Ruminations

Blog dedicated primarily to randomly selected news items; comments reflecting personal perceptions

Monday, February 23, 2009

A Gracious Host

Quite the occasion, that was. President Obama visiting the capital of Canada, standing side by side with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. A contrast in some ways, a match in others. President Obama tall, slim, the slight edge in height over a heftier Prime Minister Harper; one dark, the other light, one supremely self-confident, the other obviously self-aware. Dignity was apparent, and a spark of recognition leaped from one to the other.

Ill at ease, but courteous, for Mr. Harper is so obviously uncomfortable in the public eye, and in contrast, Mr. Obama is not, his gracious openness very much in evidence. But there were unexpected gestures; Mr. Harper gently guiding his guest back to the entrance portals of the Center Block, to recognize and reward the American President's admirers, those many who had stalwartly camped out against a cold Ottawa February day in their determination to catch a glimpse of the new world order.

They stood together, acknowledging the fervour of the adoring crowds, people who braved the weather and the warnings from authorities that they would be better advised to view the proceedings from the warmth of their home, through their television screens. Security was tight, parking unavailable, and no accommodations would be made for the comfort of the bystanders. They found their comfort in the unanticipated sight of the two men standing together, waving.

Television viewers were, after all, rewarded fulsomely, able to watch as the two men proceeded into the Center Block, ascending the steps to the great hall, and President Obama clearly impressed with the Gothic architecture, the stone carvings, the ceiling spirals, turning to Prime Minister Harper to express his appreciation. Upstairs to the second-floor, overlooking the balcony, striding confidently between rows of Canadian and American flags.

And on into the confines of the Prime Minister's Center Block office.

Later on, in the afternoon, at the press conference that lasted longer than any might have anticipated, with a mere four questions permitted, two for American reporters, two for Canadian reporters, the men stood together, as equals, as friends, and Mr. Harper bloomed. He spoke with calm authority as befits his position, not hesitating to articulate his vision of the relationship between the two countries.

Mr. Obama had the grace and the wit to support everything that Mr. Harper said. The new president's endearing qualities as a sensitive human being, a highly intelligent individual, above all, a consummate communicator, took nothing away from Mr. Harper on this occasion. True, Mr. Obama's appearance and his personality, his wide-open smile, his amiability toward others marked a contrast toward the gravitas of Mr. Harper, but neither was the poorer for the contrast.

President Barack Obama's presence, his early courtesy call on the country next door to his own was highly appreciated. Canadians took great pleasure in witnessing this mesmerizing personality making himself comfortable in the presence of Canadians, in our seat of political authority. His skillful tact in reaching a balance between himself and our prime minister spoke to his bright and empathetic personality.

We enjoyed President Obama's visit, brief though it was, to this country, and were impressed by his unabashed willingness to demonstrate his own personal and very human proclivities and needs, happy to temporarily shed his mantle of leader for that of a fond father. But it is Mr. Harper's sensitive handling of the situation, his ability to teach us yet again that he is more than the sum of our comprehension of him, that truly rewarded us.

Bravo, Prime Minister.

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