February 08, 2005
Chrétien ends testimony with a parting shot for Gomery
Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien finished up his testimony today with devastating parting blow aimed at inquiry Commissioner John Gomery. Justice Gomery famously called the Mr. Chrétien "small-town cheap" for the purchase of golf balls bearing his name and the Maple Leaf Flag. In response to the last question from his lawyer, the former PM produced a series of golf balls given to him by three US Presidents, one US Vice President and the President of the Philippines.
Mr. Chrétien referred to George Bush, Bill Clinton, Al Gore and George W. Bush as "small-town guys" then produced a golf ball bearing the logo of the Montreal law firm of Commission Counsel Bernard Roy and former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney noting that calling it "Westmount-cheap" is an "oxymoron."
It was a brilliant tactic that was both humourous and illustrated his point while having the added benefit (from Mr. Chrétien's point of view) of making Justice Gomery look like a fool.
He has also guaranteed that image will be the one people remember from his testimony rather than his awkward and often evasive answers to questions put to him by the Commission.
Confirmation, once again, that few do political theatre as well as Jean Chrétien.
Posted by maxthecat at February 8, 2005 04:44 PM
http://www.maxsmewsings.com/mt/archives/2005/02/chrtien_ends_testimony_with_a_parting_shot_for_gomery.php