizations, but started by individuals. Do what is in your power to change the world into a better place.
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With as many as 4 million people expected to attend the inauguration events today, Barack Obama’s inauguration will be the largest to ever take place. With big screens set up throughout the National Mall area for these people to witness Obama’s inauguration address – one of the most anticipated speeches of all time. Obama’s speech will last approximately 20 minutes and will discuss responsibility and removing the “me first” philosophy, in order to make America a greater country to live in.
To protect Barack Obama, there will be 25,000 security guards, including snipers, police dogs, and air and naval support, as well as 5,000 security cameras.
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