[mrdeeds]

IMO, all the party leaders had good performances are there was a virtual stalemate last night. I think views on the debates will only solifidy preconceived notions. No big winners which helps Harper.

Harper again remained relatively calm under fire, but took some heavy hits with little or no return fire. I agree with the notion that his calmness and that smirk came off as arrogance to some though.

Duceppe was Duceppe, to the point and he got some good hits on Harper. I think he has further solidified his support and taken away from the Conservatives.

Dion did much better than I anticipated, but in the minds of most I probably not enough. Harper really could not touch him, and he did he best to redress the Conservative falsehoods. Layton however, give him some trouble. A solid, but unspiring performance.

I really did not know what to expect from May, but found her to be very strong and assertive, so much so that she at times was a little irritating (making her one-liners out of turn). Her base is a bit confusing though as she is trying to mix the environmental crowd with fiscal conservativism. Not enough in that mix to do real damage.

Layton, I think provided some of the most memorable quotes, but for the most part it's the same old anti-corporate stuff. Does that resonate now with fears of the financial crisis heading North? Probably not.

Bottom line is that unless something dramatic happens, IE Converatives making serious gaffes or coming out with a great, big-tent platform. It will pretty much be status quo. A Conservative minority with the Liberals as Official Opposition. The ball is in Harper and Co.'s court.