Not bad for an evil dictator with a secret agenda who hates democracy, eh? 
[Godwin]Hitler painted watercolours…[/Godwin] :smack:
Actually that is pretty cool and something I would have loved to see. Political leaders starting a band and/or just jamming together. Proposed band name: The Frontmen.
I wonder how much personal time any MP even spends with people in other parties?
I figure it was just a way to say something nice, but not actually say much of substance. Struck me as a little bit closer to feint praise somehow.
I would imagine some time, if not a significant portion of time. I’m thinking here of working in any office–you’ll see the same faces often, exchange banter in the lunchroom (“How’s the family? Played any golf recently? See the game last night?” sort of thing), and make a few friends along the way. If you don’t see eye-to-eye politically, that’s okay; they’re still good people. Now, swap out “any office” above for “Parliament Hill,” and I’d guess the same thing would obtain–an MP would encounter other MPs, of all political stripes, in the hallways, washrooms, eating areas, and similar; in addition to the House. For an MP not to be civil and pleasant to all of his or her fellow workers, no matter who or from what party (and perhaps getting to know them as more than just fellow workers), would surprise me.
I’ll also miss the jam session that never was. Hearing Harper on piano together with Layton on guitar would have been fun.
I think they would have sang Hello, Goodbye.
I know personally that several MPs have good working relationships and even cordial friendships with other MPs with whom they profoundly disagree on policy.
That’s good to know; and I wonder if having that be more public would be a good thing for politics in general? It seems everyone agrees that Jack Layton was friendly and polite - I’m not sure it’s the public perception that most people have of most politicians.
A Layton-Harper Hello, Goodbye would have been hilarious. With Duceppe and Iggy/Rae/Liberal-leader-of-the-week piping up a “Bonjour” and “Au revoir!” at the last minute. On a Canada Day special! Oh, the possibilities our government could have
Actually, Bob Rae is a very good pianist as well - a piano trio (Jack Layton played both piano and guitar…) involving those three leaders would have been something to behold…