We asked Michael Healey a few questions about his comedy, 1979, and why the Conservative Party fascinates him.

Joe Clark? Why?

His premiership is such an interesting historical hinge point. If he had managed to survive as PM, Trudeau might have actually retired. Then it would have fallen to Clark to lead the No side in the ‘82 referendum. Who knows how that might have turned out. 

Also, had he been successful, Mulroney might have stayed in the private sector. Mulroney’s premiership led to the creation of the modern CPC under Harper, the last truly radical thing that’s happened in our federal politics. 

Clark is also interesting to me as an example of personal principle and integrity getting in the way of succeeding in politics, which is a favourite subject of mine for comedy. 

You wrote Proud (Belfry 2014) about Stephen Harper. Why does the Conservative Party fascinate you?

The struggle to create a centre-right party in a centre-left country is interesting (to me). Manning and Harper had to catalyze resentment, break the existing PC movement and then re-form. After all that, they had to finally decide on policy. This is radical, it’s backwards, and all happened essentially pre-internet. 

The other answer is that I find Harper, as a strategist, a charisma-free campaigner, and a psychological black hole interesting. 

Have you met any of the politicians you’ve written about? Did they give you feedback?

No. I’d love to interview Harper someday. 

Why are Brown Corduroy or Tan suits a no-no for politicians?

These are, self-evidently, beta colours. 

Which of Canada’s past Prime Ministers would have been best suited to deal with the current U.S. President—?

Well, no one would charm him better than Mulroney, I bet. But no one can deal with a moral void with all the available power. Maybe Mackenzie King would at least meet crazy with crazy. 

How do you think Joe Clark will be remembered by history—?

He had such a long career post-premiership as a statesman and academic, and these are what he’ll be remembered for. His basic decency will be remembered as his greatest virtue and largest political flaw. 

How do you think he should be remembered—?

As a cautionary figure for those aspiring to political office. 

Anything else you would like to add?

Do you have Stephen Harper’s number?