4 years ago, when Dalton McGuinty stood on the podium to announce his election victory over Ernie Eves’ Tories, he wore an awkward expression – a mix of joy and trepidation. He knew he had his work cut out for him, even after gaining an overwhelming majority. He read his victory speech, talking to a joyous Liberal crowd. His lack of confidence, even after a massive victory, was plainly obvious to everyone who watched.
Yesterday evening, when he stepped onto that same podium, he was beaming with pride. His speech was confident, yet welcoming. It was delivered with a smile, and a smoothness that John Tory seemed to lack. After 4 years as Premier of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty became someone different. He’s no longer the shaky, detached lawyer he was as the opposition leader. In a quiet sort of way, he gave a sense of security, despite various portrayals by the media of him as a liar.
Even during the campaign, Dalton was unphased by opposition attacks – while the NDPs and Conservatives were busy attacking him with negativity and cynicism, McGuinty ignored all of it, and ran an almost spot-free positive campaign. His quiet confidence let him talk without resorting to low-blows.
Despite what the polls say, or what the oppositions paint, Dalton McGuinty has undoubtedly become a great leader – capable of handling criticism, and find confidence where many would have crumbled. I, for one, am proud to have McGuinty as my Premier.