The man behind the blue sweater
This story by Randell Denley really touched me - Harper stands by his man McGarry in tough times. (Citizen) - H/T National Newswatch.
Conservative Candidate Brian McGarry offered to step aside in the election race, since his wife has a serious illness and he would not be able to give the campaign sufficient attention.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper wouldn’t hear of it, and told McGarry to just do what he could:
“‘This is what is want you to do. I want you to stick with it, do as much campaigning as you can, but if you can’t do any, don’t worry about it.’
“I left that room — I don’t usually admit to being a softie, but I had tears in my eyes,” McGarry said. “I thought, the guy is hanging in with me. I left there with a weight off my shoulders. I really appreciated his answer.
Mrs. Harper has stepped in to help by having their daughter over to 24 Sussex.
This quiet demonstration of compassion is so inspiring.
I wish the McGarry family all the best and pray for Mrs. McGarry’s recovery.
And perhaps the vandals in Ottawa Centre could look for something more constructive to occupy their time.
September 27th, 2008 at 8:22 am
When I read the article a tear came to my eye.
All the best to Mr.McGarry and his family.
September 27th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Very well spotted…it is good to have things like this exposed.
I echo JK too… sending up positive recovery thoughts to the universe for a complete recovery for Mrs. McGarry….
September 27th, 2008 at 9:10 am
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr Mcgarry and his family. Family is all that matters in the end..
September 27th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Very well spotted
Just added a H/T to National Newswatch. Should have done that right off the bat.
I find it very encouraging to see Denley cover a story like this. I think the ‘human’ side of politics resonates more than MSM realizes.
September 27th, 2008 at 10:44 am
This is the time for all conservatives in his riding to get out there and help, with door to door, etc.
Best wishes to him and his family.
September 27th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Terrific article - I would have missed it if not for this blog…thanks Joanne.
I have had occaision to be acquainted with Stephen Harper - many years ago now, but Denley describes exactly the fellow who met to encourage and support parents as decision-makers for their children.
He cared enough to sit down and talk with us about the prospect of more school choice in Ontario. We know how that worked for us don’t we.
We also know how a commitment to families and parents has worked for Harper.
Oh, and a Happy Birthday to Stephane Dion tomorrow.
I share the day with him exactly.
September 27th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
P.S. - May I be the first here to say that I am really sad to hear that Paul Newman has passed away. I’m blown away….but glad he’s out of pain. He gave us so many great reasons to go to the movies.
September 27th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Sol…since you brought him up…I liked Newman as well… and this tells much about his character (we are pro-family around here,eh?)
“When asked if he has been tempted to cheat on his wife Newman answered: I have steak at home…why would I go out for Hamburger?”
September 27th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
More Lib.’insiders’ twisting the knife…see Kinsella,and the comment ’sad to see what we built up,get pis*ed away’
Anyone catch the Dion speech from Ont again this am?He made the statement that “people are dying to vote Liberal”…isn’t that Joe Volpe’s demographic???
September 27th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Very sad about Paul Newman… but as Sol says at least he’s out of pain now.
On another topic, I attended a party rally this morning in Waterloo and heard Stockwell Day address the troops. Very inspiring! I hope to have a post up later today on it. Having a few computer problems right now.
September 27th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Stephen Harper is a class act. Canadians are fortunate to have a Prime Minister like him.
September 27th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
[...] in the future, and I am SO glad to have Stephen Harper as our Prime Minister. He is a brilliant, decent, compassionate man and as well as being a strong leader. But if Mr. Harper ever decided that he wanted a new challenge [...]
September 28th, 2008 at 9:27 am
[...] in addition to being compassionate, Stephen Harper is a brilliant, witty [...]
September 28th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Happy Birthday, Sol!!
October 4th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
[...] get a picture from a Liberal strategist showing a very human, compassionate side of Stephen Harper. Randall Denley recently gave us some insight into this kind side of the Prime Minister as [...]