It wasn't a national story when Toronto's controversial mayor, Rob Ford, was accused of inappropriate touching on March 7 by Sarah Thomson, a former mayoralty rival.
Even video footage of a man alleged to be Ford smoking crack cocaine could have remained Toronto-centric. What has made this story go viral, has been Ford's response - or lack thereof.
He initially called the allegations "ridiculous", but then refused to talk to the media, delegating his brother, also a Toronto councillor, to do that on his behalf.
Last Thursday, Ford summarily fired his chief of staff after a conversation that apparently included "advice" to the mayor.
He finally denied the allegations and then, on Monday, his press secretary and deputy press secretary suddenly quit.
One of three scenarios are at play here: it's a case of mistaken identity; it's a frame-up; Ford is smoking crack.
If either of the first two possibilities are true, does it not seem likely that an innocent politician would not just deny and denounce, but would be screaming for the police to get to the truth of the matter, right from the get go?
Ford's prolonged silence on the matter would be an appropriate response if indeed he has been captured on video. He could not be prosecuted on the basis of a video alone, so hunkering down until the media move on would be common sense.
Then again, maybe he's entirely innocent and just doing what his lawyer has advised.
The problem for all Canadians now is that, innocent or not, Ford has become the target of U.S. comedians.
The "bits" are funny, but the laughter has a hollow ring. It's a joke like this that gives citizens a reason not to vote.
