He Shoots He Scores

Did anyone else notice this in Saturday's Toronto Star?

At first glance it appears to be an unsuspecting piece about the history of hockey in Toronto. In fact, I came across it only because I was checking for news on Mike Peca's injury from the previous night. I clicked on it because I, like other citizens of Leaf Nation, feel compelled to click on anything that contains the word "Leafs". (After all, the gramatically incorrect term applies to nothing other than our beloved hockey team). I read the article, found it quite interesting, and then noticed the author: Stephen Harper. The same one who, you know, runs the country.

Brilliant. Politically brilliant.

It's no secret that Harper has had trouble connecting with the average Torontonian. Perhaps they think of him as geographically too far removed in his Western home base, still too much of an unknown commodity, or not "Canadian enough" - at least in the stereotypical Ontario Tim-Horton's-drinking, backpack-flag-toting, Leafs-loving way. But what will they think when they discover that the Leafs-history piece they just read is written by none other than Harper himself? I can scarcely think of a better way to connect with middle-of-the-road voters who are uninterested in Harper out of unfamiliarity or mild reservation, yet would donate a kidney for the Stanley Cup, than to show them that underneath all the politics you share a common love of the game.

Of course, the best thing about this situation for the Conservatives is that it's not a ploy. Harper isn't pretending to like hockey just to win votes. He's been genuinely interested in it for years - long before running for leader of any party. He's even writing a book on it. This article is just Harper being himself.