After "Le Débat des Chefs": Da Call
Well, all major issues were brough up - from food quality to crime to economy to environment to politics to arts & culture to healthcare, etc.
There was even that interesting bit earlier on whereby each leader had to describe the best quality in the one to his/her left. Not surprisingly, Harper could not bring himself to say anything nice sincerely about Layton (who happened to be at his left). May likewise did not have much good to say about Harper (who was at her left).
Overall, Dion and Duceppe were incredibly prepared, at ease and commanding. I consider them both winners ex-equo.
Layton comes in close second - he became evasive for a while there, but regained his composure.
May is the biggest disappointment. She started out strong but quickly fizzled thereafter. She utterly failed to shine whenever the environment was brought up (or anything related to environmental issues) - and this is supposed to be her turf. Maybe it's the language thing - we'll see tomorrow night.
Harper is the clear loser here - he got served, schooled and nose-wiped on all issues and all accounts. Definitely not a leader, let alone a Prime Minister.
Hell - he came across as utterly unprepared for such a type of debate, having no choice but to fall back on his talking points (if not fibbing on facts and truths).
Having said that - I am however greatly disappointed in Dion (and of course Harper) on the Afghanistan question. I repeat: we must leave now. So, I applaud Duceppe and Layton (May as well to some extent) for hammering on this.
I am curious what polls in Québec will reveal after this debate. While I expect Duceppe to remain strong (damn BQ), I'm going out on a limb here and predict a nice rise for Dion and the LPC, maybe even a little one for Layton and the NDP as well, whereas Harper and the CPC will lose many feathers. May and the GP may take a nose-dive.
But let us not forget that Dion still has to live with this (rightly or not), with regards to Québec and too many Québecois whom viewed the Clarity Act as a direct interference of Canada in a democratic process in Québec (most nationalists, and especially séparatistes, see it that way - again, rightly or wrongly) ... unfortunately.
On a side-note, Stéphan Bureau became really annoying to me - not just because he would always call on Duceppe first (as I mentioned earlier), but also because he would call Dion by his first name "Stéphane", while keeping the "Mr./Ms." honorific for the four others.
Be that as it may - I just love this kind of "all out" debate formula. Man, the Americans are definitely missing out here ;-)
(Addendum: I forgot to apologize for all the typos in these "semi-live" blogs of tonight's debate. This is, after all, a first for me and I am not used to "write on the cusp" - especially in English. Likewise, I apologize for the lack of specific points said by the debaters - since I did not plan originally to semi-live blog this, I did not make notes prior to writing the blogs. But hey - live and learn, eh? Cheers)
There was even that interesting bit earlier on whereby each leader had to describe the best quality in the one to his/her left. Not surprisingly, Harper could not bring himself to say anything nice sincerely about Layton (who happened to be at his left). May likewise did not have much good to say about Harper (who was at her left).
Overall, Dion and Duceppe were incredibly prepared, at ease and commanding. I consider them both winners ex-equo.
Layton comes in close second - he became evasive for a while there, but regained his composure.
May is the biggest disappointment. She started out strong but quickly fizzled thereafter. She utterly failed to shine whenever the environment was brought up (or anything related to environmental issues) - and this is supposed to be her turf. Maybe it's the language thing - we'll see tomorrow night.
Harper is the clear loser here - he got served, schooled and nose-wiped on all issues and all accounts. Definitely not a leader, let alone a Prime Minister.
Hell - he came across as utterly unprepared for such a type of debate, having no choice but to fall back on his talking points (if not fibbing on facts and truths).
Having said that - I am however greatly disappointed in Dion (and of course Harper) on the Afghanistan question. I repeat: we must leave now. So, I applaud Duceppe and Layton (May as well to some extent) for hammering on this.
I am curious what polls in Québec will reveal after this debate. While I expect Duceppe to remain strong (damn BQ), I'm going out on a limb here and predict a nice rise for Dion and the LPC, maybe even a little one for Layton and the NDP as well, whereas Harper and the CPC will lose many feathers. May and the GP may take a nose-dive.
But let us not forget that Dion still has to live with this (rightly or not), with regards to Québec and too many Québecois whom viewed the Clarity Act as a direct interference of Canada in a democratic process in Québec (most nationalists, and especially séparatistes, see it that way - again, rightly or wrongly) ... unfortunately.
On a side-note, Stéphan Bureau became really annoying to me - not just because he would always call on Duceppe first (as I mentioned earlier), but also because he would call Dion by his first name "Stéphane", while keeping the "Mr./Ms." honorific for the four others.
Be that as it may - I just love this kind of "all out" debate formula. Man, the Americans are definitely missing out here ;-)
(Addendum: I forgot to apologize for all the typos in these "semi-live" blogs of tonight's debate. This is, after all, a first for me and I am not used to "write on the cusp" - especially in English. Likewise, I apologize for the lack of specific points said by the debaters - since I did not plan originally to semi-live blog this, I did not make notes prior to writing the blogs. But hey - live and learn, eh? Cheers)
I agree with most of what you said. That said...
ReplyDeleteI actually felt that Stéphane Bureau and the SRC did a "relatively fair" job tonight on their coverage. Quebec news is less whiny than English news at times like this (Elections).
On the Harper having to say nice things about Layton, I actually felt like Harper was trying to be careful not to show too much love for Layton. Layton tried to dodge it regarding Dion. I felt May's pain at finding something nice to say about Harper and respected Dion's view of Duceppe.
Overall, I agree. The best were ex-equo Dion and Duceppe, except I would put this debate for francophones elsewhere in Canada as an advantage to Dion.
I enjoyed the format better than previous debates. Harper was unable to get away from his talking points - except when it came to his social conservative views... He also had that smug look most of the time; I guess it's his default look when he isn't in control.
The overall tone of the debate was better than usual.
Dion: exceeded expectations and was less professorial than usual (although I don't mind that "tone"); had excellent come-backs; good manner; of course, better policy.
Duceppe: Did well. Raised many sensitive issues concerning the Québécois. Agreed with many Liberal policy/plan/direction.
Layton: Got across third. Looked a bit earnest. Liked the 50 Million "help" to the Tar Sands - repetitious excellent line. I appreciated that he attacked Harper most, compared to his last election campaign where he almost only attacked the Liberals.
May: Good "single mother" reference (as "it really exists"). Was a bit disappointed with her french capabilities, although I could totally understand her. I liked that she pointed out many times the Harper lies - although, without calling them lies a such.
Also liked the fact that a woman was in the debate.
Harper: Did not change my negative opinion of him. Looked like he was restraining himself, at which point I started noticing a pimple on his right cheek, although primped - looked like it was popping up. His answers were whiny and scripted. He used a paternalistic tone most of the time, and was often condescending regarding his opponents. I thought there was a moment where "Jack" (anyone notice how Harper kept calling him Jack as opposed to Mr. Layton?) was going to slap him because of the Harper condescension...
Anyways, it's a quick impression of tonight's french debate.
Interesting debate... also shows another interesting fact: all ideologies fear conservatism. I really liked Duceppe and Dion's commentaries about the ''damages to the democracy thing'' But at any rate, democracy will suffer... Heck, in a few days, we might have a majoritary ( not sure of that word, sorry, doing my best to be understood hehe ) government elected by something between 25% and 30% of the population. Which is, you'll have to admit,dangerous... or at the very least, weird.
ReplyDeleteAbout the debate itself:
Harper truly showed that he has no plan, nor ideas of his own except all of his ideological nonsenses. He got rammed and bashed from every sides, and couldn't quite strike back. He lied on several occasions, and did little to help his cause. He did not burst in anger though... If he had, he would have lost the election imo. He saved the face, but lost an ideological debate.
Dion ( and I'm a french nationalist ) did an excellent job; he spoke with a great sense of the state and had an attitude fit for a prime minister. I don't buy every single ideas... But he's really the big winner of tonight's debate. He changed his speech and image, and I think that might do him some good for what' left of the campaign.
Duceppe comes second if you ask me. Of course his message ain't a very Canadian one. But for us Quebecois, he stood firm, argued well, and behaved like a real statesman, one we are proud of. This may also have an impact on the votes ( if the debate is correctly reported by our.... less than democratic medias) In any case, if they do, watch Quebec and the surroundings areas, as some may change from the dark blue to the light blue.
Layton did a good job too; the message passed and to be honest, if I was an english canadian, Id probably vote for him hehe. Good speech, excellent french ( it surprised me ) and his performance of tonight showed that he could control himself... unlike the media portrayed him; where I live at the very least.
Elizabeth May succeeded in stinging Harper a little more but the quality of her french made her less popular for the french auditor. ( that is the analyze of some experts so far ) It might improve as her french goes; to have a full and complete idea of her capacities, I think I'll just watch the debate in English tomorrow.
As an American sick and tired of the stupid starch pressed "debates" we have here I have to agree with your comment that we're "missing out." I'd much rather put them all in a room and let them have at it.
ReplyDeleteAnon@11:38
ReplyDelete"On the Harper having to say nice things about Layton, I actually felt like Harper was trying to be careful not to show too much love for Layton. Layton tried to dodge it regarding Dion."
You know, that is something I did not consider and now that I think about it, you may be spot on - with regards to both Harper and Layton here.
"I enjoyed the format better than previous debates. Harper was unable to get away from his talking points - except when it came to his social conservative views... He also had that smug look most of the time; I guess it's his default look when he isn't in control."
Exactly!
"May: Good "single mother" reference (as "it really exists"). Was a bit disappointed with her french capabilities, although I could totally understand her. I liked that she pointed out many times the Harper lies - although, without calling them lies a such.
Also liked the fact that a woman was in the debate."
Same here. However, that is partly why I am disappointed that she was outshined by Dion, Duceppe and Layton on environment issues. That and the fact thta she *is* the leader of the *Green* Party. Like I said: we'll see tonight in the English debate ...
"I thought there was a moment where "Jack" (anyone notice how Harper kept calling him Jack as opposed to Mr. Layton?) was going to slap him because of the Harper condescension"
Actually, considering your point above regarding Harper trying not to show too much "love" for Layton, him calling Layton "Jack" may have been his "friendliness" towards the NDP leader as a person coming out? In any case I agree: Layton clearly did not appreciate this and it did come out as condescending on the part of Harper.
Thanks for the great comments!
Anon@2:37
ReplyDelete"Heck, in a few days, we might have a majoritary ( not sure of that word, sorry, doing my best to be understood hehe ) government elected by something between 25% and 30% of the population. Which is, you'll have to admit,dangerous... or at the very least, weird."
Problematic indeed ... and yes - potentially damaging down the road, if we are to refer ourselves to the last two years or so of Harper's *minority* government ...
"Harper truly showed that he has no plan, nor ideas of his own except all of his ideological nonsenses. He got rammed and bashed from every sides, and couldn't quite strike back. He lied on several occasions, and did little to help his cause. He did not burst in anger though... If he had, he would have lost the election imo. He saved the face, but lost an ideological debate."
Spot on.
"He (Dion) changed his speech and image, and I think that might do him some good for what' left of the campaign."
I agree - hence why I suspect the LPC may get a rise in the polls in Québec after last night.
"Elizabeth May succeeded in stinging Harper a little more but the quality of her french made her less popular for the french auditor. ( that is the analyze of some experts so far ) It might improve as her french goes; to have a full and complete idea of her capacities, I think I'll just watch the debate in English tomorrow."
Aye - like I said: we'll see tonight in the English debate whether she can, or not, truly shine on environmental issues - as she should, considering her being leader of the GP.
Thanks for the great comments!
nick:
ReplyDelete"I'd much rather put them all in a room and let them have at it."
Oh yeah - and this is what this debate essentially was. More like a round table discussion, lots of back and forth. This format instantly reveals those that are scripted (like Harper) and those that are well prepared in knowledge of the issues (Duceppe, Dion, Layton) but without losing themselves in verbiage (something I suspected strongly Dion would do - and yet surprised me agreably by not falling into this).
Imagine a debate like that between Obama and McCain ... or, going back to 2000, between Bush and Gore ... hehehehe ;-)