Wildrose Alliance Leader Danielle Smith was in the public eye in the morning in a press conference held in Calgary.
See here for Global Calgary’s coverage of the event, almost whole.
Early impressions from me:
Danielle is relaxed in front of the media and gives very intelligent answers without needing crib notes. I think that bodes well right there. Second she has been well trained in the past and does not have some of the verbal ticks which politicians and hockey players love, “um,” “yah know” that sort of thing.
Second, she is forceful but positive. She doesn’t hesitate on answers but almost always, even when ducking them, presents a very positive image. Even her spin on the Stelmach leadership was spun the Alliance for Albertans way.
She also connects far better than any of her previous competitors, save Klein, with the public. You cannot meet her and not like her even if you disagree with her. I found myself many times watching the reaction of others and you get the sense that even disagreeing they have a grudging sense of admiration.
Finally, it is nice to have a woman in a leadership role who is not looked at negatively. Even Ralph Klein, interviewed by global said she was a nice person. That is what sets her so far apart from other leadership contenders who came across as elitist or bitter. And as she spreads her positive message she looks more like this guy, in presentation, than this guy.
Oh and on a further note I will be in Red Deer for the big day for the Tories as a member of the CKUA Sunday Magazine Panel. It should be a fun day for those of us watching from outside the party.
Tags: Danielle Smith, Politics, Wildrose Alli, Wildrose Alliance
