O-Bama in O-Town

I enjoyed this. I make no secret of my admiration for the United States, and also no secret of my admiration for Stephen Harper.

It was nice to see Canada so well-represented in this meeting. I think back in my mind to a past presidential visit involving former PM Jean Chretien, and how ashamed I was of our leader and the way he portrayed Canada to the world.

This was certainly not the case yesterday. I was struck (unlike most of the Canadian press) not so much with Obama's presence or his words, but with Stephen Harper's.

You see, I've always thought that Stephen Harper looks like a promotional cardboard cutout of himself, and I would think that this would play out poorly next to the obviously charismatic Obamessiah.

It didn't. Harper handled himself with aplomb and poise. He portrayed Canada as confident and willing to contribute.

I don't care if Obama "loves Canada". That's nice, thank you.

I do care that we have a leader that we can be proud of.

Finally.