Did anyone see the CBC documentary on Jean Chretien last night?

[Screaming Lord Byron]

Big Dog was on, seems to have a genuine admiration for the old man, Blair had 30 seconds on camera and still managed to sound phoney. Must be a gift.
Chretien had a truly bizarre childhood and early life, and seeing the documentary really gives you a much better sense of this unique Canadian icon.

[pink_poodle]

1. I didn't see it, but I do respect him. Will watch for a re-run...........

thanks for letting us know.

[Lisa]

2. some insight into why Dubya seems to hate Jean so much ...

During the scene where Chretien walks over to the grave where TEN of his siblings, who died in childhood, are buried ... I suddenly realized that there are significant parallels in the lives of the two men. Both are dismissed as not being intelligent. Both have the reputation for being tough and arrogant, but charming when they want to be. Both cultivate an incoherent manner when talking with the press. They both like golf and baseball (in fact, both organized players' leagues in their youth). Both were rebels at school. Both experienced family tragedies. (And as far as the kids go ... Bush's struggles with the twins are minor, next to the problems that Chretien, through no fault of his own, has gone through with his adopted son.)

If George W. Bush REALLY were the character he presents himself as, he would get along quite well with Chretien, because they would have a lot of things in common. I think Bush is jealous of "the little guy from Shawinigan" because Chretien's experiences make him look like a phony by comparison. Bush wants everyone to believe he's just a humble unsophisticated country boy (even though he grew up in a wealthy family). Chretien actually IS that kind of person. And I think Bill Clinton was onto something when he said that Chretien had worked his way up to the top job from humble origins, and that it seems to antagonize certain people.

Is it possible that Bush is actually scared that Chretien sees through him, and has been telling the other leaders this?

[HEyHEY]

4. No I think the others know it too

I honeslty think it's cause Jean is French..one of the US bigot's favourite things to hate.

[Lisa]

9. I liked the part where Chirac and Chretien were arguing ...

... but managed to reconcile their differences. I think that being able to work with and respect people you may not always agree with is the sign of a true statesman! It was very touching, how President Chirac asked our PM to speak to the G8 meeting as the most senior leader present ... I really hope that George W. Bush shows this level of professionalism (but I'm not optimistic, alas).

[Minstrel Boy]

5. All good points. Unfortunately I think Bush

is a sociopathic personality, and lacks empathy and self-knowledge.

[Bozita]

8. I like your take.

Very logical.

[HEyHEY]

3. missed out...will it be on again?

[Screaming Lord Byron]

6. There is a repeat showing later on in the week.

can't remember if it was Weds or Sunday though, sorry.

[Lisa]

7. yes -- I think Newsworld's re-running it

http://www.cbc.ca/lifeandtimes/chretien.html

Dec 7 and 12:

http://www.cbc.ca/lifeandtimes/sched_nw.html