nationalnews

ONTARIO LEADERS DEBATE

Leaders come out swinging

Dalton McGuinty Tim Hudak Andrea Horwath

DELIVERY POLICY JABS BODY BLOWS TAP DANCING SPIN APPEARANCE PERSONALITY RESPECT

Had a calm, clear voice but also lots of distracting hand movements and a bit of literal nger-pointing at Hudak. Took several rounds out of Hudak and Horwaths plans; questioned why Hudak rips his HST but wont pledge to repeal it. Said hes not comfortable with Hudak again raising the foreign issue - in this case, about subsidies for international students. Roughed up badly when Hudak accused him of pulling the plug on Mississauga power plant for political purposes. Tried to argue Hudaks reluctance to upload costs amounts to hiking city taxes; reminded voters of Hudaks link to Mike Harris. Went for a rather presidential look with the red tie. A safe bet.

6 6 7 3 7 8 6 7

Tried to keep smiling during confrontations with McGuinty; looked at camera and largely ignored his opponents. Hammered McGuinty on Ontarios job losses and government spending, particularly the huge eHealth scandal. Why should anyone believe you? he asked McGuinty about holding the line on taxes.

6 8 9 6 7 4 8 6

Very poised, but repeatedly interrupted her rivals will that be seen as her taking charge, or being rude? Pushed hard on her job-creation plan; accused Hudak of stealing some of her ideas. The only thing that changed here is an election campaign, she said of sudden Liberal ip-op on Mississauga power plant. Didnt face much direct re, but fought to speak over her rivals several times.

5 8 10 7 6 9 8 6

His rip on funding for foreign students reopened criticism of his earlier controversial comments on foreign workers. Argued government spendings gone up 80% under McGuinty; said Liberals ask voters to tighten belts but wont tighten their own. What was with that tie? No Tory blue, and a colour mix that was at times distracting. Only real hint came near the end, when he hit an emotional note discussing his daughters health.

Presented her plan as the best bet for students, families, Northern Ontario; compared herself to other provinces NDP premiers not Bob Rae. The very telegenic leader stood out from her rivals for obvious reasons.

Accused at times of being a bit wooden; his debate performance will do nothing to change that.

Joked with McGuinty that her brother works at the Toyota plant he lured here; mentioned pouring a few drafts in North Bay. At times she may have looked a bit rude trying to shout over Hudak and interrupting McGuinty.

Played role of incumbent with few attacks on rivals but the ngerpointing at Hudak looked rude.

Prefaced a few shots at McGuinty with the comment With all due respect, even when accusing him of trying to sidestep things.