Jack Layton shines in English Debate

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/decision-canada/Four+debate+viewers+think+Harper+poll/4605023/story.html
In an Ipsos-Reid survey of 2,615 English speaking Canadian adults who watched the debate, 42% thought Harper won, 25% thought Layton won, 23% thought Ignatieff won and only 2% thought Duceppe won.
Another finding was that of the 4 leaders, peoples impressions of Jack Layton improved the most

Excpert:
Layton appeared to make the biggest gains in the debate, exceeding the
expectations of many Canadians. Prior to the debate, only 12 per cent of
people thought he would win. A majority of viewers, 55 per cent, said
their impressions of him improved, while only 14 per cent said their
impressions worsened.

Accidental Deliberations: Canada 2011 - English Debate Wrapup
Excerpts:
...only Layton looks to have emerged having accomplished what he needed to -
both in terms of suggesting something positive to go with challenges to
the Harper Cons' style of governance, and more importantly in terms of
having baited Stephen Harper into some key mistakes which will help to
feed the rest of the campaign.
...
... Layton managed to use his time in the health care debate to set out
strong distinctions between the NDP and the other national parties -
both in its commitment to keeping funding going in the long run, and in
its plan to make improvements before the 2014 round of negotiations with
the provinces.

Perhaps more surprisingly, though, Layton also
got Harper to show a few more cards than he probably wanted to. Rather
than shying away from the issue of privatization, Layton challenged
Harper directly. And Harper allowed that he sees no problem whatsoever
with "alternative delivery mechanisms" - leaving himself vulnerable on
the question of what changes he's prepared to endorse while funding the
provinces, and how those figure to alter a system that serves as a point
of pride for Canadians.


Jack Layton shows real Canadian Leadership in English language debate

OTTAWA - Jack Layton dominated the English Language debate
tonight, clearly articulating the concerns of Canadian families and
proving he’s the only Leader who can take on Stephen Harper.

Addressing the issues that matter to Canadians, Layton spoke about
the need to create jobs, help small business and give families a break.
Layton cited Harper’s policies of deregulation and corporate tax
giveaways as reasons “why people can't make ends meet, why so many
people are still out of work.” Turning to Stephen Harper Layton said:
“Your policies don't address them.”

Layton pointed to Harper’s dismal record on fixing Ottawa after years
of Liberal entitlement and scandal. "You've become what you used to
oppose...you said you'd clean up Ottawa from scandals and now we've got
the most closed, secretive government we've pretty well ever had,"
Layton scolded Harper.

Layton also put Michael Ignatieff’s record under the microscope. “You
don’t show up for 70 per cent of the votes. For most Canadians, if you
don’t show up for work, you can’t expect a promotion.”

"There you were, supporting Mr. Harper on this massive program
corporate tax cuts, and suddenly you're against them. You're Mr.
Harper's best friend,” said Layton. “If not for you, I’d have to lend
him my crutch."

Layton also scored the signature jab of the night by calling Stephen
Harper’s crime policies a “hashtag fail” a twitter reference that
brought down the house and set the social media world all atwitter.

 

Stevie looked like he was on drugs, Duceppe won for facial expressions, Iggy didn't land that curcial punch, Layton won.
Excerpts:
Loved how Layton jabbed Steve with the crooks all sitting in senate
...
Sure Jack at the last few seconds of that segment had him [Ignatieff] on the ropes about absenteism
...
Layton did very well and was the winner of the evening.    He was calm, scored some jabs and was consistent.


The Debate: Canadian Values Win
Excerpt:
The other issues I particularly noticed were the ones that were only
raised by Jack Layton, electoral reform, particularly proportional
representation and aboriginal issues.

Jack also gets some points for language, being the only leader to use the term ""hashtag" in the debate and "commentariat" during the post debate scrum.


Federal Electoral Debate 2011: The Blather where We All Come To Gather
Excpert:
Layton was very good, probably the best he's ever been (and Layton's a
strong debater). His sections on immigration were excellent. His "you're
all the same" attack lines on Ignatieff/Harper were less so, but the
NDP candidate has to do that. Overall Layton came across as extremely
policy-oriented, which isn't his usual strength—he's an attack dog first
and always has been.