Monday, August 08, 2005

Doc And Woody's First Day Back

It was show and tell day on the Doc and Woody Show. In addition to my recounts of PEI and Boston, I had booked a guest for the show over my cell phone while travelling the eastern seaboard. Ontario PC leader John Tory's communications director Brendan Howe called me last Friday on my way to New Hampshire to inform me of John's visit to Ottawa on Monday and asked if there was time for a drop-in. We communicated 3 times that day and each time I was in a different state. Man, did I feel important. "So this is what it's like to be a mover and shaker". Or, a more likely truth, "So this is what it's like to be dumb enough to leave your cell phone on". In any event, since we missed him during Grey Cup Week last fall, I was more than happy to set it up. Listeners of the show got to know the casual fun side of John as well as his refreshing approach to politics and people's concerns.
I've always found the guy to have a keen sense of humour and a deep commitment to his work. I also saw, for the first time, his great sense of composure when we blind-sided him with the sight of Eric the Intern dressed up as Daisy Duke. It wasn't pretty, folks, but John was true to the chaotic environment of the show and presented a gripping display of grace under pressure. This guy's got the goods. I've known John Tory for several months as leader of the Ontario PC Party, have spoken with him a half a dozen times or more and I've seen him in action with the public. For a guy who wasn't my first choice for leader, and I wasn't alone in Eastern Ontario, I was still comfortable with him winning the leadership. It's a feeling I was right about. If you're finally sick of Dalton, pay close attention to John Tory over the next two years. You won't be disappointed.