Have you ever heard the saying that Canada is the same as America, just a few years behind? That saying may prove very true when considering the future of Canadian politics.
The hugely controversial American election process that started several years ago is resurfacing in Canadian politics right now.
I have been surprised at the lack of response from the Ontario media in regards to Kevin O’Leary’s candidacy.
Though I do not believe the media should obsess over O’Leary as they did with Trump, ignoring O’Leary’s strong start would be to make the same mistake that led to Trump’s presidency.
I believe one of the fatal contributing factors for the American election was that the media refused to investigate just how many followers Trump had. The same circumstances are being echoed in Ontario.
Not a lot has been said over O’Leary’s quick leap to the front of the Conservative polls.
Currently, O’Leary boasts twice the popularity of the second place Conservative candidate.
Paired with the strong push for Conservative government in Alberta and the push against Liberal government in Ontario, the conditions seem fair for O’Leary’s success.
In the same way that Trump’s platform resonated with Americans from Detroit and southern states, O’Leary’s personality is convincing for the fragile Western economy.
Alberta’s slippery economy has many business owners and trade workers longing for stronger fiscal authority in their federal leader.
O’Leary has made a career of being a formidable and successful businessman shown through the many businesses he runs.
Ontarians who are not happy with the provincial government’s mishaps may also vote for O’Leary if it means lower energy prices.
Another reason to be wary of the popular new Conservative candidate is his experience being on TV. The intensity of shows like CBC’s Dragon’s Den exhibit O’Leary’s skills for thinking on his feet.
However, the moment of excitement that comes in debates is rarely a good indicator of a leader who is capable of responsible authority. Even running a multimillion-dollar business is not an indicator of a good leader.
O’Leary gets to leap from one project to the other and doesn’t need to demonstrate the dedication to a single task that as such is required for prime minister.
Trump also shows these traits, seemingly more interested in controversial tweeting than listening to half of the country. Unable to calmly hold power, Trump thrives on dramatics to maintain disillusionment and O’Leary shows much of the same.
Running a campaign is easy for entertainers like Trump and O’Leary, running a country is much harder.
However, the most formidable similarity between Trump and O’Leary is their inflated identities. Both men are famous in their respective countries and have built an image of being a certain kind of person.
In their cases, they have made many people believe they are excellent business men and that they can even make an entire country profitable.
I am wary of these two politicians because I know how deceptive an image can be. The truth is easily choreographed and both of these men have had a lot of time to polish their routine.