Premier Gordon Campbell leads Mayor Gregor Robertson 3-1 in Olympic-related Today Show appearances

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      I might not have the correct statistics, because  they came as a result of a Google search. But it appears to me as though Premier Gordon Campbell is leading Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson 3-1 in NBC Today Show appearances.

      Normally, the mayor of the host city outshines the provincial or state leader whenever the Olympics are held. But Campbell has somehow managed to muscle the spotlight away from Robertson, in part because of his aggressive efforts to link himself to the Olympic torch relay. The provincial government's publicity machine is going at full speed to send out photos of the leader.

      Robertson went on the Today Show earlier this week when there was less interest in the Olympics south of the border. No pictures were distributed. Campbell got to appear on the opening day of the Olympics and had a video clip of his chat with Meredith Vieira prominently posted on the show's Web site. Naturally, Campbell's p.r. people made sure these photos got into the hands of the media. Campbell was also on the show last October and during the Beijing Olympics.

      All of this might appear fairly trivial. However, it's worth asking if our low-key, self-effacing mayor is missing opportunities to put Vancouver in the spotlight to an egotistical, competitive premier who will stop at nothing to use the Olympics to shine a positive light on his B.C. Liberal government.


      Follow Charlie Smith on Twitter at twitter.com/csmithstraight.

      Comments

      5 Comments

      Mike from Vic

      Feb 12, 2010 at 3:07pm

      Gregor Robertson has only been mayor for a year, and was previously a member of the BCNDP, which is overwhelmingly opposed to the games. Gordon Campbell has been premier for over 8 years, and has been one of the biggest proponents and supporters all along.

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      eddy

      Feb 13, 2010 at 8:24am

      I enjoyed the opening ceremonies and was impressed with how little footage compared to others on "center stage" Gordo actually got. For once the media got it right. Seeing him and how he looked, perhaps the media left him off the show for a reason. I only hope for the remainder of the games, press releases focus on the competitors, and do not waste print space or TV time trying to make Gordo and the BC liberals look good. I do not like being reminded of his record " a decade of deceit"

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      Disgusted in the Lower Mainland

      Feb 13, 2010 at 9:09am

      GC is a boob.. he looked completely demented as he jumped and waved his little flag during the opening ceromonies. One has to wonder if he had his designated driver with him. From the many e-miail lists i am on, it is clear that he has successfully managed to not only embarrass himself by being completely childish, superficial and egotisical, but is taking the rest of BC with him as well.
      Thanks, Gordie.. you have proven you are truly a self serving, almost maniacal, moron. I pray this adventure marks the beginning of you demise in politics - can we PLEASE call this your last hurrah??

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      stevie wonders

      Feb 13, 2010 at 12:44pm

      Regardless of whether you like him or not, Campbell has been a tireless promoter of the entire Olympic project (not just the torch relay) from the outset. Robinson, not.

      Additionally, due to our dated local governance model of divergent and inward-looking municipalities, we in fact have 3 host mayors in Metro alone: Vancouver, Richmond, and West Vancouver.

      And since the events at UBC's Thunderbird Arena are outside of the City of Vancouver's boundaries, the only appropriate political leader would have to default to current Metro Vancouver Chair (and Delta mayor) Lois Jackson (hardly an acceptable role).

      The day we have an elected Metro Vancouver mayor and council (i.e. modelled after the recently created London Council in England) is the day we will have one mayor to represent us.

      stevie

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      Bonnie

      Feb 20, 2010 at 1:19pm

      Campbell, is also going to promote, a huge Olympic deficit. BC's provincial deficit, will also be promoted, to, a whole lot higher than was promised. Do not forget, he said the Olympic budget was, right in line with his predictions. The paltry sum of the provincial deficit, was not even to be worried about. Why he made the remark, there were going to be new schools built, when well over a hundred were closed. There are to be 800, more teachers laid off. Prince George, is looking at many more closures. Hospitals are in a dreadful state, patients beds in the shower room, an entire floor was shut down. BC's assets and natural resources, are being sold out. What planet is, Campbell and Hansen on.

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