John Tory, Doug Ford trade blows in midtown debate
John Tory and Doug Ford traded blows from either side of Olivia Chow on Tuesday night during the latest debate between the leading candidates to be Toronto’s next mayor.
The debate, hosted by a midtown business association, saw Ford on the offensive, repeating his now oft-heard claim that Tory does not have the hands-on experience for the job, while Tory again took aim at Ford’s behaviour and attendance record.
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“There are only two people at this table that have experience,” Ford said to Chow at one point, “and that's you and I."
Ford repeatedly accused Tory of being “disingenuous” and repeated the claim that he and his brother, outgoing Mayor Rob Ford, have saved the city some $1 billion — marking the first, but not last, time one of Ford’s remarks drew taunts and catcalls from the audience at St. Andrew's United Church.
Ford also suggested more than once that moderator Kym Geddes was biased in favour of Tory. Geddes works for the same Toronto radio station where Tory once hosted a show.
Tory took aim at Ford’s attendance record in council and lack of respect for his colleagues, again criticizing him for once describing them as “monkeys.”
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Chow, seated between them, stayed out of the debate’s most heated moments, seemingly trying to present herself as the more moderate candidate.
Chow left the debate early — in its second half, due to a prior engagement — leaving Ford and Tory together. The debate was relatively calm after that, and continued to touch on topics including transit and taxes.