by Carolyn Jarvis
Is Harper wearing makeup?
No, really.
That was my first impression – a newbie west coaster standing in the foyer of the House of Commons, anxious to report the latest on the Helena Guergis/Rahim Jaffer affair.
"Yup. Foundation. The other leaders do too," a fellow reporter kindly informed me.
Harper. The Calgary boy. In makeup.
Get breaking National news
Who knew?!
I know, I know… I should be focusing on the politics – but really this only serves to underline the theatrics of it all.
From above in the press gallery, I watched the drama of it all continue, hoping my buzzing BlackBerry wouldn't vibrate on the desk and fall on the politicians below.
While leaders embarked on their monologues, backbenchers wrote cheques, flipped through pamphlets and sent text messages. And just when I was convinced they were completely dozing off – they'd stand on cue like the Hallelujah chorus of the Messiah (apologies to Handel) praising their leader. "Unethical!!!" they shouted.
Sadly, it seems to boil down to a "who's going to yell loudest to get on TV" contest.
Jack Layton does it well. Today he referenced Magnum PI – and that seemed to get a few chuckles – and air time.
And another thing while I'm pontificating about this whole parliamentary procedure – what's with the black suits?!? Looking from above, it's a sea of dark. Mostly on the Tory side – and truly, that is not a partisan remark – just a fashion observation. It's like someone sent out a memo in the morning, saying they had to wear black or their darkest shade of navy.
Really. If we're going to wear makeup, why not spice it up with a little colour too?
Anyhow…just my two cents. A Vancouver girl – sworn to Gortex and micro-fleece.
This town is fun though.
Stay tuned for the reports.
I'll be the one in the black suit :)
Carolyn will be reporting from Ottawa for Global National for the next several weeks.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.