She made it.
– Photo from CP
Elizabeth May surprised and impressed a lot of people, after giving an apparently lackluster appearance on Oct. 1 in the French debate. I was impressed too, even though I’m a bit biased from being impressed by her before the debate as well. Layton’s practiced “zingers” even though they were poorly delivered, seemed to score highly too, especially with the clip hungry professional media. They should also pick up on May’s “Where is it” quip to Harper’s request that voters inspect his MISSING platform. There is no “Platform” link on the Conservative.ca homepage. They have some past policy, that’s it. Where is it?
Conservatives play Hide the Candidate, and Hide the Platform. Time to Hide Harper away from power.
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Pogge’s thoughts on the debate(s)
Jeff took excellent notes as well for the serious voter. Disclaimer: Jeff works for the NDP, but is keeping an open mind :-)
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Rex Murphy hated the debate format, because it let too many team up on the incumbent PM. He wants more debates. I like the format, but Rex is right that we need more one on one debates. More debates are better!
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Meanwhile, the rest of the western world was listening to Palin and Biden debate. If you can call a blowout a debate. I suppose Layton showed too that if you can remember some talking points and “zingers” you can get through a debate and the media won’t notice you’re just an actor.
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![[EFC Blue Ribbon - Free Speech Online]](http://www.efc.ca/images/efcfreet.gif)
thesharkguys | 03-Oct-08 at 8:45 am | Permalink
Rex is always ‘right’.
Score for E.M. and the Greens!
Jim | 03-Oct-08 at 10:07 am | Permalink
May’s constant little snarks during the Prime Minister’s attempts to answer questions and her finger pointing in his face made her look very immature and impolite.
She is NOT ready for prime time.
Sorry Lizzie, come back when you learn some manners.
Saskboy | 03-Oct-08 at 10:15 am | Permalink
Jim, I, naturally, disagree.
I just can’t take your accusation seriously when you call her “Lizzie” and simultaneously call HER immature and impolite. I enjoyed her digs at the Prime Minister, it’s what every thinking Canadian had on their mind anyway, and she actually got to SAY it to his lying face.
PeterC | 03-Oct-08 at 10:26 am | Permalink
Pretty spot on analysis. May added much more content to what would have been an otherwise sound bite clip show.
So, Jim, you are saying you want May back when she can lie, steal, kiss babies, kill solders like the rest of the politicians?
She was neither immature nor impolite, she was frustrated at bald face lies. We should all be.
Joseph | 03-Oct-08 at 10:37 am | Permalink
I too found her commentary welcome.
Normally, I would find the behaviour rude, but she was different. She would not try to “take over” the conversation, she just had a very effective habit of interrupting with an utterance of absolute truth such as “Where is it?” or “That’s not true” at just the appropriate time.
If you notice, no one ever called her on it. Why? BECAUSE IT WAS TRUE!
If Harper had a platform or if what he happened to be saying at the time, was factually correct, he could have nailed her. He didn’t because she was uttering the absolute truth, and he had no defense so instead he was forced to grit his teeth a bit harder (no one in their right mind could call that a smile) and keep talking.
I liked it because it was nice to know someone on stage was letting the “casual” voter know what was really going on – a little “bullshit” placard to display at appropriate points in the “oh so polite” discussion.
Luvs It ; ).
Saskboy | 03-Oct-08 at 11:54 am | Permalink
She was asking to speak, “May I say something?”, not talking over people. Sure she was talking under Harper a lot, but someone had to call him on his “frauds”.
GreenAssassinBrigade | 03-Oct-08 at 11:58 am | Permalink
I loved Harpers rehearsed faces depending which leader was talking at him, He always had the schmarmy shit eating grin on when Dion and Layton talked but you could see his pursed lips holding back ” Back in the Kitchen you Bitch” when May was on.
He was offended she was there, offended she dared question him and probably just plain offended by her gender, obviously no love lost either way.
Unlike Dion, May had no history for Harper and Layton to throw in her face making the old I’m not as bad as you ploy unworkable.
Did she win over the country? no. Did she show we are serious, have a larger view than many claim, and better defined our place in the political spectrum , Yes.
I’d call that a win.
themusicgod1 | 03-Oct-08 at 12:06 pm | Permalink
Oh crap. Thanks for pointing the working for NDP part. I really have to start remembering to mention that. I haven’t internalized that at all(and I’m still not a member).
Jim | 03-Oct-08 at 1:28 pm | Permalink
Well Saskboy, you may see a double standard in my comment but I am not the one applying for the job of PM.
At least she did not start talking at at warp speed like she usually does.
Actually, I really do hope that the Greens win a couple of seats in this election…hopefully Liberal ones.
Saskboy | 03-Oct-08 at 2:03 pm | Permalink
Sorry Jim, but being polite to a bald face liar like Harper is not on the list of qualities I want in a Prime Minister. Being a bald face liar certainly could disqualify someone from that position too, especially when it’s done to Canadians in a debate, and not in a situation where it might be warranted.