By Jeewan Ambat, political columnist
Kevin O’Leary. Businessman, TV personality on Shark Tank and now potential future Prime Minister of Canada? I would laugh, but since the election of President Donald J. Trump and the absurdities that have come out of the White House in recent times, it comes across as an almost logical progression of sorts. Yes, Kevin O’Leary, at the beginning of this year, formally announced his entrance into the Conservative leadership race (the election to be held in May of this year).
Many Americans looking into O’Leary’s campaigning might see eerily strong parallels to that of Trump, as O’Leary displays much of the bravado, hardheadedness and “straight-shooter” charisma right from Shark Tank. It appears most of O’Leary’s supporters, especially online, are impassioned and exhibit the same cult-like behaviors. In the same way I analyzed Trump’s win many months ago, I can see the appeal of O’Leary. He makes his verbal delivery very simple, leaning on catchy phrases to impress either to impress something upon the audience, or just to impress them. He talks about how we should “phase Justin Trudeau out” and claims he wants to phase out oil sands in Alberta.
However, when it comes to his general political views, things become mixed. True, O’Leary wants to reduce tax regulation, abolish the carbon tax and force NATO countries to meet their contribution targets. While he believes in climate change, he doesn’t believe it’s a high priority right now. However, O’Leary also appears pro-immigration, wanting to provide a “fast track to citizenship” for immigrants seeking labor in Canada. Also, he is pro-LGBTQA+ rights, pro-gun control and pro-marijuana legalization.
While O’Leary exhibits a clear lack of fit for political office in his presentation and (lack of) in-depth knowledge on issues, to me, he is a candidate for corporations and businesses, someone who would try to influence policy explicitly to benefit business on economic issues while remaining fairly liberal on social policy. This is, of course, on the premise that he is truthful in the expression of his positions overall, but to be honest, I trust him more than Trump in this regard.
The election of Donald Trump in the United States, in isolation, was a historic event. We witnessed a media celebrity successfully attain one of the highest positions of political power. If in the next Federal Canadian elections O’Leary is elected Prime Minister, a global trend is highly probable. We may see many more celebrities running for political office with legitimate chances of winning.
Like I mentioned before, I see this as the next logical next step in the ever growing merging of media, celebrity and politics. In the United States, there always was a hint of celebrity when it came to Presidential elections, where many successfully exhibit charisma and “charm” to rival that of a Hollywood actor. Ronald Reagan notably came from a Hollywood background, although he was also a two-term governor of California.
In India, I’ve seen the cult-like behavior people exhibit regarding certain politicians for a long time. I’ve seen the reverence most people have to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hearing his supporters speak with such praise and worship reminds me heavily of how people talk about O’Leary and Trump. “Strong man for business,” “champion of the common man,” “will make us [India] a truly great country.” I’m pretty sure “Make India Great Again” was in there somewhere.
Lack of clear understanding about political systems and the role of public servants, an absence of critical thinking and deduction instruction in schools and cultures idolizing business and wealth above all else—maybe somewhere in the middle of all these possible explanations is the real reason for O’Leary’s probable success. While we are searching, it is worth reminding Canadians (and the world, for that matter) about what happens when people decide celebrity and flashy, faux-populist rhetoric are the qualifications for political office.
