French Language Debate

[maplesyrup]

Instant poll hands TV debate win to Duceppe

"It was Duceppe's to lose tonight and he didn't," Bricker told CTV.ca.

Surprises, Bricker said, could be found in an analysis of the numbers tracking the leaders' momentum.

"Quite clearly people weren't impressed," Bricker said, referring to the 42 per cent of respondents who said their opinion of Martin had worsened as a result of their performance in tonight's debate.

"He had an opportunity tonight to make a huge impression," Bricker said. "And quite clearly he didn't get there."

On that question, Ipsos-Reid asked respondents to rate who offered the best ideas and policies in the debate.

Again, Duceppe emerged as an uncontested favourite, drawing 38 per cent support. With his similar party platform, the NDP's Layton edged in at second place with 23 per cent support.

Only 12 per cent said Harper expressed the best ideas, while 19 per cent favoured Martin.

The Liberal Leader might find some small consolation in the fact he was still chosen by a slim majority as the best choice for prime minister.

When asked, forgetting for a minute about the federal parties and what they stand for, and forgetting about which party you might be supporting, which of the federal party leaders do you think would make the best Prime Minister of Canada, 27 per cent said Martin.

Duceppe claimed 23 per cent, while 21 per cent chose Harper. Layton was close behind with 19 per cent support.

Everyone expected Duceppe to win tonight, so there were no surprises there. But on policy it seems the NDP is getting high marks.

[BQSupporter]

What are you Maple? Are you confused? Are you a Liberal or NDPer? You seem to be much more in favor of the Liberals or are you just a Liberal pretending to be an NDPer? What is Maple?

[August1991]

August1991 you are also partly wrong. There is lots of support for the BQ in Montreal.

The BQ will get its support in the ridings where the Yes won. But even partially francophone Montreal is federalist.

BQS, everyone one knows that in the next referendum, the franco vote must be strong enough to overcome the anglos and the allos.

BQS, all ROC people on this forum will use, to your and my mind, bizarre, incoherent, unfair arguments to defend their right to be "Canadian" against the overwhelming "American" onslaught on this continent.

Use the same arguments to defend your cause. You won't win them here, ces arguments, mais les faire, ça fait du bien! La vérité existe...

[maplesyrup]

Did the moderator(s) lose control of the debate?

There seemed to be a`lot of talking over others, and some people have suggested that the moderators lost control of the debate?

Do you agree?

[Reverend Blair]

I wouldn't say they completely lost control, but they were on the verge a couple of times. They need to shut the mics off for the people who are not supposed to be speaking when that happens.

I was kind of surprised at the beating that Harper took from all three candidates on social programs. He had to know the questions were coming, yet still had no clear answers and no real strategy to diffuse the attacks. He also seemed to stutter a bit at the beginnings of all of his replies, like he was having trouble thinking in French, as somebody else here noted. After spending a full four days preparing, I really expected more from him.

Layton did much better, getting his point across and remaining above the fray for the most part. He was clear on social issues and on economic issues, did not appear to be running from his past or present policies the way Harper did. In fact he proudly referred back to them.

Neither Harper nor Layton has a chance in Quebec though, so I'm not sure that the French language debate was that important to them...more of a practice session for tonight.

Martin, who really needs some support in Quebec, got his ass kicked. He appeared evasive and lacked real answers to direct questions.

Duceppe was the clear winner. He was eloquent, scored points against each of the others, and looked to be honest and fair-minded. He also looked like the only one there with the ability to balance a strong stand on principles with compromising with the other parties to achieve what he feels is best for his constituents.

I'm from Manitoba and against breaking up the country, but I have to say, if I was living in Quebec right now I would seriously consider voting for this guy.

[takeanumber]

I love the fact that Duceppe basically said:

"Attacking same sex marriage -- that's a vote of non-confidence."

"Attacking a woman's right to choose -- that's a vote of non-confidence."

"Attacking Bombardier, that's a vote of non-confidence."

"Attacking the interests of Quebec, which all of the above are, you better believe that's a vote of non-confidence."

It was nice to see somebody capable of putting Harper in his place, in his place.

Just wonderful.

[Kiraly]

Appears that some people are not clear on the concept of free votes.

I know Duceppe is well aware that free votes, by there very nature, do not bring governments down....

....but highlighting that would make his utterances alot less dramatic.

[August1991]

Did the moderator(s) lose control of the debate?

There seemed to be a`lot of talking over others, and some people have suggested that the moderators lost control of the debate? Do you agree?

This was particularly true for the first hour (and I suspect many viewers stopped watching as a result). The second hour was better when the four seemed more comfortable with the format.

The format intended to lower the journalists' role. The four are adults. They have no interest in appearing silly.

Others have remarked that Harper was the only person to answer precisely the questions asked.

[Reverend Blair]

Others have remarked that Harper was the only person to answer precisely the questions asked.

I had exactly that discussion at work today. I don't feel that he addressed abortion or same-sex marriage adequately at all, he just repeated the same non-answers he has provided all along. He did nothing to alleviate my fears that his social conservatism and religious views will become policy. That's a major concern for a lot of us.