Why Barack Obama is more popular in Canada than Stephen Harper.

There is a pattern to U.S. presidential visits familiar to many Canadians. First, there is eager anticipation after an electionwill Canada be blessed with the new president's first foreign visit? That tradition was upset by George W. Bush in 2001, who went to Mexico first. (He's making up for it by giving an early post-presidential speech in a welcoming petro-emirate: Calgary.) Then, there is the search for a personal connection to Canada. Bush disappointed here againbut President Obama's brother-in-law is from Burlington, Ontario! Finally, there is the attempt by Canadian institutions to steal some of the presidential limelight. Among the most popular, but perhaps the most provincial, was a CBC Radio contest inviting Canadians to stuff Obama's iPod with Canadian songs. (Congratulations, Joni Mitchell and Malajube; better luck next time, Steppenwolf and Cline Dion.)

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[Source: Slate Magazine - Politics