Marcus Gee, 8:06 p.m. Attacking Harper as a program slasher is a bit much given all the big spending programs he's proposed. Also, note that Harper is taking the high road, not attacking Martin but talking about what the Tories would do instead -- a clear sign of confidence from the election leader.
Marcus Gee, 8:08 p.m. Small thing, but I hate it when NDPers talk about helping 'working families' -- the implication being that only NDP voters, not better off or even middle class people, actually work for a living.
Brian Milner, 8:08 p.m. Not a great start for PM. He looks nervous. Duceppe and Layton seem most relaxed, probably because they have the least to lose.
Mary Janigan, 8:09 p.m. This is the Liberals' weak spot now: the scandals. And this is a big chance for Mr. Layton to differentiate himself from the Liberals who are crowding out his party.
Brian Milner, 8:10 p.m. Martin shouldn't get down into the muck. Note that Harper's not making eye contact when Martin's talking.
Marcus Gee, 8:11 p.m. Harper is really drawing blood on the income trust issue, which was manna from heaven for him. But good for Martin for sticking up for Ralph Goodale, whose integrity was, as he says, impugned unfairly just because the RCMP are looking into an unproven suspicion.
Brian Milner, 8:13 p.m. Harper is joking isn't he? He's running one of the dirtiest ad campaigns in Canadian history.
Brian Milner, 8:16 p.m. Martin's right about CSL. Tax avoidance is not the same as tax evasion, which is what Harper's people want Canadians to think Martin's up to.
Marcus Gee, 8:16 p.m. Pretty thin hair to split in an election campaign, isn't it?
Brian Milner, 8:17 p.m. There's that cocky smirk on Harper again. He can't help it.
Marcus Gee, 8:17 p.m. I know, but you can see that's he's fighting it: Don't grin, DON'T Grin!
Brian Milner, 8:18 p.m. Score one for Layton on campaign financing.
Mary Janigan, 8:19 p.m. I really enjoy listening to Mr. Duceppe in this debate. He is becoming the character who punches all the pretensions of others, at least in the English debate. He is doing delightful running commentary on all of them.
Brian Milner, 8:20 p.m.Finally something substantive.
Mary Janigan, 8:20 p.m. Oh no. Oh no. This is insanity. He would get rid of the clause that made the whole constitutional deal possible. The notwithstanding clause was the key.
Brian Milner, 8:20 p.m. Here we go. Notwithstanding.
Marcus Gee, 8:21 p.m. Hang on: Is Martin saying he'd try to scrap the notwithstanding clause? That's news.
Marcus Gee, 8:21 p.m. What a weird time to raise it, out of the blue during a debate. It's a Hail Mary pass.
Brian Milner, 8:23 p.m. Alas, back to scandal.
Marcus Gee, 8:24 p.m. Excellent off the cuff reply from Harper on the constitution. If it ain't borke, why fix it?
Mary Janigan, 8:24 p.m. And harper wants to put back property rights. Which was another part of the deal made in late fall of 1981. We could spend the next five years talking constitution while the world passes us by.
Marcus Gee, 8:25 p.m.Just what we need: Another constitutional debate! Canadians would rather eat glass.
Mary Janigan, 8:25 p.m. Mr. Layton is doing a pretty good, last-ditch job so far in attempting to distinguish himself from the liberals. It is his theme, his song.
Brian Milner, 8:28 p.m. Gomery would never have had any legs without the income trust stuff. Martin's right. I like the line: "drive-by smears"
