| Commentary |
| Canada’s general election just got better. Maybe not the ratings rocket the U.S. presidential election is—but for Canada-for what we needed, the French debate last night was outstanding. Each candidate from the five main political parties was top notch. |
| Prime Minister Harper wins because everyone was good. Stephane Dion wins because he appeared absolutely and unequivocally in his element. Sitting around a debate table he seems more like Yvonne Cournoyer – than the spoof of a University professor he had become. In French, Dion is outstanding. |
| Jack Layton NDP leader is clever like a fox. He’s been picking Elizabeth May’s Green pocket all weak long, speaking as if he is Prime Minister already. Anglo’s would think he’s gone adrift. But wait. Quebec is so left of centre; the Prime Minister came off more liberal than Barack Obama. Jack Layton is left in his political soul—and there was a market for him to preach here among a sensational group of candidates. |
| Gilles Duceppe always says what he needs to keep his flock. Never too hot, never too cold, he’s always just right and tonight was no exception. |
| Elizabeth May showed she belongs and had a very good showing. Her problem is, the honeymoon is over, she and her party are taken seriously, and every per cent above 5 will be fought for. |
| The Prime Minister won the debate simply because he always appears that you would have to be decidedly out of your mind---- to vote for anyone else---- but him—and you come away thinking—well he’s right. He showed leadership and respect for his opponents, was competent, passionate, but not over the top—permitting the others to help elevate the level of debate. Masterful. Flawless. At the end he smoothly guided the debate to the environment—turning to Dion and cheekily questioning his ability on the environment based on his history with Jean Chrétien. There’s a term that describes the Prime Minister- when he does this: “mild audacity”. |
| (Paul Martin supporters are -----right now leaving for Harper’s campaign bus). |
| What ensued was a Peckinpah-like butchering of one another by the remaining candidates-- over the fast depleting spoils of the environment debate—with not a drop of blood on Stephen Harper. |
| Glen P. Robbins |
