Years ago, I shared a table with Avi Lewis on a CBC panel show calledCounterspin. The details of the debates themselves have faded, the daily news cycle a blur of forgotten arguments. But Avi… Avi remains vividly clear in my memory.
He possessed a rare combination of intellect and genuine warmth. He wasn’t interested in dominating the conversation, but in fostering it, challenging perspectives without resorting to antagonism. Even knowing his deeply rooted New Democratic convictions – a legacy stretching back through two generations of his family – he never felt preachy or dogmatic.
I recall teasing him once, observing, “You’re an angry young man.” His response, delivered with perfect deadpan timing, was simply, “I’m not young.” The exchange was so sharp, so perfectly calibrated, that CBC actually used it in a promotional spot.
That quick wit, that strategic mind, is precisely why so many are underestimating Avi Lewis now. The recent NDP leadership convention has been widely dismissed, caricatured as a gathering of political outsiders. The prevailing narrative paints him as naive, even foolish.
This assessment is profoundly mistaken. To dismiss Avi Lewis is to ignore the forces at play, and to underestimate the man himself. There are three compelling reasons why he deserves serious consideration.
First, his upbringing was steeped in political acumen. His father, Stephen Lewis, was a masterful orator, respected across the political spectrum. Theirs was a partnership built on mutual respect and intellectual rigor, a family environment that fostered both passion and strategic thinking. Avi didn’t just grow up *around* politics; he absorbed it.
His campaign itself demonstrated this inherent skill. He garnered more media attention and raised more funds than all other candidates combined, securing a decisive first-ballot victory. These aren’t the results of an amateur; they’re the hallmarks of a seasoned political operator.
Second, the political landscape has shifted dramatically, creating an unprecedented opportunity. The recent return of populist rhetoric south of the border has fundamentally altered the dynamics of political engagement. Voters rejected a candidate who echoed those divisive tones, and embraced one who offered a more moderate path.
This shift has pulled the Liberal Party back towards the centre, potentially leaving a void for a genuinely progressive voice. And Avi Lewis is uniquely positioned to fill it. The success of progressive candidates in other arenas demonstrates a clear appetite for alternatives, an appetite Lewis is poised to satisfy.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Avi Lewis possesses an undeniable likability. He’s approachable, media-savvy, and naturally charismatic – qualities that are increasingly rare, and undeniably valuable, in the world of politics. He connects with people in a way that his rivals simply do not.
While his positions on certain issues may be controversial, his background offers a degree of protection against accusations of malice. And, strategically, it’s likely he adopted a more radical stance during the leadership race, knowing he could moderate his approach once elected. It’s a classic political maneuver, and one he’s well-equipped to execute.
Avi Lewis is smart, strategic, personable, and politically astute. He has the potential to be a formidable force. Don’t underestimate him. Watch him closely.
