Lack of fireworks, Singh's constant interruptions highlight English leaders' debate

Article content

OTTAWA — It was a fantastically underwhelming debate for such an important election.

Pundits were mixed on who came out on top after Thursday night’s English language debate that saw Canada’s major party leaders spar on live television as Canadians prepare to cast their ballots.

Melanie Paradis, veteran Conservative campaigner and president of Texture Communications, thought that while Liberal Leader Mark Carney came across as dull but well-prepared, the night belonged to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

“I thought that it was Poilievre’s best night of the election so far,” she said.

“There was a moment where Carney was challenging him on the security clearance, and he completely turned the tables on him. Carney was just not equipped to deal with Poilievre in his masterful approach to the debate, he was clearly very well prepared for that.”

Liberal strategist Sharan Kaur said she expected to see more heated exchanges between the two leaders — remarking that Poilievre seemed more disciplined Thursday.

“Pierre was pretty measured in his responses and less aggressive, which as been a pivot in terms of how he usually is … which means he’s gained a bit more discipline, or likely playing into theatrics,” she said, adding that Carney was measured and calm during the debate, and gaining comfort with being on the political stage.

“But I found (New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh) to be way too aggressive.”

Many observers took note of Singh’s aggressive tone and near-constant interruptions of other speakers — largely aimed at Poilievre.

“It was a real missed opportunity for him,” Paradis said about Singh’s conduct in the debate.

“I just continue to not really understand what the focus is there. I think their ground game is focused on holding the ridings they already have, trying to basically save the furniture.”

But with an already tight race continuing to tighten, Kaur isn’t convinced the debate changed any minds.

“I think we’re going to see a shift in the polls, not because of the debates, but because we’re getting closer to e-day — we always see that shift,” she said.

“It would have swayed people’s mind if someone said something crazy. You might get folks who are teetering on the fence who are going to vote strategically and the Liberals will be the ones to gain from that.”

bpassifiume@postmedia.com
X: @bryanpassifiume