Paul Wells (2)

I found out that Paul Wells existed after discovering that Maclean's magazine existed thanks to the election debate they hosted (shh, I know, but I'm only just beginning to get the hang of Canadian media finally). He gives somewhat snarky political analysis, and has been hanging about keeping an eye on federal politicians for some time now.

This is his first book, which I picked up as part of my plan to catch myself up on Canadian politics after getting citizenship this year. It initially felt a lot like throwing myself in the deep end - but I eventually figured out how to swim. There was a lot of checking wikipedia for facts at first, but once I had a few of the basic timelines, names and parties firmed up, it was really interesting reading - although did require me to keep my wits about me. A great history of what the Liberal party was up to, and how Stephen Harper ended up being leader of the consolidated conservative party and becoming Prime Minister. In the process, I was also filled in on a lot of the political background that led up to that moment.… (más)

This is a well written and very readable book about Canada's current Prime Minister. Stephen Harper has been our PM for over 10 years and he Has managed to do this by deLiberalizing many of the laws and agencies which have been part of the Canadian establishment for decades. He plays to the populist views of law and order, balanced budgets and what he considers to be Canadian values. He comes across as a very clever but spiteful leader who has managed to destroy two opposition Liberal leaders, Dion and Ignatieff. He takes pride in ridding the country of what he considers to be left wing pursuits of former governments. However, the latter chapters deal with the several scandals that have preoccupied his government including the Mike Duffy Senated scandal and the Election Act reforms.
This is well worth reading… (más)

In this book, Paul Wells argues that Stephen Harper's success is a result of his superior understanding of Canada. And, that to really understand Canada's 22nd Prime Minister, we have to look beyond the man himself -- we have to look at how he thinks and uses his mind and his gut to position himself and his party.

Mr. Wells takes us through Canadian political history from about 2004 to the present day, disecting campaign strategies and voter reactions to show how Stephen Harper's understanding of Canadians allowed his party to win. And, not only to win, but to redefine the issues and the assumptions that support variouls positions on those issues. In this way, Mr. Wells is not only giving us a political history, but an examination of changing Canadian values.

Mr. Wells writes in a highly engaging style -- almost chatty at times. While, overall, the book portrays Mr. Harper as a winner and more competent than his Liberal and NDP opponents, I found in balanced and fair in its arguments.

Recommended for all with an interest in Canadian politics.… (más)