Poilievre lacks pizzazz, and that’s OK

OAKVILLE, ONT.– A political party doesn’t necessarily need a popular or likable leader to have a big lead in the polls. This is especially true if we’re talking about a conservative leader. Case in point is Canada’s Conservative Party, which is doing well in the polls, but which also has a leader in Pierre Poilievre who isn’t exactly a rock-star politician. Don’t get me wrong. Poilievre is certainly an intelligent, experienced, and capable individual. But there’s no “Pierremania” erupting in this country right now. Canadians aren’t flocking to his banner because they’re attracted to his charisma or to his winning, affable personality. Rather, the polls tell us Canadians are seemingly parking their votes with the Conservatives not because they like Poilievre, but because they just don’t like Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Indeed, according to a recent Abacus Data poll, 40 per cent of Conservative supporters say their vote is more about disliking the prime minister and the Liberals than it is about liking Poilievre. More interestingly, that same poll also indicates 65 per cent of those who have a neutral or negative view of Poilievre who still plan to vote Conservative say it’s because they dislike the Liberals and Trudeau. In other words, people who don’t like Poilievre like Trudeau even less. Meanwhile, another Abacus poll—this one conducted in July—showed that only about one in three Canadians even recognized Poilievre when shown a picture of him. In short, Poilievre is not a celebrity-style charisma machine, dazzling voters with his glamour. So why doesn’t that seem to matter? Why is Poilievre still poised to win the next election? Well, the fact is for conservative politicians, such as Poilievre, lacking star power is actually a feature, not a bug. Things like charisma, personal magnetism, and aspirational rhetoric are traits normally associated with politicians on the left. I say that because politicians on the left usually win elections when the voting public is in the mood for new ideas, new ways of doing things, and new visions of the future. Basically, voters want to replace boring and bland leaders with exciting and non-traditional ones. In the past, charismatic politicians like John F. Kennedy, Pierre Trudeau, Barack Obama, Jack Layton, and Justin Trudeau have filled this need. Currently, U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris seems to be channelling this sort of energy. Inevitably, however, the positive political spirit of the left eventually collides with political reality. Lofty expectations are not met, disappointment sets in, then disillusionment. When that happens is the public shifts gears and seeks strong leadership. Voters will want a leader capable of cleaning up any messes in government, and who will set the country back on the right track. It’s in this sort of political environment where conservative politicians have a chance to shine. Yes, they may lack pizzazz and flash and may even be unlikable, but they offer something anxious and disillusioned voters desire: stolid competence. Politicians like Richard Nixon, George W. Bush, Donald Trump, Stephen Harper, and Doug Ford would fit into this category. One notable exception to this rule is former U.S. president Ronald Reagan, who somehow managed to combine hardcore conservatism with likable charisma. This is why Conservative strategists don’t need to be concerned if polls continue to show that Poilievre is seen as the “lesser of two evils.” It doesn’t matter if he isn’t perceived as lovable or cuddly; it doesn’t matter if he can’t enthrall the masses. As long as he continues to stress that he's the only guy capable of mending a “broken” Canada, then—lovable or not—he has a clear path to victory. Gerry Nicholls is a communications consultant. The Hill Times

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Poilievre lacks pizzazz, and that’s OK

For conservative politicians, lacking star power is actually a feature, not a bug.

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