Chat about the Leaders' Debate Live

The debate is being poorly moderated, it has become more of bitching session than a debate.

[updated Thu Oct 02 21:25:48 EDT 2008]

I want to hear Harper's platform on the economy..he will not state what it is...if you want our votes tell us the plan

[updated Thu Oct 02 21:34:47 EDT 2008]

Thanks Nik,
I just want to mention also that I am impressed with Mr. Dion's english ...for all the fuss made about his english skills I am finding him very eloquent and is able to make his points with emphasis...Layton is showing his experience, Duceppe has many ideas and he can sure promote them,Miss May is direct to the point which is great to see and Harper seems deceitful and unable to defend well, other than to seem to say we are government ..all is well...all is not well

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[updated Thu Oct 02 21:57:45 EDT 2008]

I'm surprised in the medical section the fact the CPC is changing immigration and has a plan to help foreign trained doctors qualify and be brought up to speed in canada. That's important too.

[updated Thu Oct 02 22:01:27 EDT 2008]

I notice that "the 'boys" seem a little reluctant to interrupt and "talk over" Ms. May

[updated Thu Oct 02 22:08:10 EDT 2008]

Seems Mr. Harper is on the top of his game and very calm cool and collected. Mr. Dion looks bewildered and May would rather quote American policy than any of her own which would put the economy in a tailspin. Mr. Harper is the only one to talk about keeping government spending in line and got the others to agree arts programs need to be cost effective.

[updated Thu Oct 02 22:14:28 EDT 2008]

I Understand that Stephan Harper will allow for the sale of Uraniun Mines to the world markets? I Guess, We are for sale eh?

[updated Thu Oct 02 22:37:40 EDT 2008]

According to Mr. Layton, the firm that I am a partner in will not get a tax cut, Exxon and the banks will get it all.

[updated Thu Oct 02 22:42:22 EDT 2008]

AM i dreaming - or did dion just say in response to Jack layton who asked 'i hope you're going to listen to those premiers you're going to meet with when they say they don't like you're tax' that "they don't elect me'.

Hey - if you're not going to listen to them - what the heck good is the meetings in the first place?

[updated Thu Oct 02 22:44:50 EDT 2008]

Hello from the west coast.

Regarding the leadership debate.

I am even more impressed by Stephen Harper. The Conservatives still have my vote.

Less and less impressed by Jack Layton.

The leader of the Bloc asked some excellent questions as did Elizabeth May.

Stephen Dion was a gentleman but I do not see him in a leadership position.

And it made me realize that I wish our provinces and our Federal Government worked with greater harmony and could work out better solutions for health care and our aging cities.

Sincerely,

Diane
Victoria, BC

[updated Thu Oct 02 22:52:27 EDT 2008]

No knockouts tonight but I think I would give the edge to Harper with the others in the following order, Dueccpe, Layton, May and Dion. As a still uncommitted voter I find myself leaning CPC and tonight has done nothing to change that. Steve Paikin has done another good job.

[updated Thu Oct 02 22:54:00 EDT 2008]

The debate was interesting for the most part. Steve did a great job trying to keep it under control.
The only problem throughout the entire debate was the frequent interruptions by the leaders. It made listening to answers very difficult.

Each leader had good moments.

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:06:28 EDT 2008]

Nik, realistically only 2.5% of the total GHG's are omitted by Canada, what this Carbon and Shift taxes as proven in Europe is nothing but monster revenues for governments.This is why the Greens, Liberals and NDP parties are trying to over "SUGARCOAT" their plans. Can you or the pannel try to justify their parties views on this without admitting that it isn't just a general revenue cash grab???

Robini from Niagara Falls,
Conservative Voter

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:06:53 EDT 2008]

I still have no idea what Harper's platform is... all I know is that he opposes EVERYONE.
I think that he's simply relying on the Conservative name in the South/Alberta and that the Left vote will split between the 3/4 other party's. All he needed to do was not 'screw up'.
Does May join the Liberals? She's a better liberal leader than Dion it seems...

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:08:38 EDT 2008]

Mr. Dion is truely a great debater. He came off as highly intelligent and respectful. I think he clearly won tonight's debate. Mr. Harper was once again on the defensive although less so than yesterday. Mr. Layton was trying be strong but he came off as insincere and playing to the camera. Ms. May was constantly jumping on side with one of the others and Mr. Duceppe seemed angry tonight, especially towards Mr. Harper.

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:11:05 EDT 2008]

The opposition leaders were so incoherent in their views that it was difficult to understand
how they could even be considered Prime Minister material.
Mr Harper was respectful, polite, knowledgeable, stable under fire and clearly explained his
government's programmes in a very concise manner

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:11:42 EDT 2008]

Ok - best comment of the night goes to lizzy

"Did you win?"

(throws hands up) "of COURSE i won! Weren't you there?!? :) "

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:18:41 EDT 2008]

I was actually quite influenced by this debate. I have previously voted Conservative, but I really wanted to give Mr. Dion a chance - especially after all the attacks on his character (which I really think speak poorly to the Conservative's character).

Bottom line: I would like to vote Conservative, but they are so stale on environmental issues, and the Green Shift seems like a breath of fresh air. I think Harper was the clear loser in this debate (especially the first half).

Why can't we vote for issues instead of parties? Why can't it be like video on demand. I'm 27 years old and surely I can't be alone with my frustrations.

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:19:50 EDT 2008]

Amazing, while the bottom falls out of America's economy, our PM during a crucial debate cannot come up with any plan other than staying the course. This is George Bush economics.

If people change their minds based on debates, Harper's performance this evening means the Tory's cherished majority just went out the window.

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:22:44 EDT 2008]

I feel Mr. Dion like in the french debate is the clear winner. He was honest sincere and the only leader who looked genuine and offered anything in the way of a platform. Mr. Harper looked like a deer in headlights and looked flustered and out of touch. Canadians aren't worried about thier mortgages and jobs.....come on ....what planet is he living on. I liked Ms. May and I felt she came across as intelligent and as someone who is not afraid to throw a punch. Jack Leyton as usual looked like a used car salesman that no one really takes seriously.

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:38:42 EDT 2008]

The folks who keep saying that Ms. May is just a Liberal under another banner have forgotten that the Liberals didn't run a candidate against Mr. Harper when he first became a party leader.

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:42:29 EDT 2008]

I was wondering about the poverty issue,, and what Mr. Harpers view are on that topic dont know if the question came up, but Im told he wont say. Im glad the liberals have promised to help out should they be elected.

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:45:34 EDT 2008]

Hello,

I had plans to vote for the GREEN PARTY and Elizabeth May just confirmed that for me tonight.
After I read the Green Party platform, it just had all of my interests and concerns in mind. People think the Green Party is just a bunch of tree-hugging hippies, they are not.
I feel the Green Party has the best interests of Canadians in mind, and we must think of the future as well as right now. I feel politicians are always looking for a quick fix and not thinking of what can happen down the road. The environment is definitely one of my top priorities in deciding my vote, but I feel the Green Party has so much more to offer.

I felt that Elizabeth May was the best speaker in the debate, and I also noticed she was the only one taking notes. I enjoy hearing her speak.

Kelly Messom
Nova Scotia

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:45:55 EDT 2008]

if i wasnt voting liberal, I think I would be voting Green

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:51:10 EDT 2008]

I will be voting for the Conservatives,..as I found the other parties are out of touch with the get tuff on crime mandate. The opposition parties are Oblivious to what it means to be a victim of crime.
Instead of trying to Ban remedial pieces of metal like a handgun,..the Conservatives have proposed to just go after the criminals,....the Real Problem. I suppose the opposition parties would ban cars and trucks in order to tackle Drunk drivers....

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:51:58 EDT 2008]

Hello Nik,

Harper was very clear about the economic conditions of the Canadian economy. We're looking at a very stable financial infrastructure, with fiscally responsible lending from banks and enough liquidity from the Bank of Canada to protect the financial sector. I think that some of the other leaders are being quite alarmist about our situation, and the consistent likening to the United States is hardly an apt comparison. There are natural recessions or slow downs cyclically in various sectors, but the continuous job growth in different sectors is a demonstration of our economic stability. I'd say Jack Layton was a big loser with his cancellation of the tax cuts, economically speaking.

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:53:06 EDT 2008]

I was on the fence for NDP or Green going into the debate

Green was the only party that had something new to offer
green was the only party that didn't waist time attacking Harper
PQ seemed to be resonable... and if PQ were an option for the rest of canada all the other parties would be in trouble

that said i think i am going to choose the greens. even though i'm not comphotable with the Green Shift concept, i think the rest of her platform made the most sence.

I have to say i too wish like another poster commented on that we could pick and choose our issues.

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:55:24 EDT 2008]

As a bilingual student at the University of Ottawa, I find it interesting that no leader tonight has brought up one of the most important voting groups in Canada; the students. I came into this debate undecided, and I'm leaving this debate still undecided. Two issues of major concern are the environment and the economy. All of them have presented their ideas on both issues, and all of them are varied. However, what about other issues? How will these parties help myself, and other students, earn money to fight increasing tuition rates, energy and food costs?

As for the leaders, I would like to say that I was most impressed with Elizabeth May and how she brought forth issues and proved that they are not a one dimensional party. I was least impressed with Jack Layton in the sense that he constantly interrupted both Stephane Dion and Stephen Harper. That is not standing up to the opposition, that is interrupting the democratic process by not allowing all parties to express their opinion, especially with the difficulties Stephane Dion experiences with English. Also, this is coming from a person who is not supporting the Liberals.

[updated Thu Oct 02 23:58:12 EDT 2008]

I have a question for the NDP strategist on the CPAC panel right now. I keep hearing that Jack Layton is going to do something to provide more family doctors, but how does he plan to do this when it is not really a feasible strategy based on sections 91 and 92 of the Constitution? And, more in general, how will he even do this? I've heard nothing but rhetoric...

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:00:27 EDT 2008]

I think all the leaders missed a majour aspect on our economy. When Ontario has a downturn it doesn't matter how much the west is booming, the whole country still gets kicked in the pants. It's predicted that we'll make it through this downturn, I'm not totally convinced though because the lowly populated west will have to carry the financial weight of the entire country (including Ontario). Also, the richest people in the world (oil companies) have made windfall profits, so they are now in a position to sit on their spoils and focus on squeezing out even more profits by way of lowing wages and tax breaks.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:01:08 EDT 2008]

Hello Nik,

After tonight, I've gained a far greater appreciation for Giles Duceppe and Le Bloc. I live in British Columbia and I really want to vote for the Bloc, because I think, sovereignty aside, Duceppe would make a great Prime Minister. Further, given the performance of all the candidates and the current realistic outcome of another minority government, what is the likelihood that the Liberals and Le Bloc would make a coalition government, putting sovereign issues aside, for the greater good of Canada in a turbulent economic future?

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:02:24 EDT 2008]

PM did a marvelous job of handling the piling on and came out a clear winner.

Dion was very weak tonight and looked stunned when Layton challenged him for sitting on his hands and supporting the Conservatives 47 times.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:03:51 EDT 2008]

I was greatly surprised while watching the debate. My parents are New Democrats, but I have been undecided. I wanted to watch and see if all the Conservative ads proclaiming Dion to not be a leader were true. For me, this was Dion's test. His English was accented, that's a given, it's his second language. I speak multiple languages and I understand that accents are simply a fact of life. They do not create a poor leader. His accent doesn't take away from his ability to lead. And I found that he spoke to me the most. I'll be voting Liberal.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:04:52 EDT 2008]

What truly dismays me are the number of people calling into CPAC professing ignorance about the parties platforms, and expecting the leader's debate to answer all of the questions. Whatever happened to personal accountability in our electoral process? Why can't people go download and read the platforms, or hold the parties that don't post their platforms?

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:05:07 EDT 2008]

The Bush-Harper comparison is particularly ironic coming from the Liberal Party. If they want to make a stink about who is a poor steward of the economy, they don't even have to look to the United States. Mr. Dion and his crack team of advisers have NDP turncoat Bob Rae at their caucus table!

Ontario could not afford Bob Rae as an NDPer, we most certainly cannot afford Stephane Dion and Mr. Rae in his re-incarnation as a Liberal. Don't let Mr. Dion's centrist talk fool you, the Liberals have gone left and their supposed economic credibility has disappeared.

-Alex B.
Hamilton, Ontario

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:05:27 EDT 2008]

I a political party wants my vote, they should quit discusing like little kids. All the parties do is blame another party of something and do nothing to change it. This is a country, this is serious, quit telling canadian what your going to do, and do it. Green party is totally good for the environment, but there no big chance they'll win, stephen harper is acting sort of foolish and kayton keeps insolting everyone and get to the point

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:05:49 EDT 2008]

Any party (PM) in power will always break promises because people in this country don't really know what they want. One minute health care is the most important and next it's the environment, then education, then child care. People change their minds, as their lives change. That's a given, but leaders can't keep up with our ridiculous demands. We, the people need to stick to our values in order for leaders to stick to theirs.

I've heard a lot of people say that they will vote Conservative, not because they believe in they're platform, but to keep the Liberals out. What a waste of a vote! If Canadians voted from the heart and not for the majority, then maybe we would actually have a chance to embrace change.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:06:34 EDT 2008]

I liked the format of the debate this time around. I am a liberal, but have voted for Liberals, NDP, Social Credit and Conservatives in the past, as I vote for the candidate. I was most impressed with Elizabeth May, as she was able to pull facts up to support her positions quicker then the other leaders. Jack Layton and Stephan Harper stumbled on more of their responses then the other leaders. Duceppe was a good speaker and spoke very strongly in defence of Quebec. Stephane Dion was the most polite of them. If they were all in my riding, I would vote for Ms. May first, and if there was a second choice, it would be between Dion and Duceppe.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:06:51 EDT 2008]

I've heard lots of discussion on tax cuts going to big corporations that make lots of money.

I have a corporation that provides income to me and I would benefit from this tax cut. I think that I'm very good at what I do and would make maximum use of the extra money. Plus I have an RRSP that holds many of the companies that would be hit by a carbon tax. Ontario Hydro, oil companies, agricultural and others that are Canadian and the best in the world are going to be crippled if this plan would be introduced.

I think that both the NDP and the Liberal plans lack any depth of thought. The 4-on-1 approach means that anyone with a centrist or mild-spending approach must vote for Conservatives or not vote at all.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:10:26 EDT 2008]

The show would be much better if you would screen the callers. Having party supporters rehash the leaders spin is counter productive.

Only 2 parties have a track record of governing Canada.

The other parties have ideas that are untested.

The question is the strategic vote in battleground ridings call from Liberals to the NDP,Greens going to work?

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:13:06 EDT 2008]

can someone please tell me how ms.may can lie with a straight face about how the EU is doing so well with the the GREEN SHAFT when most of the countries are now trying to get out of it because it is costing to much money and to many jobs. This was reported for the past two days by the BBC????

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:14:04 EDT 2008]

Why is it that Canadians insist on voting against their economic interests? Trickle down economics(conservative) doesn't work and never has anywhere in the world in terms of benifitting any more than the top 5% of the population! We can all agree that we don't support the entire platform of ANY party but why wouldn't we at least support the only party that represents most of the population? That party is the New Democratic Party.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:14:11 EDT 2008]

I feel the debate was good this time around. I am upset with Mr.Dion though on one question that is never explained, with the carbon tax, how would I make enough back with my income tax to pay for the increased cost of fuel with my daily commute? Does Mr. Dion not understand we dont all live in areas where public transit is an option? My only option would be to pay more at the pump and suffer it seems.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:14:51 EDT 2008]

Poeples from Quebec are ready for Kyoto since a long time. Canada are not.
Poeple from Quebec know that Canadian Army are not in Afganistan for peace.
Poeple of Quebec are not better that the rest of Canada, we just have a different culture and we cannot risk to loose the right to talk in our country.
We love Canadien poeple but we need you as much as you need us to have different point of view from a different nation.
I vote for Gilles and the Bloc Quebecois.
René Papineau, Montreal

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:15:27 EDT 2008]

Wow, the panel on CPAC was asked to talk about the 43 confidence votes that Harper used to create a majority, and none of them wanted to talk about it.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:15:30 EDT 2008]

Can we muzzle the NDP analyst if she continues to inject and prevent other people from speaking?

Like...honestly. Wait your turn.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:17:27 EDT 2008]

Did I hear that the Conservative's have yet to post any written policies with only 2 weeks until election day? All that I can find on the Conservative website are generic propaganda aimed at Stephan Dion and the Liberal party. It seems a little "fishy" that the PM, who called for the election, wasn't prepared enough to have his party's policies posted prior. Just like his idol south of the 49th...FEAR MONGERING AT IT'S FINEST !

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:17:48 EDT 2008]

Did I hear that the Conservative's have yet to post any written policies with only 2 weeks until election day? All that I can find on the Conservative website are generic propaganda aimed at Stephan Dion and the Liberal party. It seems a little "fishy" that the PM, who called for the election, wasn't prepared enough to have his party's policies posted prior. Just like his idol south of the 49th...FEAR MONGERING AT IT'S FINEST !

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:17:48 EDT 2008]

I watched the debate tonight and was taken aback by the 4 on 1 attack on Steven Harper. It must mean that all the other leaders are afraid of him. I would like to see Jack Layton as leader of the Opposition and the Liberals sent out to pasture for a few years. Give them a chance to find a good leader to replace Mr. Dion. And I don't mean Iggy or Bob Rae. My problem is that I generally vote Conservative, and I will this election as well, but if the time ever came that I did not agree with their platform, I have no other party to go to. The Liberals ever since Trudeau have gone south, or pardon me, I mean they have gone way to far left, in my opinion.

Good coverage tonight Guys!!

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:17:51 EDT 2008]

I think Jake Laton is the only whom we can trust on, because he is clear in the issues. He is the only who can bring Canada a loving and caring country for the whole world. So its time of change, so of course me my family and friends will vote to Lation and his party NDP.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:20:53 EDT 2008]

First off, I agree with many of the people blogging- the debate, and, sadly the strategist debate, has turned into a yelling match, with responses restricted to "that's not true". When political discourse is reduced to such... simplicity, it lends itself to two assumptions. It indicates that the debate is simply an opportunity for partisan counterpoint without focused emphasis on specific policy. It also indicates that the there is a policy-focused debate, it is de-contextualized and perhaps because the public is so ill-informed, that oppositional responses of "that's not true" actually seem to hold some merit.

I think these sorts of debates are detrimental to democracy because there is such an abundance of de-contextualized information, misinformation and unsubstantiated claims. It leads to cynicism and mistrust, and thus, lower voter turnout. The debates remind me of Question Period. Pure, unadulterated partisanship.

I'm a NDP supporter because the NDP is most aligned with my personal ideologies. The debate has not influenced my vote. Comparison of party policy, mandate and platform has influenced my vote.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:20:57 EDT 2008]

First time I am posting here.

First, I do appreciate the new format for the debates, While not perfect this was better, more relaxed approach that still allowed for meaningful debate. I would have liked more engagement from Steve Paikin - the role of the moderator should be expanded to that of
pushing on the candidates for next time.

Next, I have to say that although I have not been a Green Party member I really feel Elizabeth May was a breath of fresh air - she cut through a great deal of rhetoric and genuinely tried to answer all the questions rather than descend constantly into rhetoric and hyperbole like all the others.

Lastly, Stephen Harper was depicted coming out of yesterday's debate and likely today as 'calm, cool, collected' and 'prime-ministerial'. True, not easy to be centre of attention and constant attacks - however I think he came across too frighteningly like former Ontario
Premier Mike Harris - aloof, dispassionate, uncaring, unengaged - such characteristics could easily be misconstrinued as 'cool' and 'calm'.

All this said, just wanted to say that we need integrity in politics.

I agree with Elizbeth May and her exhortation - vote with your heart and your head...

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:22:23 EDT 2008]

with a minority government can any leader really put into play what their party believes in? if for example Layton won a minority government how much power would he have to implement his values?

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:22:28 EDT 2008]

I would like to say that I have decided to vote for the Green Party. They were the only party that automatically addressed the questions posed to them before attacking the other parties. Similarly, Elizabeth May took advantage of this media debate in showing the variety of issues within the Green Platform. She definately represented the Greens well within the first televised debate, and I went from NDP to Green tonight.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:23:13 EDT 2008]

On strategic voting:

Do polls undermine democracy by encouraging party blocking in a close election? Would our democracy be more robust if there were no polls, whether those polls are accurate or biased? Without polls, voters will choose their preferred party. With polls, voters often give up their top choice.

Some voters say their vote is too important to throw away on a third place party. But wouldn't these voters' heightened sense of importance be better served by choosing their favourite candidate or party? Do away with advance polling and you give voters a clean sheet on voting day.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:24:48 EDT 2008]

Our current economic and environmental scenario in Canada is still part of the Liberal legacy. The Conservatives have had time to redo and repair, but we've held the course on both the economy and environment. Maybe it's a time we give one of the other parties a chance to screw things up!

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:27:53 EDT 2008]

Personally I’m concerned with how the people of this country believe that they all deserve something for nothing. As working Canadian I Pay plenty of Dollars in Taxes and don’t see much for my hard work. As an Albertan I work in the oil and gas industry and most of the people I know are supported by this industry whether directly or In directly. If you tax the oil and gas industry I won’t just Cripple Alberta but the rest of the country, there is over 1 trillion Dollars that is going to be invested in development of the Tar sands in Alberta over the next five years. This creates job in Alberta, and Ontario and because of the Billions of Dollars that The Alberta Gov pays in equalization payments will benefit the rest of the Country. I Don’t want to see another NEP (Green Shit Plan) that will Cripple Alberta and the rest of Country. The Conservatives have my VOTE \
Thanks David

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:28:17 EDT 2008]

In all honesty we would all have to admit there was no clear winner. I doubt this will change the outcome of the election. It will change some opinions about individuals. Ms. May proved herself capable and knowledgeable on more than just the environment. She probably increased the number of votes her party will get but they still won't win any seats. Layton proved to me at least that he is running to be opposition leader. His policies are just short of socialism which will scare some people away. Duceppe is honest, dedicated and trust worthy and probably will take back some voters he lost to the CPC. Dion did well in french and proved tonight he deserves to be considered on his performance and not attack ads. Harper did not change many undecided voters minds about him. He does not inspire trust which is why many will decide on election day which circle to mark. 300 million dollars to achieve the same result we had before seems like a complete waste but will surely lead to another election within a year. The only thing that could change the outcome is mass strategic voting. Unless some loose cannon from the right wing goes off unexpectedly in the next week not much will change.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:32:11 EDT 2008]

COMMENT:

As a younger voter this is the first election period that's caught my interest and will be the only election i have voted in to date. Tuning in on the debate tonight, I started out completely undecided. Within the first 20 minutes through to the end, I was, and am still completely confident. My vote will be placed with Jack Layton and the New Democrats.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:41:06 EDT 2008]

Well I think that the Prime Minister clearly sealed the deal tonight on winning the election. He held off the 4-on-1 blows good enough and will continue to be the Prime Minister after Oct. 14.

The only real remaining big question is whether or not there are enough seats in Ontario and Quebec for the CPC to win a small majority. Some smaller remaining questions are whether the NDP can really pick up many additional seats over 2006 and how long it will take for the liberal party to force out Stephane Dion as leader - I'm sure he won't go away on his own.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:45:45 EDT 2008]

This is an abuse of the Canadian voting public. I see no reason for Ms May to be in the debate at all. The Bloc Leader has a place in the French debates, but no place in the English debates. I can not vote for the Bloc party. All this does is to add background noise and distractions.

The media presents this debate as our chance to look at our party leaders and their policies. Did the voter have a clearer idea of of the platforms of the different parties at the end of the time waster?

How they fret about low voter turnout. Then they feed us this crud to make our choice. Every time we vote it costs us money, so the choice not to vote is valid.

The Canadian debates are an insult to the Canadian public.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:55:13 EDT 2008]

I really do not like the format for the debates Nik - it is always 4 against 1 and this leads to a lot of talking over one another. Harper was the only one who appeared to remain cool and not wander away from subjects. Lets get back to conventional debates where all ideas are heard and we get to hear each leader's opinion on all the issues. In using the word "fraud" in both debates, Mme May lowered the conversation to a level that was really rude. Mr Harper was clearly the sharpest person in the room.

[updated Fri Oct 03 00:57:17 EDT 2008]

The problem with these canned debates for the last 3 elections is boring and full of fixed questions and prompt and deliberate written answers. The candidates knew exactly what the questions were going to be at all times. This was more obvious when I seen Duceppe flip over his canned answer papers while finishing off his comments to Harper. What a sham and this is bad for the electorate in general. Lets have real heart to heart debates without the redderick of canned speeches and written prompt answers to appease the media, this is an election dammit and not a day at the parade, let the leaders go at it like they are supposed to and never mind this Walt Disney style debates. Wow talk about ultra boring, like trying to enjoy a root canal at the dentist.

Robini

[updated Fri Oct 03 02:14:37 EDT 2008]

Both debates wether in French or English reminded me of those Speed Date Parties, you have so many seconds to get your point across and then you pray that you don't gaffe and then you hope you get picked for a date at the end of the night!!!

[updated Fri Oct 03 03:12:21 EDT 2008]

Hi Nik,

As a student who's been paying increasingly higher tuition (an issue not discussed at all in their "literacy funding" debate), as a Calgary resident who's been increasingly exposed to increased risk (due to including but not limited to especially the 3 violent repeat sexual offenders being released to Calgary in the last couple of months, not to mention the increase in theft, property, etc...), I felt that the leaders were not able to convince me that they truly understand the critical and the real issues that the common man experiences. I am sure that I am not the only one who feels that way.

[updated Fri Oct 03 03:28:47 EDT 2008]

It's always tough to sort out the winners in an election debate, because two factors are in play: who made the best arguments, and whose performance swayed the most voters?
Last night I thought that with the possible exception of Gilles Ducheppe, all candidates put forward their positions well. The format worked against Harper, but given that handicap, he did as well as could be expected. Ducheppe seemd to be off his game, especially in the arts and culture part of the debate.
Each candidate protected his or her base, but I think this is where the winners emerge. Going into the debates, Dion's support was well below his traditional base, so if he solidified his base, he actually gained votes compared to last Tuesday. I suspect that he might also have won over a lot of swing voters who previously felt uncomfortable with him. His direct-to-the-camera, straight-from-the-heart delivery will probably go a long way to erase the ineffectual egghead image.
Elizabeth May did not have much of a base to start with, and going into the debate, she had support well in excess of her base. I think that her performance probably solidified much of that base, and she might also have won over new voters. Conservative supporters and others have tried to portray her as a whacko, but last night she proved that if she is a wacko, she is a very well-informed one, and eloquent, too boot. She might have come across as too left wing for the average voter, but I suspect that more voters will turn her way as a result of her performance.
The big question, though, is where the votes will come from for both May and Dion (assuming that I am correct in my analysis). I imagine that their biggest gains will come from the undecided sector, which in the Liberal case might translate into some seats in close ridings, but for either to be really successful, they wil have to win voters from the other parties, and I think that the other leaders did well enough to prevent that from happening in large enough numbers to make a real difference.
All this, of course assumes that no other unexpected events spring voters loose. If the Liberals have one more bullet in their chamber like the plagiarism charge, that might be enough to make a big shift happen.

[updated Fri Oct 03 10:32:54 EDT 2008]

I was quite amazed at the amount of condemnation towards the west from the Liberals, NDP, Green Party and of course tyhe Bloc. When you have 4 provinces that are leading the way on pollution spending and green technology and yes we are also leading the way on the econmoy, to be attacked like that it would suprise me if those other parties one even one seat in the west!! My idea of the perfect debate forum; if you do not have a minimum of 10 seats in the house and youare not running people in all parts of Canada then you would not be invited to perform in the debates of Canada. This would leave out the Bloc ( never going to represent Canada) and the Greens ( no seats in the house).

[updated Fri Oct 03 10:39:59 EDT 2008]

Harper said Dion paniced and announced a 30 Action plan made on the economy during the French Leaders debate last night during the English Debate.

Aue contrair.

Dion did not panic. But I understand why Steve would try to paint him that way. Because Steve has no plan, so try to divert attention.

I thought Dion did quite well in the debate - nobody had a knockout blow

Dion wants a major consultative approach over the first 30 days with leading economists, the Bank of Canada, etcetera. That's hardly "just talk."

Harper offers lawyer Jim Flaherty as his plan.

Why are we not comforted.

.

[updated Fri Oct 03 11:00:43 EDT 2008]

Harper wins, Layton second, Dion trails: poll

Poll gives nod to Harper, with Layton second
Meagan Fitzpatrick, Canwest News Service
Published: Thursday, October 02, 2008

OTTAWA - Stephen Harper came out ahead of his political opponents in the English-language leaders debate Thursday night, but New Democratic Party Leader Jack Layton was a formidable match for the prime minister, according to viewers who answered a survey during the broadcast.

The online Ipsos Reid poll conducted for Canwest News Service and Global National found 31 per cent of voters said Harper won the debate, and Layton was second with 25 per cent. In third place was the newcomer to the leaders' debates, Green Leader Elizabeth May, with 17 per cent of respondents saying she was the winner, followed by the opposition leader, Liberal Leader Stephane Dion, with 15 per cent.

Cont' at http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=2cb1de04-d1ac-4085-9f32-975512fca893

Looks like harper took that one.

[updated Fri Oct 03 11:55:14 EDT 2008]