Michael Ignatieff
The Diplomat
People, composure and the difficult conversation held well.
Michael Ignatieff is a prominent political leader and academic known for his insights into the nature of politics and governance. This interview reveals his diplomatic approach to navigating political challenges, advocating for collaboration and understanding in a polarized environment.
“And even enjoy it. And I just wasn't cut out for that. I'm actually, I think, a pretty tough guy in a way, pretty resolute, but I really found that difficult. And I admire people who can put up with that and above all retain their sense of humor. I got very humorless about it towards the end.”
“Any favors? Let's put this to a vote. I eventually became the candidate. So from the get-go, it was absolute bloody shambles. And we got through it. And then we had an election and I campaigned for 55 days. Canada is, our listeners may know, is a little cold in the winter.”
“I think I learned I'm not bloody good as a politician. That's what I learned. I mean, I think, and I came out paradoxically with much greater respect for the few people who really are good at politics, who don't find message discipline painful, who aren't always yearning to express themselves, who don't really, this is the key thing, who…”
“These liberal elites who've had a pretty good run from the 60s onwards often did some very good things, understood the economy in a way that had never been understood before. We've had better economic management from the mid-60s onwards than in any period in history. So the liberal elite can be kind of proud of that in a way.”
The Rest Is Politics: Leading — 25: Michael Ignatieff: Fighting Orban's Global Conservative Cabal
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