Let Bob Rae be the leader for now

We have a choice between an insanely quick 5 month leadership race and one that could last as long as 21 months. I had preferred a middle option, and I still contend it’s the optimal scenario, for reasons I won’t rehash here. However, these are the choices Liberals must confront. Given yesterday’s appointment of Mr. Rae as interim leader, I see the longer option as the preferred course and that’s where my vote will go.

I have little doubt that part of the calculation for this 18-21 month delay is in consideration of Mr. Rae’s parameters he set out. That aside, there is much logic in allowing Rae the proper timeframe to enact certain reforms, address the tough issues at hand and develop a strategy moving forward. To increase the odds of ultimate success, the longer option best suits, Rae has the mandate to dictate, a certain authority allowed because of the timeframe.

When we vote, if Liberals choose a quick leadership, we will only have 4 months to make the selection. When I close my eyes all I see is pure chaos, hasty and not well thought out decisions, not to mention a tertiary discussion about the issues we face. I really don’t see a healthy scenario where various contenders articulate their visions for the party, the country, I see a mad dash that frankly stifles renewal. I want to see new people enter the fray, bringing in new members under their prescription, debate over direction, put these people through their paces, allow as much diversity as possible. A quick race narrows the field to our current caucus, and I see no advantage with this limited scenario. 

The quick option isn’t really an option from here, it’s an added layer of self inflicted madness we simply don’t need. With Rae at the helm, I’m comfortable giving him the required time to lay the groundwork for the party. Weighing the only two imperfect options, the longer option is relatively more appealing.