Let's keep it real, you could probably count on one hand those that actually thought Justin Trudeau stood a chance in his charity bout against Senator Brazeau. Just a boxing match, offensive to many, but in the final analysis the outcome is not without consequence.
In one evening, Trudeau has managed to obliterate all the stereotypical notions that surround him. The silver spooned prince, born of privilege and entitlement, forever within the long shadow of his father, there was always an element of the man that people didn't quite take seriously. There are many people who hate Justin Trudeau, and much of the loathing is based on what they perceive he represents, rather than observations about his true character. In a shocking performance, Trudeau defied the odds and will now benefit from a newfound respect that will forever change the way he is viewed, make NO mistake about it.
Sport is always fickle, and it is true Trudeau was one punch away from losing in the first round. However, that acknowledgement is irrelevant, Trudeau persevered, he countered, he excelled, he showed real GRIT, he kicked ass in a primal way and no matter your opinion of the sport, he is a more formidable political force because of it. The kid who grow up in the closest thing Canada has had to its own "royal family", went behind the schoolyard and won the fight, leaving his detractors in shambles, all the preconceptions utterly destroyed. Again, in terms of image moving forward, last night is not without consequence.
Time will tell what a charity boxing match means to Canadian politics, but Brazeau's black eye this morning, at the hands of the critics who called him "Justine", translates to a recalibration, at least on the perception front. Justin Trudeau is a bad ass....
