Frame-Changer

An artist wins her party's nomination for public office.

Shortly after, a blogger posts a video she made to promote a play she created for the Fringe Festival, but under a banner that focuses not on the play's larger theme (being single) but on an ostensibly singular activity (masturbation).

Shortly after that, the artist withdraws her candidacy, claiming that the media attention would distract from her party's attempt to elect its members.

What is key here is the conversation between the artist/candidate and her party, a party that, according to the artist/candidate, told her in great detail of the consequences of her remaining in the race.

When asked just now -- just this minute by CKNW -- if she would run as an independent, the artist/candidate spoke of setting up a series of public forums based on issues of individual agency, adding at the end that she was, at this moment, undecided.

As to the question of the artist/candidate's suitability for public office, I would say yes, she is, based on her decision to step down, which is a pragmatic decision, and pragmatism is the dominant political philosophy of our time.

Would I vote for this candidate if she were to run as an independent? Yes. Not because I prefer independent candidates, but because I favour politicians with the fortitude to take on that which has been dealt them. Because life -- and politics -- is like that, and who doesn't want their politicians to be amongst the living?