Saturday, December 17, 2005

 

Debate the Sequel

Election Day 18 and counting.

The first English debate offered a few highlights. The debate was better than the product that aired on Thursday.

A quick scorecard:

Duceppe: C-

His performance was weak even if you factor in the 2nd language issue. He stumbled on the negotiation for a new Quebec and made a big gaffe - which no leader took advantage of - by stating an issue should be left alone when previously dealt with by the majority. Does this sound familiar? Sovereignty, nope same sex.

Harper: B

A calm and disciplined performance. He sure knows there platform and can score points with the line that all Canadians will see the benefit in the reduction of the GST. He is still in a dream world on the notion of a free vote and the not-withstanding clause. Constitutional experts and lawyers agree, however, he continues to double speak.

He also scores well on the need for a fresh start. He needs to emphasize more what strengths the country has and where we are going.

Layton: B+

It is easy to score big when you are a bit player. Jack is getting better at landing blows. He is completely ignoring Harper and has targeted Martin. Layton is at his best when he calm and focusing on social injustice. He does, however, tend to get long winded and ends up sounding like a yappy, annoying dog.

He is correct to point out that the NDP wants to make the House of Commons work and they have a proven track record. He does not to state that a vote for the NDP will send a NDP MP to Ottawa. I think everyone knows how politics works and we don’t need a Politics 100 lesson.

Martin: B-

The Prime Minister can take a breather, finally. After two solid nights of the other 3 leaders ganging up on him, he managed to score a few blows himself. He threw a couple of jabs Harper's way on same sex and Iraq.

His best line, scripted or not, was the passionate defence of Quebec. I bet we will hear more of that in the days to come. He actually sounded like a leader.

Martin, however, also has some serious weaknesses though. He waves his hands around way too much and it makes the viewer dizzy. Also, he can’t answer how much money the average Canadian will save with his tax cuts.


Comments:
I think you may be going a little easy on these guys, although I would mostly agree with you.

You know, one thing -- Harper, I think he is getting better at presenting himself, but he is still a shifty weird looking guy -- I just can't get over it.

It won't be long til McKay is there anyway, then the conservatives can gain some ground.

Keep it real.

Q--
 
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