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Topp pushes back on the localized messages strategy. It's a fair point: we need to look for common unifying themes to beat Conservatives.
1. Kick out Harper
2. Taxes
3. Climate change
4. Equality
Time to wrap this up.
He uses a lot of alienating language vis à vis Harper: "boneheaded" "clear and present danger" "worst" etc
This is a concern for me as Cullen reaches out to current Conservative (or {baby blue} Liberal) supporters
Good closing statement by Nathan.
Final statements get emotional.
Cullen really is a terrific orator.
Cullen is awesome. I love his comment that Canadians aren't ragingly partisan and 10x more Canadians have MEC memberships than all political parties. I think that perspective is lost within the echo chamber of political geeks. I know lots of people my age who are smart, progressive, well-educated folks who might vote NDP, Green, or Liberal, or not at all. He could do a lot to convince those people to vote NDP.
Bravo to all the candidates. The have shown passion, emotion, dedication, compassion. #ProudtobeNDP
I think in the next few days there will be some articles examining Mulcair's and Topp's concerns about Cullen's plan. If they are right and there are negative effects under the election act for a party that doesn't run a full slate that will be hugely problematic for Cullen.
Really liking these closing statements! Good job, candidates.
something in cullen sort of scared me, there's a preacher quality there. no question that topp won this debate, mulcair played it safe, nash did well but came off as only slightly less bland and old school, she's trying to fire people up with a barnburner here at the end, very laytonesque, sounds retro. dewar's rhetoric is even more empty than ashton's, singh isn't a good public speaker.
I see where you're coming from, but you have to remember: criticizing Harper isn't necessarily criticizing Conservatives, and a lot of Conservatives (and conservatives) have real concerns about Harper. I think Cullen has been careful about this.
Singh: "God bless Canada".
"God bless Canada!" Martin Singh. What a dork.
Candidates are blowing the closing statements. For a debate that was supposed to be about oppurtinities for new and young Canadians, very little focus on those issues.
All Mulcair said (on CTV Question Period) is that the number of candidates you run determines your party's national spending limit. I don't consider that much of an explosive observation.
Nash's final statement was very good. I have often thought she was a very dull speaker. Ashton's final speech was very good. I agree-collectively they make me very proud to be a NDPer.
Before we get over-eager (and I'll probably get sucked in) and start ranking the candidates, I will say this:
This debate was far more interesting than the first one, and all the candidates have stepped their game up since the beginning. It only reinforces my notion that we have a great slate of candidates.
There were contrasts today, mostly on strategy, tone, and how to get it done. So that's good news in two ways: it means we have a legitimate choice in this race, and it also means we will ultimately stay united in principle and purpose after the race is done.
That youthful energy is very stimulating - great debate.
After watching this final debate, I think Topp has sealed the deal for me.
Before, I'd been liking his substance but concerned about his presentation skills. But his improvement through the course of this campaign has been astonishing. And today, I'd say his presentation was the strongest of any candidate on the stage.
Yeah, it was just an excellent debate all around. A terrific finish to a race that hasn't always been terrific.
Nash redeemed herself today- she came across quite well.
Great closing statements overall. Topp shone today, Nash having a good day as well. Mulcair handled the interrogations fairly well, and Cullen's humour a breath of fresh air as usual. There was a too much topic drift away from new and young Canadians in the latter half but overall this was one of the more satisfying debates.
I'll give Topp the win on this debate, followed by Nash, Mulcair and Cullen. Mulcair didn't distinguish himself much, but he was respectful and composed throughout the debate and didn't suffer any serious blows. Topp was thoughtful and at times charming. Nash was interesting and at times/often reassuring. Cullen was inspiring for his candour and ability to think differently, speak incisively.
Ashton was a disappointment. Way too much sloganeering. Singh missed a golden opportunity to scale back his rhetoric on Topp with at least a partial apology. Too bad. Dewar was really out of his element. Had trouble gaining traction through any distinguishing comments. Had a Rick Perry quirkiness about his on stage body language and reactions. And thus it ends...two weeks before a new leader.
I didn't say "explosive". I said "hugely problematic". Why? Because he may have to spend a few days of the last two weeks playing defense. That is not an easy path to victory-playing defense.
CBC: top twitter trending feeds are Mulcair, Ashton, and Cullen.
About 1,000 people there today - wow!
yeah, i'm feeling a lot more confident in my second choice support for topp, he has definitely raised his game. it would be unjust if he went out before dewar, and it's a shame that circumstances (and a certain government) conspired to keep him out of that danforth seat, though i'm immensely pleased about the candidate we have there.
And I think that sums it up, who performed best, quite well. Most did well, but these three stood out from the maddening crowd.
That makes sense.
The riding boundaries may change with the next redistribution. Topp would make a great MP for either a new area of High Park-Parkdale or Etobicoke Lakeshore.