Debate: Martin lost

June 15

With Liberals and Conservatives running neck-and-neck in the polls, the debate could be the turning point in this election. Leaders knew that there was not enough time to make any elaborate points and there would be no clear winner. Therefore, they played not to lose and there was no winner.

The debate mainly centred on healthcare, sharing of federal cash with provinces and cities, childcare provision and gay rights. Mr. Layton used the gay issue to attack others but no real debate followed. The issue of governance was mentioned in passing. I was hoping that the leaders will address this issue in some detail - more rights to the cabinet and MPs, senate reform, less power in PMO. I was also wondering if controversial issues like abortion rights and rights of fetus, legalization of marijuana, misuse of charter of rights by criminal lawyers, balancing rights of criminals and victims will be raised.

Paul Martin has been the big loser in the campaign and he needed to shine tonight. Gilles Duceppe and Jack Layton attacked him with vigour at every opportunity. Mr. Martin was unable to counterattack and he looked distinctly uncomfortable all evening. He could not defend his record of service cuts. His strategy of separating himself from Chretien regime did not work and broken Liberal promises of past elections were pinned on him. He conveyed the impression that his vision is a mere slide hastily put together to win votes. Mr. Martin was the loser tonight. I am afraid his chances of forming even a minority government are now remote.

Stephen Harper came to the debate with momentum behind him. He too focused on not losing - rather than on landing a knock-out punch. Thanks to constant interruptions, he did not have to defend his proposed tax cuts and explain how his tax cuts will help an average Canadian more than those by Mr. Martin and Harris. He did not show us that he was not beholden to his extreme right wing. He came across as the nice guy but did not convince as a leader.

Jack Layton harped on his more-for-everybody agenda and focused his attacks on Mr. Martin rather than Mr. Harper. He defended himself stoutly and tended to monopolize the debate. On this showing, he will firm up his existing support but I doubt that he will add to it.

In spite of lack of fluency in English, Mr. Duceppe was impressive. He was sincere; he attacked vigorously and defended when necessary. He is sure to have added to his support in Quebec. Too bad others did not learn from him.

On this showing, Greens should be happy they were excluded from the debate. They wouldn't want to be known by this company. They may be the biggest gainer from this debate.

A new issue is cropping up from this fiasco. Is Canadian culture inconsistent with leadership qualities?