Here's a take that will bug some folks - because it's the kind of thing that only hacks in politics would say. But Morneau has shown real grace here. And it's worth underlining. He's obviously not stepping down because this is remotely a natural time to leave... #cdnpoli

Nor is he going because he recently discovered that his passion is to campaign for the post of OECD Secretary General - with no guarantee that he'll win. Or that he'll even emerge as a competitive candidate. But his reason for being less than candid is sorta admirable #cndpoli

Why is it admirable? Because after a couple of truly savage months and a week of pretty public grimness with media speculation that he was done-for, Morneau opted to not lash out. Of course the story doesn't hold water. But the alternative was to... #cdnpoli

come forward and say there was a big split - creating further controversy and challenge. More than that, he resisted the impulse to say, "I don't like being treated like a doormat - I'm pissed off and I'm going to damn well say so." That might have been satisfying #cdnpoli

But, ultimately, it would not have served him or the government well. Frankly, there hasn't been a ton of dignity in this exit. And if Morneau had gone out angrily and tried to leave bruises on everyone and anyone he would have only diminished himself further #cdnpoli

To rise above the pounding of the past week, to take a pass at responding in anger, to instead stand there and say, "it's my choice" - even when that conjures eye rolls. That takes some discipline and fortitude. Yes, it was sure clumsy. But it was the better choice #cdnpoli