Mar
Friends with benefits
Jennifer Hills
Perhaps a better term would be “bro-mance.” I am of course talking about the love affair between Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff and US President Barack Obama. If you need proof, check out the article in the April edition of Toronto Life with the same title.
Both men seem to be long lost brothers separated at birth. Both graduates from Harvard and accomplished authors, it would appear the Canadian Prime Minister has nothing on these “siblings.”
It seems the Liberals have made the most of President Obama’s four-second visit to Canada in February. Their brief conversation even found time for a photo opportunity that made its début south of the border almost instantly. The photo was projected in Times Square and on the Las Vegas strip for two days.
Total cost: $1,100 for the distribution rights. Impressions: millions. Seeing Harper’s face when he realized Iggy’s face was plastered everywhere? You know the saying.
So I may be going out on a limb here – but I bet a lot of Americans were either very confused or assumed it was Harper.
Thoughts?
A classic example of how good communications can lend an air of leadership to an organization that is not, in fact, leading…but could be soon.
Just a friendly observation from south of the border — Americans who follow international politics would very likely know who he is. Those who don’t follow international politics wouldn’t think he was Harper because they likely wouldn’t know who Harper is.
But, to the PR point, I agree with Catherine that the visit/photo op etc. is a good example of communicating leadership even when one is not in the leadership positions (but wants to be). To look at the other side of the photo, Obama’s rapport with international leaders played a big part in showcasing leadership to U.S. voters, which was critical since his resume wasn’t as long as McCain’s.