It has only been a day since Michael Ignatieff officially announced his candidacy and already he is considered to be the favorite. He’s had a great media day unlike the forced Halloween announcement from Bob Rae. Its reported that top organizers from Dion and Kennedy camps have joined in support. Warren Kinsella, Liberal strategist, has announced his endorsement and other bloggers are also joining in. What’s the response from the right? Surprisingly, mostly silence. The far-right wing Ezra Levant responded with conspiracy theories that look more like fearful panic. Haven’t really seen anything from the NDP. 

Now, Ignatieff needs to meet the high expectations his supporters have set for him and the first opportunity will be at the Leadership Forum in Mississauga this Sunday. All three candidates are likely to stress renewal of the party. It could also be an opportunity for Bob Rae and Dominic Leblanc to try and take back some of the momentum before more Liberals make up their mind early in the campaign. Time will tell but so far Ignatieff is definitely in the lead.