In these uncertain economic times, it's nice to know that some things do not change. The leaves turn. The snow falls. And then, then there's a Liberal leadership convention.

Now the smart money says this will be an epic battle between Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae. Some sort of unavoidable, pre-ordained fight to the death that was first prophesied in ancient scripture. And if the entire party is destroyed in the process, well then so be it. Which is why a lot of Liberals out there are once again looking for that long shot candidate that can sneak up the middle and stop them all from being annihilated.

Justin Trudeau. Will he run? I have no idea. But I know this: mere mortals such as you or I cannot believe the pressure he is under to run. A lot of Liberals out there, they see Justin Trudeau... they go mushy in the head. And when you tell them that he has no experience in politics, they say it doesn't matter -- he grew up around it. Now this, this I understand. My father worked for the department of fisheries and oceans for 20 years and I cannot tell you how many times complete strangers have suggested that I be the man in charge of turbot fish quotas.

And then of course there's Gerard Kennedy. Hi! Remember me? I'm the guy who gave you Dion. Now for the Liberals to go with Kennedy at this point, that's a bit like necking with the guy at the office Christmas party that gave you the cold sore -- twice. But hey, stranger things have happened.

And then of course, there's the dream of the white knight. Will a Frank McKenna just show up out of the blue and save the party? Now this is interesting because usually in most countries when they're talking about dream candidates they throw around adjectives like brilliant, charismatic, dynamic. Whereas in Canada only one adjective counts - bilingual. Yeah, Barack Obama wouldn't cut it up here.

But for any Liberals out there who can't make up your mind, don't worry. At the rate your party is going -- three leadership conventions in five years -- eventually everyone's gonna get a turn.