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Nineteen years ago next Thursday, Justin Trudeau delivered a eulogy at the state funeral for his illustrious father that had me, like countless other Canadians, weeping like a baby and thinking, oh my God, here’s another Pierre.

Now, almost two decades later, I cringe at the recollection of my naiveté in thinking Justin Trudeau might be made of the same stuff as his old man.

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A lot of Canadians, especially in Western Canada, hated Pierre Trudeau’s guts. But there was no denying his towering intellect, dominating presence, soaring rhetorical skills and my-way-or-the-highway attitude. He was, love him or loathe him, a true leader who really didn’t give a damn what we thought of him.

But Justin Trudeau, it has been heartbreaking to discover over the past four years, especially over the last couple of weeks, is living proof the apple does, at times, fall far from the tree.

My first inkling Justin might not be Pierre reincarnated came a few years ago, well before he became Liberal leader, when he spoke to adoring fans at the Caboto Club. Striding back and forth, mic in hand, he owned the stage and had his audience hanging on every word.