Debate — Round 2
Posted on June 15, 2004
Filed Under Politics |
Now for my recap of round 2, the english debate of the Canadian federal leaders.
- Anna Maria Tremonte did a horrible job as moderator. There were many cases when the debaters were talking over each other, and this should not have been allowed to continue. The french moderator did an excellent job last night, and only allowed on speaker at a time. Most times time ran out before key questions were answered.
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There was no big knockout punch one liner that tipped the scales definately to one leader, but both Martin and Layton had good quotes:
Martin to Harper: “You are wrong, you are wrong, you are wrong” refering to Harper’s suggestion that most Canadians share his view of abortion, same-sex marriage, privatizing health, and military strategies.
Layton closing statments: “If you have doubts about the Liberals, if you have doubts about the Conservatives, then give us [the NDP] a roll in your government”. Meaning, we will be the swing votes in a likely Liberal or Conservative minority goverment. So Jack++ - No attacks on Martin were new, so no new doubts about Martin were raised. Conversely, Harper faced questions and comments that exposed his extremest views and policies. Layton came off as a character and tried to win points instead of giving straight answers or comments, but clear on the important NDP issues: environment, military policy, and child welfare.
- Although Gilles Duceppe was considered a tourist at this debate, I feel his criticisms of the other leaders gave him the “winning role” again today. The media called the debate a draw, likely because nobody found value in taking shots at Duceppe to offset his gains.
- Of all the leaders, only Martin and Duceppe presented clear views of where they see a role for Canada in the world, they even agreed with each other in the 1-on-1 then went on to slam Harper about his lack of position in foreign policy. And Martin stood head and shoulders above the others for who would best represent Canada on the world stage.
- Harper tried to play down his position on same-sex marriage by accusing Martin of having the same view, with a reference to comments Martin made a few years ago. Martin was on the defensive to this attack, and used the Charter and Provincial Court rulings to defend his current pro-same-sex marriage position. Based on the facts of Martin’s previous statements and his responce today Martin’s position is clear, but was not stated. Martin’s personal view is that he favours the “traditional” definition of marriage. But Martin, unlike Harper who shares this personal view, clearly stated that the Rights provided to all Canadians by the Charter will be the basis of his and the Liberal position. For this Martin should be commended, his personal views take a back seat to view of most Canadians and to the legal Rights of Canadians. Harper’s statements tonight imply that he would rather impose his personal views as law.
- At the end of the day, Duceppe will make a great Prime Minister of the nation of Quebec, Harper will be a great Prime Minister of the nation of Alberta, and Martin will continue to be a good Prime Minister of Canada with Layton keeping his minority goverment in check.
Remember: These are my personal opinions. For those that know me, I call it like I see it. I do my best to be objective, and present both sides of the equation. I have tried to do that here for all the parties, well, except for the Reform/Alliance/Conservatives, for obvious and stated reasons. So it is your responsibility to get educated and to vote.
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