"There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore, smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends."

- J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

A young man of noble parentage is called upon to fulfill an historic role.

He is sent to learn wizardry, spells and dark arts at a special school where only a handful of the chosen few are taught by a strange collection of misfit magicians.

During his studies, a sinister and enormously powerful enemy arises to threaten the very existence of all that is good and right.

Will this young man emerge as a hero, defeating these forces of darkness and vanquishing forever the snake that enables their evil deeds?

Or will Justin Trudeau decline the leadership of the federal Liberal Party?

To read some pundits, one would think the 40-year-old Member of Parliament is the party's own Harry Potter, their only hope to battle the Lord Voldemort of Canada - Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Yet, while former Liberal prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau's son may have cast a spell on his party, it remains to be seen if the country can be similarly enchanted.

On the plus side, he has the name, the excitement factor, is fluently bilingual and easily draws media attention.

On the minus side, however, Trudeau has not distinguished himself at Hogwarts - err, Parliament - or before that, on anything.

His biggest claim to fame is winning a boxing match against Conservative Senator Patrick Brazeau that he was expected to lose badly.

And Trudeau has made embarrassing gaffes, like when he said Harper staying in power could convince him to vote for Quebec separation.

By comparison, Pierre Trudeau had been an intellectual, law professor, editor and justice minister before becoming prime minister.

The Liberals have seemingly forever tried to fix structural party problems with hasty duct tape solutions - new leaders instead of new ideas, change at the top instead of a change in approach.

With two young children at home and a life ahead of him, Trudeau may bravely tell his friends that their daunting task needs hard work from many, not a young wizard trying to work his untested magic at the top.

Read more Tieleman at www.TheTyee.ca and billtieleman.blogspot.com Email: weststar@telus.net