Louis St Laurent (1948-1957) was a Quebec lawyer who entered politics late in life. He was a liberal who was nicknamed “Uncle Louis” because of his love of children. The media played a strong role on his image as a political leader, and by 1957, television showed the 75 year old Laurent looking tired and depressed. In comparison, the new Progressive Conservative leader, John Diefenbaker, was electrifying. Used to public speaking as defence attorney in Saskatchewan, “Dief” proved to be a great campaigner and a witty orator. Television carried his image across the nation, and he led his party to an election victory, the first westerner to become prime minister. The defeated Liberals choose a new leader, the diplomat Lester “Mike” Pearson. Pearson’s successor was Pierre Elliott Trudeau, a new kind of political figure for Canadians. Previous leaders had seemed formal and serious, but Trudeau was relaxed and irreverent. He scandalized members of Parliament by arriving at the House of Commons in a flashy sports car and wearing sandals and an open-necked shirt.