6 Comments
⭠ Return to thread

I don't completely disagree with you, but you've gotten the Chretien-Martin timeline a bit mixed up.

Paul Martin started devoting every waking minute to seeking the Liberal leadership around, I don't know, 1942. His machinations to take over the LPC and depose Chretien intensified through the '90s and early '00s. Martin left cabinet June 2, 2002, because for some reason, Chretien decided that then and not 1942 or 1991 was when his behind-the-scenes maneuvering had crossed a line; Chretien announced in August 2002 he was resigning; Martin announced his candidacy in March 2003. He certainly didn't leave cabinet due to announcing his leadership campaign.

I agree with your argument that we need ministers focused on running the government right now, for sure.

Expand full comment

I bow to your better recollection.

Expand full comment

No need to bow! That era is seared into my memory - I was a hungry young Liberal staffer at the time. Now I'm...well, I'm still hungry. Gotta give me that.

Expand full comment

When it was fun being a Liberal

Expand full comment

It's been a while on that, for sure.

Expand full comment

Conversations like this are what makes Paul's Substack great. Thank you both.

Expand full comment