Article content

Politicians often endure pressure and stress that would cause most of us to fold up like a cheap tent. Wildrose Leader Brian Jean is an extreme example of how these people somehow manage to stay upright and carry on.

You only had to talk to him Wednesday, from back home in Fort McMurray and his burned-out house, to marvel at this kind of dogged strength.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Braid: The pain and courage of Brian Jean Back to video

Last week Jean ran into trouble with visiting Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and his finance critic, Derek Fildebrandt, whom he suspended from caucus.

Then, three days later, Fildebrandt was back, after a fierce backlash from the core of Jean’s party.

It all raised questions about Wildrose unity and Jean’s grip on his leadership, as well as his judgment.

“It’s not something I’m proud of,” Jean said Wednesday, referring to that whole wild situation. “Not at all. I will make mistakes and I just hope Albertans can forgive that and we move on.”

From the start, the whole episode didn’t feel quite right. Everything about it — from the verbal attack on the Ontario premier to Fildebrandt’s ejection — seemed too wildly off-centre.