First Liberal Leadership "Debate"
I made plenty of notes from the debates while I eagerly watched in hopes of seeing something interesting. I wasn't too impressed that Newsworld cut off their coverage a mere 30 minutes in, but I think I had seen enough by then anyhow.
There seemed to be alot of argument about the definition of Liberal values. Best I could gather most candidates thought Social Justice, Universal Healthcare and Environmental Stewarship were Liberal values. There was alot of talk about "Aboriginal issues" - probably a direct result of the Conservatives canning Kelowna and the recent and ongoing dispute (read: illegal activity) in Caledonia. In fact, EVERY candidate went out of thier way to espouse a commitment to multiculturalism, minority rights AND aboriginal issues. Why aren't first nations people's considered minorities? I don't know.
Anyhow, a lot of interesting topics were covered by the candidates. One particular debate-like event occurred between Stephane Dion, Bob Rae and Micheal Ignatieff regading the recent extension of the Canadian commitment in Afghanistan:
Ignatieff - "We must be present in both Darfur and Afghanistan. We must have a combat capable military force. I supported the extention to our commitment in Afghanistan. We are a serious country… If we are to remain serious we should stay in Afghanistan until we get the job done"
Rae - "I disagree with Micheal profoundly on this issue. I really do think its unfair that we are put in the position where if we don’t support the motion to extend the commitment that somehow we don’t support the troops. The risk we run is that the missions must be very carefully chosen… with a combat force engaged in counter insurgency we will lose our way as peacekeepers. Are we prepared to craft an independent foreign policy that goes back to Pearson and Trudeau?"
Stephane Dion was very animated, and switched frequently between French and English - and the translation on Newsworld was terrible.... here are my notes on his thoughts on Afghanistan:
"Afghanistan… we dont have adequate information now… Harper made the decision and it was irresponsible."
Some other interesting quotes/thoughts:
Scott Brison on Equalization - "...is fundamental. I got a good education because of it in Nova Scotia. I think a 10 prov standard makes sense. Equalization is based on tax revenue, I don’t think that makes sense. It should be based on GDP." (My comments: Yes, EQ made his education affordable even though NS has more post secondary institutions than Alberta and BC. Dalhousie, SFX, UCCB, St Marys, etc etc. Glad Equalization is paying for that)
Stephane Dion on Equalization - "This a debate. No one here has even expressed an opinion. Fiscal capacity must be equal. We’re not talking about economy… we need to count all ten provinces including resource revenues". (My comments: At least he gave an opinion)
Overall, I was impressed with Gerard Kennedy, who really seems to want to get the party back to it's progressive social roots. Stephane Dion, Micheal Ignatieff and Bob Rae were also very impressive. Not much policy talk, except from Dion who is very impassioned and very obviously has more experience than everyone else.
Many of the candidates showed inexperience with foreign policy questions. In particular (no offense meant here) the female candidates got lost with the Afghanistan Question and Foreign Aid. Hedy Fry was particularly unimpressive.
Round 2 is next Saturday - I will be in Montreal and likely unable to watch! Someone take notes?!
There seemed to be alot of argument about the definition of Liberal values. Best I could gather most candidates thought Social Justice, Universal Healthcare and Environmental Stewarship were Liberal values. There was alot of talk about "Aboriginal issues" - probably a direct result of the Conservatives canning Kelowna and the recent and ongoing dispute (read: illegal activity) in Caledonia. In fact, EVERY candidate went out of thier way to espouse a commitment to multiculturalism, minority rights AND aboriginal issues. Why aren't first nations people's considered minorities? I don't know.
Anyhow, a lot of interesting topics were covered by the candidates. One particular debate-like event occurred between Stephane Dion, Bob Rae and Micheal Ignatieff regading the recent extension of the Canadian commitment in Afghanistan:
Ignatieff - "We must be present in both Darfur and Afghanistan. We must have a combat capable military force. I supported the extention to our commitment in Afghanistan. We are a serious country… If we are to remain serious we should stay in Afghanistan until we get the job done"
Rae - "I disagree with Micheal profoundly on this issue. I really do think its unfair that we are put in the position where if we don’t support the motion to extend the commitment that somehow we don’t support the troops. The risk we run is that the missions must be very carefully chosen… with a combat force engaged in counter insurgency we will lose our way as peacekeepers. Are we prepared to craft an independent foreign policy that goes back to Pearson and Trudeau?"
Stephane Dion was very animated, and switched frequently between French and English - and the translation on Newsworld was terrible.... here are my notes on his thoughts on Afghanistan:
"Afghanistan… we dont have adequate information now… Harper made the decision and it was irresponsible."
Some other interesting quotes/thoughts:
Scott Brison on Equalization - "...is fundamental. I got a good education because of it in Nova Scotia. I think a 10 prov standard makes sense. Equalization is based on tax revenue, I don’t think that makes sense. It should be based on GDP." (My comments: Yes, EQ made his education affordable even though NS has more post secondary institutions than Alberta and BC. Dalhousie, SFX, UCCB, St Marys, etc etc. Glad Equalization is paying for that)
Stephane Dion on Equalization - "This a debate. No one here has even expressed an opinion. Fiscal capacity must be equal. We’re not talking about economy… we need to count all ten provinces including resource revenues". (My comments: At least he gave an opinion)
Overall, I was impressed with Gerard Kennedy, who really seems to want to get the party back to it's progressive social roots. Stephane Dion, Micheal Ignatieff and Bob Rae were also very impressive. Not much policy talk, except from Dion who is very impassioned and very obviously has more experience than everyone else.
Many of the candidates showed inexperience with foreign policy questions. In particular (no offense meant here) the female candidates got lost with the Afghanistan Question and Foreign Aid. Hedy Fry was particularly unimpressive.
Round 2 is next Saturday - I will be in Montreal and likely unable to watch! Someone take notes?!
posted by Lucas at 09:44
2 Comments:
I thought Kennedy was outstanding both for not being afraid to talk like a Liberal and for pushing Volpe and MB into an actual debate. Dion was also good but I thought Kennedy took it.
Second Liberal Leadership “Debate”
Round Two, and not a single knock-out punch. The Liberal’s Eleven gathered at the Université de Moncton today for the second of five Leadership Forums. Both Newsworld and Newsnet carried the debate (in full this time) and pundits felt viewers could expect more french and sharper exchanges than a week ago in Winnipeg.
Microphone issues muted some of the opening remarks, but one message came through very clear – there are too many candidates on stage. Perhaps they could take a page out of the Apprentice and “fire” one leadership contender each week (starting with Martha Hall Findlay for my favourite foreign policy quote last week: “If we spend all our of our focus on Afghanistan and Darfur, what about Africa and the rest of the world?” Someone PLEASE get this woman an atlas! WHERE does she think Darfur is?! Perhaps East Africa isn’t Africa enough for her?). Although… pulling the candidates names for debate match-ups from a lobster trap is truly TV magic!
Most of the candidate’s intros included a partisan jab or two specifically at the Prime Minister. Michael Ignatieff asked “who among us has the best chance of defeating Harper?” and told a tale of two Canadas: “a Harper Canada vs. a Liberal Canada.” Scott Brison had his own cheering section, and wanted to let Harper know that “we (Atlantic Canadians) are “not defeatist.” Carolyn Bennett called Harper’s leadership “mean spirited.” Joe Volpe even brought a prop, and held up today’s Globe and Mail using the front-page story to liken the leadership frontrunner Ignatieff to Harper for their shared opinion on the recent Afghanistan commitment vote. (Afghanistan was barely mentioned in the rest of today’s debate.) Although Harper didn’t give comment, he appeared unfazed by the remarks while cheering on the Oilers during Game 6 at Rexall Place.
Social Policy questions about EI and seniors revealed sameness of opinion. Candidates generally reached a consensus that making frequent EI users pay a higher cost or have reduced benefits would “punish those who need it the most” (Seasonal Workers), and a need for entrepreneurs to be included, as well additional training components.
Fry, Belvilacqua, Volpe, and Brison forgot to answer “how they would make a difference in senior’s lives” altogether. Dion remarked on the lack of substance and platitudes in the responses given stating the audience deserved “yes or no answers.”
One incensed woman in the audience surprised the room when instead of asking a question on Economic Policy, she veered from format and said she “wanted to be respected as a francophone,” and that “if anyone wanted her vote” she wanted answers to be spoken in French and English “half and half.”
On the subject of Economic Policy - All candidates agreed that science, research and development could help protect the Atlantic fish stocks from depleting and oceanic pollution from rising. Bob Rae and Scott Brison would like to see the DFO relocated to Atlantic Canada from Ottawa.
Carbon Tax proved to be the divisive issue du jour. It’s an idea Ignatieff brought forward last week in Winnipeg. He reaffirmed his position saying that carbon is a serious issue, and that he wants to “incite Canadians to pollute less,” with a “tax based on pollution.” Bevilacqua, Volpe, Kennedy, Fry and Brison all strongly oppose the idea of a carbon tax, and instead are for incentives to promote alternative energy and conservation. Dryden and Bennett are “willing to look at” a carbon tax. Rae feels it’s only a good idea if it’s “linked to pollution” vs. hitting a few industries. Findlay could live with a carbon tax, but asserted that an SUV tax on gas guzzling vehicles would hurt farmers. Dion prefers to go back to the Liberal plan created under his tenure as environment minister, as part of his “three pillar approach” which includes environmental sustainability.
Candidates were asked for their opinion of the UN as a manager of international affairs, and what improvements could be made. Rae said the UN might not be perfect, but is the “Best chance to establish a rule of law in the world.” Others felt it should be “more democratic,” and both Fry and Ignatieff focused on the UN’s duty “to protect human security for populations in danger.” Volpe shares a vision with former Prime Minister Martin to see the creation of the L-20 where the 20 wealthiest nations “join to alleviate poverty.”
Lastly, hopefuls were asked to share a defining moment in their lives which shaped who they are and how they look at the world outside their borders. It was refreshing to hear eleven original answers. The one I feel most worth repeating is when Ignatieff recounted being arrested by paramilitaries in 1992 at a UN Checkpoint in Yugoslavia. A Canadian UN peacekeeper reached into the window of the vehicle where he was being held captive and said “We’re gonna do this my way,” and shut the key off.
I’ll leave off here for now and may post the odd quote later from the exciting “Lobster Trap” segment of the debate.
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