Tom Flanagan, a political science professor at the University of Calgary, is known as the man who shaped many of Stephen Harper's views. He actually spent a few years as Harper's personal adviser, and though the apparently fell-out, he remains influent in Conservative circles.
Flanagan is by all accounts a perfectly amiable gentleman. As a serious political scientist and well-connected Conservative, one can easily understand why journalists are so eager for his take on politics and current events. But Tom Flanagan isn't an expert on everything. Judging by coverage in the past few days, we seem to be taking his word a little too far.
Who did the Globe and Mail invite for its online real-time coverage of this week's budget: Tom Flanagan.
Who has the National Post been inviting to comment on the purpose of prorogation: Tom Flanagan.
Who has the Globe and Mail been inviting to discuss Senate Reform: Tom Flanagan.
Who has been telling every newspaper in the country that the patriotism of the conservative base explains the Government's decision not to change the lyrics of the national anthem two days after it promised to update them in its Speech from the Throne: Tom Flanagan.
Once again, I'm sure Tom Flanagan is a great guy... but surely he can't be an economist, a sociologist, an expert in constitutional law and a political scientist.
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