Harper versus Ignatieff, Clinton versus Rice

Are we ready for the new faces of politics?

On Canada's own Maclean's magazine, Harper-lite Liberal leadership contender Michael Ignatieff looks like he's about to challenge the Prime Minister to a hockey-goon-style bust up. Meanwhile, Democratic former first lady and New York Senator Hillary Clinton gazes up on the cover of Time smiling at something - no doubt, George W's approval ratings.

The juxtaposition of their mugs this week was interesting. The political opposition in both Canada and the US are both trying to recover from electoral disappointment in a modern electoral millieu where getting a percentage point or two more of the popular vote than last time can be decisive. The Democrats have squandered far more time getting their act together, but both Liberals and Democrats are currently suffering from a lack of clear leadership and inspirational policy.

I'll be keeping an eye on Ignatieff. It would be nice to have some election debates with candidates that don't have to rely on speech writers to formulate policy.

Looking to our southern neighbors, though, I have fond but faint hopes for a real contest in 2008: Hillary Clinton versus Condoleeza Rice.

Bill's ethical dissolution seems not to have hurt his wife's reputation. If anything, it casts Hillary in a comparatively purer light.

To an even greater extent, Condoleeza seems unaffected by the shadow of George Bush Jr.'s unpopularity, even as she has risen to become possibly the most powerful woman on the planet. The American Secretary of State and chief diplomat reportedly is closer to Bush than anyone. Her teflon status could be a very advantageous talent should she choose to preserve some continuity between administrations by throwing her hat into the ring.

With a minority parliament, Canadians will likely run through the election mill before our US cousins. That contest will be exciting enough on its own. But when Americans go to the polls, I'm looking forward to seeing a woman running the White House - no matter which party gets elected.

tags: political ambition, Michael Ignatieff, Stephen Harper, Hillary Clinton, Condoleeza Rice