What Do You Think Of The Cbc Debate?

[maplesyrup]

I thought Tony did well.

[dnsfurlan]

Yes, much better than Belinda!

[Kiraly]

I haven't seen it yet, but I've heard that Harper's performance was considerably better....

....I would have been surprised with any other outcome.

I'll have to wait till the CBC rebroadcasts the debate later tonight.

[The Baron of Banality]

- I was highly impressed with both Clement and Harper and pleased that the new Conservative Party has two informed, articulate leadership candidates, either of whom I could support in a general election.

- Stephen Harper did better than I thought he would in that he managed to keep his well known arrogance and temper in check when pressed by Tony on a number of matters (which aggressiveness by Clement is to be expected from the guy trying to make yards and get votes away from the current front runner). I've never seen Harper quite so conciliatory and jovial or at least pleasant and it is effective for him to come off that way.

- Tony Clement was understandably the more aggressive candidate, conveying the message that he was a bridge builder unlike Stephen who was a wall builder and that Harper if he is to make progress as a leader must understand that it is more effective to speak in a postive way than a negative way on issues and problems. Tony also took a more national perspective on the issue of bilingualism in the federal public sector while Harper catered to his western constituency on the question. As well, Tony gave a more honest and informed answer on whether or not the current model and system of health care was sustainable even with the new money promised by the feds - Harper equivocated while Clement said clearly that no, it is not and we must get on with innovations to change and thereby sustain the system.

- Overall, I saw no knock out punch delivered or even a knock down punch but I would give a slight edge to Tony Clement for being effectively aggressive and coming across as someone who is already at least the equal of the guy who's already been two years in the job of leading a federal party. Now if only Tony were blond, wore contacts, and showed a bit of leg. Oh, well, you can't have everything.

[Pellaken]

they both support senate reform.

which puts them in my good book

[Joe Blow]

I kept trying to picture the debate with Ms Stronach in attendance, and kept coming to the answer that she probably would've been decimated by the other two. The banter was quick and well thought out, something Ms Stronach is having problems with so far, she is much too orchestrated for her own good.