Touchdown: Harper plays host

I submit that the stakes were higher for Prime Minister Stephen Harper than they were for President Obama during the latter’s visit to Ottawa, and he, too, accomplished what he needed in terms of communications and optics. Like his guest, Harper needed to use this whirlwind visit to score some leadership points. It has been a tough winter for the PM, from the fizzled fiscal update through the political brinksmanship of the opposition coalition, the proroguing of Parliament and the do-over Throne Speech and budget. So basking in the glow of the world’s most popular leader would give Harper some much needed shine as a leader himself, provided he was still able to cast his own shadow – which he did. By showing some firmness in referencing issues like the U.S. position (or lack thereof) on emission targets or Canada’s commitment to North American security, Harper struck that all-important balance between being positioned close to the President of the United States – but not too close. It’s a fine balance to walk, and Harper’s on-the-job performance yesterday, coupled with a refreshingly open interview with Peter Mansbridge on CBC’s The National last night, earned him a communications Touchdown.