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What is Bob Rae’s legacy?

Amid glowing tributes from the other parties, Wednesday marked Bob Rae's final caucus meeting and House sitting as interim Liberal leader.

After almost 2 years in the post, Rae will step aside for the new leader to be named at an event in Ottawa on April 14th.

As premier of Ontario from 1990, to 1995, most would agree that Rae had a tarnished image. To this day, many decry his economic record as the NDP premier and chide him for being a political turncoat.

But as Liberal leader he served the party well.

[ Related: Bob Rae suggests MPs dress like pandas for PM's attention ]

Do two good years as Liberal leader erase his legacy as Ontario premier?

We went to our expert panel for their opinions on Rae. Here's what they had to say.

Warren Kinsella, Liberal insider, Sun News columnist:

"He's been like many last-term presidents and Prime Ministers - when they're no longer seeking another term, they end up having their greatest accomplishments.

I opposed him, openly and loudly, as leader of the Liberal Party. (He, meanwhile, seemingly detested Yours Truly - calling me a "stupid blogger" at least once!)

My opposition to him was nothing personal - he had a record from Ontario as an NDP Premier, and it was a bad one. As much as he would have liked to erase it, it was part of the historical record. It was what it was. The Conservatives were going to use it against him.

But, since he announced a year or so ago that he intended to keep his promise, and not seek the full-time leadership, he's been outstanding.

I say this as someone who has never been a huge fan of Bob Rae: he has literally been one of the reasons the Liberal Party has been kept alive. After the May 2011 disaster, everyone expected the Liberal Party to disappear. Bob Rae - along with others - kept that from happening.

Not to get all Biblical or anything, but I liken this new phase in his life to Moses. He led his people to the edge of the promised land, but he isn't entering it himself. That will be his most enduring legacy."

Dan McTeague, Former Liberal MP

"Bob Rae will be the finest Prime Minister the country never had in our time.

He met and exceeded all expectations and were it not for the broad appeal of Justin Trudeau, would have bested both Harper and Mulcair in an election contest.

Ontarians like myself, may have had our doubts, but they were quickly erased by his skill and dedication as interim Leader.

Despite our weaker numers in the House, his skill and respect kept the Liberals in the game and poised for serious breakthroughs in 2015.

This is my gut reaction as a skeptic. Now a convert to Bob Rae."

Gerry Nicholls, Political consultant

"Bob Rae was an effective "interim" leader for the Liberals, which shouldn't surprise anybody. His ability to bounce back from his electoral loss in Ontario, shows Rae possesses a special kind of toughness, plus he's media savvy, intelligent and articulate. For these reasons, he would have made a more formidable leader than either Stephane Dion or Michael Ignatieff.

As far as his legacy goes, his recent political past will improve his standing as a political leader, but it won't entirely erase his failure as a premier. Negativity has a way of sticking in people's minds."

(Photo courtesy of Reuters)

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