Here& #39;s why I like this appointment so much. And in case people think it& #39;s a partisan thing, remember that @BobRae48 was not a Liberal when I made my bones. And although I had some friends who were very close supporters, I didn& #39;t play in the leadership runs he contested. #cdnpoli https://twitter.com/globeandmail/status/1280145620376752129">https://twitter.com/globeandm...

First and foremost, he& #39;s pure talent. Effortlessly competent. Curious about people, things and issues (such a necessary quality). Charming. And good at accomplishing things. So, no matter your politics we& #39;re lucky to have him. #cdnpoli

Second, he brings a particular blend of diplomatic and political experience. Lots of people think they& #39;re good at both. He& #39;s been proven to be good at both. And that& #39;s not common. Navigating this new job will require a heavy tug on each aptitude. #cdnpoli

Third, he& #39;s an avowed multilateralist at a time when multilateralism is under withering attack by lesser minds motivated by lesser goals. Bob Rae won& #39;t make the world fall back in love with the UN but he will be effective at reminding people why we need such institutions #cdnpoli

Fourth, if the opportunity presents, he& #39;s the kind of representative who might prove effective at helping to improve the UN. I know. The opportunity won& #39;t present itself. But the shadow of COVID is as good a time as any. And if that debate ever broke out, he& #39;d be good #cdnpoli

Fifth, from the 40s to the 80s his father Saul Rae was one of the giants of Canada& #39;s diplomatic golden age. Right next to Pearson, George Ignatieff, Escott Reid (no relation, sadly) etc. He even served a stint as Canada& #39;s UN Ambassador. Nice to see the circle come round. #cdnpoli