Prime Minister Stephen Harper is often praised for supposedly being “far more consistent on world affairs than Barack Obama”. Setting aside for a moment the validity of such a claim, why on earth is this presented as some kind of virtue?

Maintaining consistency in the face of changing circumstances is often the sign of stubbornness, dogmatism, and arrogance. On the other hand, the ability to change one’s mind or adjust one’s opinion based on new evidence and changing circumstances is often the sign of maturity, intellectual honesty, and integrity.

I know which traits I would prefer to see in a leader.