Roundup: Munk debate a success

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The Munk Debate on foreign policy was actually really well done – probably the best and most substantive debate we’ve had so far during this election, with a good format, good moderation, and bilingualism that more or less worked out (though there could have been a bit more effort into the French). (Kady’s liveblog here). We also started to see a bit more of a change in the leaders. Harper was more or less his usual self, and in foreign policy, well, he’s got ten years of experience, but he also has a record to defence. Trudeau stepped up his game in this debate, and was the most confident and self-assured he’s been of any debate. The improvement was marked, and given the low expectations going in, where people figured that foreign policy was his weakest area (especially as it’s where most of his notable gaffes going into the election were), but those fears were largely put to rest. As for Mulcair, people expecting a statesmanlike performance were largely dashed as he tended to more personal attacks and swipes, while avoiding a number of answers – possibly because his party’s foreign policy platform is the thinnest of the three. Trudeau also defended his father’s record from attacks by Mulcair, and seemed to have a few of his best moments doing so, and it did get notice over the Twitter Machine. (It was also, he noted the fifteenth anniversary of his father’s death, so that certainly did weigh on his mind at the time). Here is some debate reaction from Michael Den Tandt, the Ottawa Citizen’s panel, and over Twitter, Bob Rae (who was subject of another of Mulcair’s swipes on stage). Oh, and audience polls seem to indicate that Trudeau was the big winner. Make of that what you will.

https://twitter.com/carbonexplorer/status/648663698819694592

https://twitter.com/kateheartfield/status/648657546933325824

On the campaign:

  • Everyone was doing debate prep. And good thing!

Good reads:

  • Senator Campbell reiterates that Senators would do their constitutional duties if the NDP formed government.
  • Ruh roh! It seems that Rachel Notley is not on board with Mulcair’s cap-and-trade plans!
  • The department of Foreign Affairs has warned the government that their budget for embassy security is insufficient.
  • The Conservatives’ much-ballyhooed revamped immigration system isn’t living up to its promises. Try to look surprised everyone!
  • Here’s a look at the art of the election photo op (video).
  • Canada has been in talks with the US about creating a bi-national integrated military force to hit troubled hot spots around the world.
  • Here’s a further exploration of the Caretaker Conventions during the writ period.
  • The plan to move defence headquarters is behind schedule. Try to look surprised, everyone!
  • Brian Stewart looks at how our aging and rusting military is being neglected in this election.
  • Pundit’s Guide looks at the difficult maths the Liberals are facing to win seats despite their rising polling numbers.
  • Andrew Coyne takes his own critical glare at the Liberals’ fiscal plans.

Odds and ends:

That Liberal 9/11 Truther candidate has stepped down – just as the Elections Canada cut-off passes.

An ex-pat living in Seattle is running against Harper in his riding, even though he can’t vote (which is the point of his running).