Quebec columnists note Dion, crown Duceppe as French debate winner
While columnists in several Quebec newspapers appeared impressed with Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion during the federal party leaders' French-language debate, most anointed Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe the winner.
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper was 'the quiet cowboy of few words.' — Richard Martineau, Le Journal de Montreal
In a front-page analysis published Thursday, Manon Cornellier of Montreal newspaper Le Devoir gave the nod to Duceppe, but said Dion improved as Wednesday night's televised debate went on.
The leaders of the Conservatives, Liberals, Bloc Québécois, New Democratic Party and Green party debate in English tonight, ahead of the Oct. 14 federal election.
Cornellier praised Dion for being the only leader who had a concrete plan for dealing with the current economic crisis.
"He promised an action plan during the first 30 days of his government, a plan which would include calling a meeting of the provincial premiers so they could consult with each other," she wrote.
Gilbert Lavoie of Quebec City newspaper Le Soleil said the new round-table format for the debate worked well for Dion, who was a regular of TV interviews before entering politics.
"Prof. Dion returned to his previous role as a talking head when the debate turned into an exchange of ideas," he wrote Thursday.
He also said any doubts about inviting Green party Leader Elizabeth May to take part in the debate dissipated, even though her French was painstaking.
The Quebec City columnist also wasn't surprised by the Bloc leader's performance.
"Duceppe did well, but we're used to seeing him do well in these debates where he's the most experienced," he added.
He noted that Duceppe and NDP Leader Jack Layton both worked hard, attacking Conservative Leader Stephen Harper on several fronts and hammering his policies.
No knockout: LaPresse
As for the Tory leader, Harper knew he couldn't win the French debate and just decided to hang in and let the storm pass, Lavoie said.
La Presse columnist Vincent Marissal said Duceppe was the debate winner but only on points as there was no knockout delivery.
He also added that Dion did well and that Layton did better than in the leaders' debate in 2006.
Harper, meanwhile, controlled his feelings and acted like a prime minister but at times appeared tired, Marissal said.
Le Journal de Montreal columnist Richard Martineau said he learned nothing new on Wednesday.
He noted that Duceppe defended the distinct character of Quebec, Harper was "the quiet cowboy of few words," and May resembled a piece of tofu — odourless, colourless and tasteless "but good for the health and filled with good intentions."
Martineau compared Dion to a tube of toothpaste — "just when you think it's empty, there's still a little bit left."
He said he is convinced Dion could make a breakthrough in Quebec if he were not still carrying the baggage of being the hardline federalist behind the Clarity Act, which imposes tough conditions for holding another sovereignty referendum.