General Hillier on Coach’s Corner
Posted by Keelan on May 3rd, 2007
Public Relations machine, General Rick Hillier, Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff, was at it again yesterday.This time he was on Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry and Ron MacLean between the first and second period of game 5 between the Ottawa Senators and New Jersey Devils.
The General was interviewed from Afghanistan with Master Corporal Tom Charette of the 2nd Batallion Royal Canadian Regiment about the Canadian mission as they welcomed the Stanley Cup and several former NHLers to Kandahar.
I was watching the game in a bar that went absolutely dead quiet during the interview.
General Hillier has to be one of the most recognized, popular and respected individuals in Canada right now. He has done more with the CDS position than any of his predecessors.
He says he’s not a politician. By job definition, he’s not, but he’s probably the best one Canada has.
It would be a real loss if he doesn’t go into politics after his military career.
May 3rd, 2007 » 11:34 am
Hi Keelan:
I agree with most of what you say about Hillier. But I would like to make two points:
1. Gordon O’Connor, by all accounts a competent general, has been an utter disaster as MND.
2. Much of what makes Hillier a great CDS would quickly become political liabilities in our political culture. Frankness, bluntness, limited ability in French, a generalized Canadian dubiousness about the military (we love the soldiers, but aren’t entirely trustful of career soldiers as national leaders) — I’m not convinced he would have a successful career.
Besides (cynicism alert), there’s much more money to be made as a defence lobbyist, and with a much lower public profile.
May 4th, 2007 » 10:23 am
I think putting someone that previously worked in a department as its Minister is a mistake. Likely some baggage and likely don’t take advice that comes up from the department the same way someone that didn’t work there before would.
Frankness, bluntness – might be worth a try in a politician.