I can't remember the last time I had this much fun watching an election. Toronto's mayoralty race has turned conventional wisdom on its head and truly exposed the fact that the emperor has no clothes.
It's not just that councillor Rob Ford's message of waste at city hall has found massive acceptance all over the city. It's not just that the conventional politicians are pulling out all the stop in desperation at the prospect of ignominious failure. It's not just watching certain media outlets frothing at the mouth at the prospect of watching a candidate that espouses everything they hate rising to the top of the polls.
No, it's watching the people of Toronto coming to the belated realization that the last thing this city needs is another 'visionary' who will continue to tax its citizens to near-poverty while grandstanding and pretending that the challenges we face can be easily fixed.
It's hard to imagine that there is even one lost lonely person in this city who would have applauded David Miller for flitting around the world babbling about environmental issues. In hindsight, the hubris displayed by George Smitherman in attending a conference in China for mayors back in the Spring seems simply staggering. Rocco Rossi's $8 billion tunnel to nowhere? Give me a break.
I am quite sure the people of Toronto are not expecting Ford, if he wins, to wave his magic wand and instantly set the city on the right track. I am sure, however, that most of them realize whatever he does it will be miles better than the hair-brained schemes of his fellow candidates.
A municipal election this much fun? Who would have thought it?