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I’ve Grown Accustomed to His Face

Today was Jean Chretien’s last day as Prime Minister of Canada, and he’s really leaving behind a true legacy.

Not a legacy of political reform or social betterment.  No, I’m talking about the legacy of his gnarled, expressive, weathered old crumpled face.  Once he’s gone, the editorial page of the newspaper will never be the same, and I doubt work will ever be as fun for our nation’s top political cartoonists.

More important people than me have found themselves in hot water for poking fun at the contorted face of our leader (paralyzed by Bell’s palsy), but you simply can’t deny that a politican who literally talks out of one side of his mouth is ripe for comedic picking.  And since he has such a great sense of humour himself, the fact that he looks like a grumpy old fisherman lookin’ to get into a barfight makes him the perfect foil for satirists. 

As for the new PM, Paul Martin, I think Henry Jacek put it best: “He’s going to have to try to make himself look exciting, because he’s boring as hell.”

Making fun of the Prime Minister will never be as fun.  So long, Jean!