Article content continued

And that, it appears, is what politicians increasingly think politics is all about, and what they get into politics for. If politicians in the past wanted power — to do what they thought would be best, or simply for the pleasure of exercising it — many modern politicians seem to go into politics principally for the celebrity aspect of it.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is not exceptional in this. He may be exceptionally well qualified for it — nice looking with a pleasant manner and a ready smile — but he is certainly not unique. Even early in his presidency, it was clear that U.S. President Barack Obama travelled more and talked more than his predecessors. As the president of the United States serves both as head of state and as head of government, the role has always had certain ceremonial obligations, but Obama’s public presence goes well beyond that.

It’s true that Trudeau has been criticized in some circles for emphasizing pomp and pageantry over substantive public policies, including by some National Post columnists over the past few weeks. Jen Gerson wondered what exactly was the point of the “spectacle” of Trudeau turning up in Edmonton for a photo op with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley. Andrew Coyne assessed Trudeau’s first 100 days as prime minister and found a preference for show over substance.

Michael Den Tandt suggested Trudeau should forgo “pageantry” and “lower his profile.” But why should we expect him to? That’s not what he went into politics for. He went into politics to build on the celebrity he inherited from his father. No one could think he went into politics because he had been thinking a lot about government and how to get it right. And, for the most part, Trudeau’s show has been playing well with the public.