Bob Rae now a private citizen tells it like it is, sort of.

Bob Rae's term as Canada's ambassador to the United Nations has ended, leaving him without an 'important job' for the first time since he was first elected in 1978. The column by Steve Paikin notes Rae's long public career and raises questions about whether the United States remains part of the world's club of democracies.

Bob Rae is now a private citizen after his term as Canada's ambassador to the United Nations ended. For the first time since 1978, when he was first elected to Parliament, he does not hold what the column describes as a "so-called 'important job.'" He has served as Ontario's 21st premier and as interim leader of the federal Liberals. The piece is written by Steve Paikin, a contributing columnist at the Star and host of The Paikin Podcast, and it turns to questions about international democracy. Key facts: - His term as Canada's ambassador to the United Nations just ended. - It is the first time since 1978, when he was first elected to Parliament, that he is without a so-called "important job." - He previously served as Ontario's 21st premier and as interim leader of the federal Liberals. - The column asks whether the United States remains part of the world's club of democracies. Summary: The column presents Rae's return to private life as a notable moment in a long public career and uses that moment to reflect on questions about democratic norms internationally. Undetermined at this time.