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]