Post-debate observations
I just finished watching the English debate.
Here's my report, leader by leader.
Jack Layton: Boy, has this guy come a long way from the last time we saw him with his game-show host act in 2004. Measured, reasonable, and direct, notwithstanding the fact that by the 30 minute mark, adding up all of his promises to fund this and that would completely bankrupt the country. However, that's what the NDP's all about, right? Also hit the usual notes about class warfare by arguing against corporate tax reductions and identity politics by saying that the House would be more civilized if there were more women elected. I'm sure that the NDP will see a bounce of 4-5% from their current 12% over the next few days based on an all-around solid performance.
Grade: A-
Stephen Harper: Got into trouble early on by not repeating his pledge from last night in which, directly translated, he stated that he would "never" use the notwithstanding clause on same-sex. Confusing ... I wouldn't want to be a Tory candidate explaining that at the doorstep. Stern for the first hour, playing up to the traditional Conservative stereotype as the "dad" party, but then began to lighten up towards the end, focusing on encouraging entrepreneurship and urging Canadians to aspire to better. Very strong closing statement.
Grade: B-
Paul Martin: Can anyone remember anything that he said, other than outbursts towards Harper saying that the PM "has to defend the Charter" and another towards Duceppe where he wrapped himself in the flag and said that Duceppe would not "take his country away from him"? A lot of the usual Liberal pap without the charm of Chretien. I wish I could say more, but really, I can't. An utterly unremarkable performance.
Grade: C
Gilles Duceppe: Hard to grade because he isn't in the running to form government. That being said, he does a lot better in the more free-flowing debate than in question and answer type of format we saw tonight. Focused on typical Bloc issues relating to things like employment insurance that really have little to no resonance in the rest of Canada as a whole. Left no doubt that he is not there to promote Quebec nationalism, but rather, wants to take Quebec out of Canada entirely.
Grade: C
posted by Road Hammer @ 10:01 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Layton has improved dramatically and I think he has Ed Broadbent to thank for that. It seems Jack didn't let his ego get in the way last session and he allowed himself to learn from Ed the finer points of public debate, perception and professionalism.
At the end of the day though, the NDP are still in serious trouble so Jack had no choice but to come out looking strong.
Agree on Martin. He looks like more and more like the tired and confused old Liberal that he is.
I thought the format was good but it shouldn't have been two hours long. 90 minutes would have been long enough. Even a political animal like me found it tedious ... you?
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