Mackenzie King lacked the typical personal attributes of great leaders, especially in comparison with [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] of the U.S., [[Winston Churchill]] of Britain, [[Charles de Gaulle]] of France, or even Joey Smallwood of [[Newfoundland]]. Voters did not love him. He lacked charisma, a commanding presence or oratorical skills; he did not shine on radio or in newsreels. His best writing was academic. Cold and tactless in human relations, he had allies but no close personal friends; he never married and lacked a hostess whose charm could substitute for his chill. His allies were annoyed by his constant intrigues. He kept secret his beliefs in spiritualism and use of mediums to stay in contact with departed associates and particularly with his mother, and allowed his intense spirituality to distort his understanding of Adolf Hitler. | Mackenzie King lacked the typical personal attributes of great leaders, especially in comparison with [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] of the U.S., [[Winston Churchill]] of Britain, [[Charles de Gaulle]] of France, or even Joey Smallwood of [[Newfoundland]]. Voters did not love him. He lacked charisma, a commanding presence or oratorical skills; he did not shine on radio or in newsreels. His best writing was academic. Cold and tactless in human relations, he had allies but no close personal friends; he never married and lacked a hostess whose charm could substitute for his chill. His allies were annoyed by his constant intrigues. He kept secret his beliefs in spiritualism and use of mediums to stay in contact with departed associates and particularly with his mother, and allowed his intense spirituality to distort his understanding of Adolf Hitler. |