[Hakan]

The debate was alot better tonight than the previous one. There was substance and the moderator was far better. Infact, he was the best moderator I think I have ever witnessed in a leadership debate.

There wasn't a clear winner. I think Martin did surprisingly well considering the situation he is in. He made some striking points with regard to Conservative policies such as tax cuts and unity and answered the Harper's and Layton's attacks admirably. His performance at the debate shouldn't lose him seats, the corruption and antics in his cabinet will lose the seats.

Harper stuck to the line and provided the most comprehensive and well trained message I thought. Harper of course handled the criticism from Martin, Layton and Duceppe the worst of the candidates. He was exposed for some fibs and for some policy issues. I think Layton landed some good blows with healthcare and tax cuts and Martin got some shots in with regard to his relationship with the U.S.

Layton sounded really hokey with his contrived phrases but I think he probably did the best at reaching out to the undecideds which is ultimately what these debates are about. He communicated at a layman's level about the inadequacies of the two other parties while presenting his party as clearly distinct and relevant. The moderator called him on shooting for second place which was the most poignant criticism he received all night.

Duceppe is a joke and shouldn't have even been there. I especially disliked how he made his accent thicker for the purposes of appearing more 'Quebecois.' His accent is not nearly that pronounced and during his act he got himself caught in the game ruining phrases and points he was trying to make. The joke of it is that it doesn't matter one bit what he says in the English debates.