Impressions from the debate

[Oleg Bach]

Much like expert witnesses. You give them a couple of grand and they will tell you exactly what you want to hear.

[Argus]

The thing about economists is that you can always find one to tell you what you want to hear.

You think so? Be my guest. Find an economist who thinks that shooting up taxes on the business sector is a good idea at this time.

[jdobbin]

You think so? Be my guest. Find an economist who thinks that shooting up taxes on the business sector is a good idea at this time.

Most economists believed that Harper lowering the GST over income taxes was a bad idea as well but you will vote for him anyway.

[Argus]

Most economists believed that Harper lowering the GST over income taxes was a bad idea as well but you will vote for him anyway.

Given the alternatives? Hell yeah.

But I never supported the GST cuts. It was an election gimmick and I think I always said so. My personal preference would have been a cut in employment taxes.

[jdobbin]

Given the alternatives? Hell yeah.

But I never supported the GST cuts. It was an election gimmick and I think I always said so. My personal preference would have been a cut in employment taxes.

We're now stuck with what we have because Harper uses demagoguery rather than consider that income or payroll tax cuts would have been eminently better.

[nbguyca]

You think so? Be my guest. Find an economist who thinks that shooting up taxes on the business sector is a good idea at this time.

Economists opinions are biased by their only belief system. They construct their policies based on the idealogy that they favour and this creates the wide variety in opinions on how to fix or run the economy.

A mathematician, an accountant, and an economist are being interviewed for a job. During each interview, the interviewer asks the question, “What is 2 + 2?” The mathematician states confidently, “4.” The accountant states confidently, “4.” The economist gets up from his seat and quickly closes the door, look all around the room and quietly whispers to the interviewer, “What would you like it to be?”

[independent]

Just what do you expect the government to do about Canadians over-extending themselves with credit? Give them all a spanking? Ban people from borowing money? Perhaps new government panel to approve each and eveyr individual loan and credit card purchase by analysing the individual's credit, value and debts to determine whether they're borrowing money responsibly?

What??

The governments have a responsibily to make sure the people do not overextend themselves. Allowing people too get a mortgage for more than what it is worth with zero down is irresponsible. Young people do not know the ramifications for they seldom look that far down the road. Government can set limits on what people can borrow and require lending institutions to abide by that. Share holders in lending institutions should be asking the government too make sure people are not overextending themselves. Instead the governments often encourage borrowing as meaning of stimulating the economy. It is the governments responsibily because they are quaranteeing peoples deposits in the banks.

[capricorn]

The governments have a responsibily to make sure the people do not overextend themselves.

That's the mentality of mentality that will keep the left in opposition.

Allowing people too get a mortgage for more than what it is worth with zero down is irresponsible.

It is just about impossible to get a zero down mortgage in this country.

Government can set limits on what people can borrow and require lending institutions to abide by that. Share holders in lending institutions should be asking the government too make sure people are not overextending themselves.

Lending institutions asking for more government regulation? Yeah that makes sense.

[teletran]

Are you kidding? Dion got killed in the debate! The man should learn to speak one of Canada's official languages.

The same could be said of Stephen Harper and his command of the French Language. He was the weakest leader in the French debate and he had absolutely nothing to say other than the everything is fine.

The entire time, he was looking down at the table and couldn't even talk and look someone in the eyes either during the French debate.

Harper majority is not likely seeing that he doesn't appeal to the majority of the Quebec voters and therefore will not get many votes in Quebec.

[OddSox]

The governments have a responsibily to make sure the people do not overextend themselves. Allowing people too get a mortgage for more than what it is worth with zero down is irresponsible. Young people do not know the ramifications for they seldom look that far down the road. Government can set limits on what people can borrow and require lending institutions to abide by that. Share holders in lending institutions should be asking the government too make sure people are not overextending themselves. Instead the governments often encourage borrowing as meaning of stimulating the economy. It is the governments responsibily because they are quaranteeing peoples deposits in the banks.

Huh?

Government should pass laws to protect people from their own stupidity? The banking system in Canada is already regulated - let's not get carried away. I would guess that you also think that prohibition of handguns will eliminate killing. And prohibition of drugs will solve all of society's problems. And government daycare will result in a trained-seal electorate that says yes to everything you say...oops - did I reveal your secret agenda?

Seriously, why do you think that the government has to protect people from themselves? I don't get it.

[teletran]

We already knew everyone's policies. And for myself, as I actually know something about economics, I know that Layton's and Dion's would be economic disasters if they were ever put in place.

I see how you know so much about economics by simply stating that you do. VERY convincing.

That seems to be the consensus in the media.

From what? A poll that was taken half way through a debate? Did Harper actually present a platform yet? I'm still waiting.

You mean because he was speaking softly and respectfully instead of shouting and waving his arms around wildly like the others?

You mean because in his opening statement, he presented no platform and simply attacked Dion's green shift plan?

I thought he gave fairly clear answers given he only had 30 seconds to respond, often to multiple questions.

He may have answered a few questions, but was constantly evading other questions and not giving straight answers.

Like who? Like what policies?

By putting more money into it?

Because Harper stated previously that he would like to experiment with privatization of the Health Care system, that is why. Do people really want to worry about whether or not they will have enough money to pay for medication?

Hmm, slowing demand from our largest partner, 20% increase in the value of the Canadian dollar (which means it costs other countries 20% more to buy the same thing from us. Yup, Harper's fault!

Oh you mean the Canadian dollar is now stronger than other currencies such as the Euro? Lets see:

CDN to Euro on 10/03/2006 0.70460

CDN to Euro on 10/03/2008 0.67310

Clearly the CDN dollar is now worth more than the Euro than it was worth 2 years ago.

[jbg]

But like the rest of the world, nobody else watched the Canadian debate!

I did; parts of it.

[independent]

May was so annoying. She interrupts everytime Harper is given the floor to defend himself. I would understand if she was caught up in the midst of a heated argument, but her interruptions are nothing more than cheapshots at distracting and minimizing the chances of Harper to explain his position. The moderator had to stop her several times.

She doesn't accord the same respect that is given her during her alloted time. She cheapened the debate.

As a voter, I want to listen to all the details, not to some shrill shrew who couldn't manage to contain herself and practice decorum. The moderator was ineffective in a number of occasions. For this reason I hate this format.

You have a problem with women.

News reports are suggesting she did just fine in the debate.

The poles have had her as high as 12% of the popular vote. She has every right too be there.

[Pliny]

I watched the debate and found Dion to be sound somewhat desperate, Layton to be feisty and confrontational, Duceppe narrow in interests, May a tad frantic, Harper, above it all - He may get a majority.

The one thing that was striking about the debate was they all knew how to spend money better than the other parties.

[Argus]

We're now stuck with what we have because Harper uses demagoguery rather than consider that income or payroll tax cuts would have been eminently better.

That's not demagoguery, it's politics. Harper has clearly concluded - and it's hard to blame him here - that unless you're actually in power it doesn't much matter what your values or priorities are. So he's being pragmatic in adopting a variety of platform policies which are clearly done for the pure politics of it. <shrug> So far as I'm aware ALL the things the Liberals do are for the politics of it, so you really shouldn't be the one to complain.

[Argus]

The governments have a responsibily to make sure the people do not overextend themselves.

Why? Is the government your mommy? Does it have a responsibility to make sure you don't go outside without your mittens, too?

Allowing people too get a mortgage for more than what it is worth with zero down is irresponsible.

I agree. That was never really big in Canada, - unlike the US, and the Tories have already banned zero down payment mortgages.

Oh. You didn't ... know that... ?

[independent]

Why? Is the government your mommy? Does it have a responsibility to make sure you don't go outside without your mittens, too?

I agree. That was never really big in Canada, - unlike the US, and the Tories have already banned zero down payment mortgages.

Oh. You didn't ... know that... ?

http://www.househunting.ca/buying-homes/st...b3-939b58c5f71a

Well aware thanks. I see a lot of young people going in way over their heads and they think there is nothing wrong with that. It is only years later when they find all their payments start catching up too them. Vehicles need replacing. Repairs have too be made. Fridge quits on them. etc. Our lending institutions are being iresponsible and the government should be concerned.

You are doing nothing too help the tories cause with your sarcasm.

[jdobbin]

That's not demagoguery, it's politics. Harper has clearly concluded - and it's hard to blame him here - that unless you're actually in power it doesn't much matter what your values or priorities are. So he's being pragmatic in adopting a variety of platform policies which are clearly done for the pure politics of it. <shrug> So far as I'm aware ALL the things the Liberals do are for the politics of it, so you really shouldn't be the one to complain.

And ALL things Harper does is the same thing. I don't see the pragmatic stand Harper has taken when in regards to the GST cut. I know he wants to limit the money coming into federal coffers but at the very least he should have thought what would have given the economy the biggest boost. There are very few economists who thought the GST cut was the best way.

Now, he acts with senseless fervour in defending the cut even when combined with his spending, a continued downtown in the economy and further consumption tax cuts risks deficit.

[Kitch]

I watched the debate and have my own impressions from it. Strangely enough, my impressions seem to be very different from what different media outlets have to say, and after reading a number of posts in this thread, I can only come to one conclusion: People hear what they want to hear.

Anyone who likes Harper seems to think that he was 'above' all the bickering... which some like to call 'debating'. I could find similar stances from people who support each candidate too.

Is it possible to watch these things with a completely open mind?

[Argus]

http://www.househunting.ca/buying-homes/st...b3-939b58c5f71a

Well aware thanks.

Then what, exactly, do you want the government to do?

I see a lot of young people going in way over their heads and they think there is nothing wrong with that.

Young people are stupid. No surprise here. You can see it just by reading their political views. Again, what is the government supposed to do about that?

[Smallc]

Young people are stupid. No surprise here. You can see it just by reading their political views.

Maybe they're not the ones who are stupid.

[sharkman]

And ALL things Harper does is the same thing. I don't see the pragmatic stand Harper has taken when in regards to the GST cut. I know he wants to limit the money coming into federal coffers but at the very least he should have thought what would have given the economy the biggest boost. There are very few economists who thought the GST cut was the best way.

Now, he acts with senseless fervour in defending the cut even when combined with his spending, a continued downtown in the economy and further consumption tax cuts risks deficit.

Ah yes, thank you for reminding me. I love the GST cut like nothing else. Harper promised to cut it, and he kept his promise. The Liberals promised to get rid of it and they didn't. Now they want to bring in a carbon tax. It just doesn't get voters' interest.

[nbguyca]

I watched the debate and have my own impressions from it. Strangely enough, my impressions seem to be very different from what different media outlets have to say, and after reading a number of posts in this thread, I can only come to one conclusion: People hear what they want to hear.

Anyone who likes Harper seems to think that he was 'above' all the bickering... which some like to call 'debating'. I could find similar stances from people who support each candidate too.

Is it possible to watch these things with a completely open mind?

Well said. That is why I think these things are a complete waste ot time. The people that watch them are the people that have already made up their mind. Debates don't change anyone's opinion.

Edited October 5, 2008 by nbguyca

[Slim MacSquinty]

They generate sound bites and political chatter.