Doug Ford is destined to become the Premier of Ontario and one of the most powerful politicians in the country, before summer comes.The operative word is “destined.” How else do you wrap your head around the presumed ascension of one who, a couple years ago, presented as a man singularly unsuited to guide a prosperous and diverse province.It’s hard to envision that Ford has changed. However, political circumstances have. And when luck, timing and opportunity converge, destiny is an apt explanation for the phenomenon.Ford’s path to the Pink Palace at Queen’s Park is being greased by some of the most spectacular political intrigue bordering on tragi-comedy. He couldn’t have designed it better.Ontario’s ruling party has fallen to such disrepute that an opposition party simply has to show up, say as little as possible, stay sober and plan the victory party even before the votes are counted on election night, June 7.That’s been the conventional wisdom as poll after poll show Kathleen Wynne and her Liberal party plunging to unrecoverable depths in public opinion.Eschewing the more contentious planks in the typical Conservative platform, Patrick Brown presented himself as a moderate, progressive Conservative who offered an Ontario for all people, all classes, creed, sexuality, race. Believe it if you wish. Some elements of the Conservative base felt betrayed but compromise is the art of politics. Why bring attention to your fundamental, divisive and controversial traits when victory lies in the path of least resistance? So the Conservatives elected Brown their leader, released a broad platform and started planning to govern.You know the rest. Brown was accused of sexual impropriety and the party immediately asked him to resign. Brown did. A new mini leadership race was called. Brown changed his mind and registered to seek the job he just vacated. More charges emerged of party shenanigans and irregularities in local Conser ...
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