Thursday, March 20, 2014

What to Expect in Tonight's Leaders Debate

I'm not sure as to the importance or the effect that the debate between the leaders tonight will bear upon the election campaign, there are no pollsters who do a before and after poll, that is a poll the day before, followed by another the day after.

I'm sure one of the pollsters will conduct a quickie poll to ask voters who they thought did the best in the debate, but again, gauging the real effect is almost impossible.

One has to consider the fact that those who watch the debate are politically inclined, most tune-in to see how their preferred candidate performs.
At any rate, there's a Canadiens hockey game on TV tonight and the start of the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament, so right off the bat, over a million Quebec sports fans will choose not to watch the debate.
One really has to ask about the wisdom of scheduling such a debate on such a packed sports night. It's not as if the schedule wasn't known beforehand.
Aside from that, the popular On connaît la chanson show (a Don’t Forget the Lyrics knockoff) usually pulls in about a million viewers, so it's hard to predict just how many will be watching the leaders.

At any rate, here's my suggestions as to what each leader should look to achieve, their talking points and their lines of attack and defence.

PAULINE MAROIS
After a shocking poll that put the PQ 5% behind the Liberals, Pauline Marois finds herself for the first time in a very long time, obliged to play catch-up.

She tried to turn the election debate away from the toxic issue of referendums by attacking Philippe Couillard's ethics yesterday which turned into a fiasco as Couillard came out swinging with an ominous warning that he would bring up the issue of the infamous 'deal' that her husband, Claude Blanchet allegedly entered into with the FTQ, to influence the PQ's position on the calling of an embarrassing inquiry into the construction industry.
It was a masterful counter-punch by Couillard, one that thoroughly shocked and frightened Marois, so much so that another PQ stalwart accused him of bullying the Premier.
That actually made things worse, the idea that a Premier could be bullied so easily, not a great reputation builder.
For Pauline, it would be suicide to enter into an ethics debate, so look for Pauline to heed the Liberal leader's warning.

 For Pauline it's important to stress that a PQ government will protect Quebec values and the Quebec model, the old standby of the equality of the sexes, support for unions and the protection of the French language and culture.
She needs to tell the big whopper that the PQ is interested in and capable of creating jobs and balancing the budget.
She should actually avoid attacks on other parties and leaders, and take the high road as much as possible.
As for the issue of referendums, which will come up no matter what, she's got to assure voters that a referendum can only be considered when the economy is improved and the budget balanced and the debt under control. (In other words......never.)

PHILLIPPE COUILLARD
The Liberal leader needs to consolidate his position as a legitimate alternative to the PQ and should avoid harsh personal attacks on Marois, something that would be unseemly in the eyes of the voters.
Despite modern conventions of equality between the sexes, nobody likes to see a man harsh up or denigrate a woman in public. Yup..there I said it.
For Couillard it's important to defuse the Charter of Values debate by assuring voters that the Liberals have a kinder and gentler version which they will proffer, a compromise which tackles the issue with compassion, one where nobody will lose their job and where religion and heritage will be respected. He should underline that under a Liberal government, the heritage of Quebec society will be respected and protected and that specifically, the crucifix in the National Assembly will be maintained.
This differs from the PQ policy of putting the issue of the crucifix to a free vote, something most voters don't want.

If I was his handler, I would tell him to assure voters that the Cross on Mount Royal and the Christian place names that makeup over 10% of streets, hospitals and schools will be protected under a new  patrimony bill, created by the Liberals specifically to protect those Christian traditional values that Quebecers see as a vital component of their makeup.
This position will be something that the voters will eat up and can help take the wind out of the sails of the PQ, which up to now has had a monopoly on the issue.

 Like Marois, Couillard should ignore attacks and stake out his position calmly and confidently, displaying a serene and honourable demeanour, something Quebecers admire and appreciate.

FRANÇOIS LEGAULT
Certainly Legault is in the worst position, stuck in the middle with no clear policy or agenda that separates him and his party from the others.
For him, it's a case of trying to save the bacon and hold off an election wipeout. I'm not sure he can do it at all, certainly not in a debate.
Perhaps the best line of attack is to ask voters not to give either the Liberals or the PQ a majority government, because should one or the other win a majority, it would mean a radical federalist or sovereigntist agenda being rammed down Quebecers throats, something that they don't want and isn't in the province's best interest.
Being ambiguous may actually be exactly what most Quebecers really want, even if they don't know it.
Legault's task is to legitimize that idea and champion the cause.
A middle position, in this respect can be portrayed as balanced and nuanced, one that can serve all Quebecers.
So stressing the theme that giving Couillard or Marois free rein for four or five years in a majority government is dangerous can actually be a successful strategy.

It's a long shot, but it's his only hope.

FRANÇOISE DAVID
Last debate, it was Françoise David that actually earned the most plaudits from viewers with her serene and impassioned defence of social issues.
All she needs to do is a carbon copy performance, inviting voters to express their social conscious and solidarity for the poor and underprivileged.
Selling pie in the sky can be effective with voters if they can be made to feel that their vote is an important message to the ruling class.
Calm, serene and ladylike are the watchwords. David has an exceptional speaking style, confidence oozes and her very deliberate and SLOW speech actually quite riveting.
She will no doubt be the most sympathetic of all the leaders and her goal is to convince just a few more to take the leap and vote for Shangrila, a pipe dream, but a dream just the same.

There it is, my view of the debate. How will it play out and how it will affect the actual vote remains to be seen.
I'll be back on late Friday or early Saturday with my take on the debate,

101 comments:

  1. There's not much to ay about Marois. She will go according to how dirty he ha to get. We can't predict some one who makes up fact as she goes along.
    Dr. Couillard will go as easy on her as he can get away with. He's not just trying to get elected . He knows he will be elected. ( I love his attitude on this) He is thinking about bringing people together afterwards. Shows the caring and genius of the man.
    Legault is a man who wanted it both ways. He opposed the PQ's separation policy but mentioned separation in ten years.
    Well now he has it it both ways. Half his seats will go to liberals and half to the PQ. Ed
    Francoise David should run for civic leadership. Her words sound like she only cares about Montreal.

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  2. I think EDITOR, a very good and important subject for the aftermath of the Libs win will the feelings of great loss to the Francophones. Keeping the FLQ types from feeling they haven't lost everything and springing up to cause trouble..Can we accept bill 101 not being erased. Dr. Couillard wants to keep the OQLF and change it into a model culture of the French language. it would promote French being spoken here and world wide. Tjhis would please a lot of people here hoping to erase joual. It would also appease the warlike types thinking Quebec is going to be a world leader.
    These two things show that Dr. C is looking ahead to create a peaceful home for all of us. He is especially worried about the allophones as that is where the nasty ones will probably attack.
    There's a sort of juvenile attack notion to avenge their hatred of us. We have to remember that most Frncophones are not separatist but they will naturally feel a loss. Ed


    ader

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    1. Ed - please stop bringing up the FLQ - Long ago and far away and not relevant today. That is one of the things that keep the province from moving forward. We can't be scared of these separatists - that's why there are so many today! We look like we're cowards which we're not and we can't keep giving away the store just because of the past! Why would francophone federalists feel a loss with the ousting of Miss Piggy? Federalists don't want Bill 14 and the Charter to drag this province further down the road to exclusion from the ROC! This "old school" mentality is killing us! Start talking to the people that want to move past all this stuff, which is the majority!

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    2. cutie, If you read my post instead of hurrying to tear it apart and again insult me for no reason you would see that it was Dr. Couilllard who is worried about the FLQ and I think he knows a little more than you do, considering the fact that he has advisers every where. "Why would Francophone Federalists feel a loss...." Where do you get that, I never mentioned Federalist and when I speak about FLQ supporters everyone but you knows I'm tatlking about separatists. Ed

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    3. Again, what are you talking about Ed? I didn't insult you. I asked you why francophones would be feeling a loss. The only ones feeling a loss will be separatists - no one else whether they be francophone, anglophone or allophone. And it's the threat of the FLQ nuts that keep letting these people bully us to death and I'm sick of it. We can't be worried about people like the FLQ - we have to move past this stuff. There are crazy people all over but we can't worry about all of them and let them run the agenda. You said you were in the armed forces - did you run from the enemy or did you know you were there to fight - this is a fight! As far as the language police are concerned - what civilized society has a job for such people? The teachers are there to teach french not language police. As supporters of the liberal party in this election, you can bet we will be on his back to get rid of that group of blood suckers. 29M that could go into education or health - much better use for that money and we won't look like clowns on the world stage all the time.

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    4. "Why would francophone federalists feel a loss with the ousting of Miss Piggy?" You did say Federalists. Dening the truth is what Marois does. Yiou say it's the separatists that would fgeel a loss. Yes, that's exactly what I said. Please read it again.
      Cutie, you have talked for long time about things under the Libs being same old same old. Well finally we have that chance. Dr. Couillard is not satisfied with just winning an election he is looking forward to what can be done
      economically, socially and education wise. For the first time we have a premier who is looking forward to work for us. He has to satisfy and control six million dull, uneducated people who do not see common sense easily. he has information that the FLQ has graduated into a military group, well armed and crazy enough to be dangerous.
      After a few months in office he will be putting questionaires out to the people to see what they want changed. He willpromote unity and bilingualism.

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  3. Editor,

    Do not forget that there is also a Senator game tonight - available in English and in French - for those living in the Outaouais, even though their playoff chance is slipping further and further away...

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  4. The last good debate was a federal one when Mulroney schooled John Turner back in 1984. Everything since in Quebec and Ontario has been drivel. This one should be no exception unless personal attacks take place.

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    1. You're rght Mr>Sauga Too bad Turner was a poor debater, he would have made a great Prime Minister since he did not believe in deficit spending.With Turner we would be rich today. Ed

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    2. Don't really care who schools who just as long as no future Canadian PMs come from Quebec. Sad to see one of the main provinces in the federation send opportunistic traitors year after year to the House of Commons. Its shameful and embarrassing watching the amateurism coming out of that province. Imagine if Quebec was a productive member how much greater this country could be but I guess its not meant to be.. I am directing my comments to the traitors and not the Federalists.

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    3. Marc , if a Prime Minister comes from Quebec, he is not there because the people of Q uebec sent him. He is there because voters right across Canada called him tio service. Apart from Brian Mulroney we have had some wonderful leaders from here. Paul Martin was one of the besrt. Ed

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  5. Posted on FB - not sure how true but interesting:


    In Quebec we are facing an important election on April 7th. One of the key campaign issues is the separation of Quebec from Canada, favoured by the PQ (Partie Quebecois). One of Quebec's wealthiest business heirs is running on that platform:
    A personal note on Pierre Karl Peladeau (PKP):
    In announcing his candidacy to run for the PQ in the April 7th, 2014 election, PKP has been blindly portrayed as one of Quebec and Canada's top business minds. PKP inherited this company from his father. If you bought shares in Quebecor 14 years ago, March 1st, 2000 around the time PKP took over, you would have paid approx. $26.45 a share. In the 3650 days to March 1st, 2014, the stock never traded higher than that price, and today trades at around $25.29. CEO's of public companies are judged on their return to shareholders. It is almost impossible to imagine a worse 14 year performance than PKP's. To have produced a negative return is a remarkable failure. In 2000 Quebecor reported 1.8 billion in operating income. In 2013 they reported 1.4 billion. As a public company CEO I am certain that it is impossible with this record to remain CEO other than by being a controlling shareholder, which of course PKP is.
    This simple fact needs to be communicated widely in Quebec to a population being fed the propaganda that PKP is the financial genius that can lead an independent Quebec.


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    1. If we boycott Quebecor maybe we can get that income down even lower..

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    2. Huh, kinda thought that was going to be complete BS, but the stock price is technically right:
      http://tinyurl.com/m2qn25c

      Though to be fair he took over in 1997 when the price was about 15$. On the other hand the stock price has been extremely volatile since then going as low as 6.00$ and the 25.68$ per share the company is at now is not an average price for it. If you bought shares in 2000 you definitely got nothing back for them in 14 years (well maybe a 0.02$ per year cash dividend, so over 14 years about a 1.12% ROI, that's worse than what the banks give you) then again such is the risk of the stock market.

      “I don’t think it’s my role to comment on politics. It’s not even of interest to me. I run a global company,” Mr. Péladeau told The Globe and Mail in 2000. “I don’t care what’s happening in Quebec or Canada.”

      Hmm I guess that changed when Quebecor World went bankrupt and it was no longer a global company? lol Oh he also blames English Canada for the failure, because the banks wouldn't bail out his failing company. I guess he's all for ruthless business practises towards employees, but he expects a handout when it comes to him.

      http://tinyurl.com/k5cuh7y

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    3. Well the seppies should be taking a closer look at what their placing their hopes on. Not the great business man they all thought he was. Just another glory seeker with his hand in your pocket.

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  6. I think its time for Quebec to start unloading some assets To try in lower the public debt. Maybe sell the crown jewel Hydro Quebec and eliminate 250,000 government jobs in Quebec city..

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  7. Quebec is well known as the puppy mill capital of North America and for its cruelty towards animals that mostly goes unpunished. Apparently this cruelty to animals extends to Francophones living outside Quebec's borders. I would like to see the candidates in the QC election pledge to toughen up the laws and penalties for animal abuse, limit the size and number of puppy mills, and hire more inspectors to enforce the laws.

    http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/03/17/dog-dragged-behind-vehicle-owner-charged

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    1. I think the guy should be dragged behind his car! An eye for an eye and all that good stuff. He's lucky I didn't see him. How can people be so cruel? It boggles the mind that anyone can do that to a helpless animal. If anyone hurts my animals, they'd better be ready to run. Disgusting human being. Jail - 20 years.

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  8. Interesting article about the vote in Quebec City:

    http://goo.gl/SjK4Co

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  9. BREAKING NEWS!!!!!
    Latest poll has liberal widening lead over PQ 45% to 32%......http://goo.gl/MnBZC6

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous Buster of Shit ArgumentsThursday, March 20, 2014 at 6:47:00 PM EDT

      Look at it, Phil, it's beautiful: http://screencast.com/t/QnRcFNdq

      One has to wonder if Marois' handlers are trying to hide this from her to prevent her from being vexed by the news.

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  10. The reader counter on our blog has just crossed the 100,000 views per month threshold for the first time ever!
    Thank you for your support!

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    Replies
    1. Mohammed... Is that you?

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    2. I'm happy for you EDITOR, you have the right to be very proud. We are proud of you and what you have accomplished for all of us here. VIVA LAMPADA Ed

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    3. @Ali : اسمي محمد

      Delete
  11. Anonymous Buster of Shit ArgumentsThursday, March 20, 2014 at 8:24:00 PM EDT

    Francois Legault just trapped Francoise David and crushed her ass.

    Tsk tsk tsk!

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  12. Anonymous Buster of Shit ArgumentsThursday, March 20, 2014 at 8:34:00 PM EDT

    I told everyone here first - Couillard and Legault would tag-team Marois, and it's happening right now.

    Oh how I am relishing watching the amount of stress she's going through right now.

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    Replies
    1. Is it looking bad? God I hope so. I really hope she is taken out.

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    2. Greatest comedy I've seen in a while.

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  13. Seems too high support for Liberals but maybe some progress.

    http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/quebec/2014/03/20/quebec_election_poll_finds_liberals_surging_over_pq_with_first_debate_tonight.html

    Legault has nothing to lose by attacking her. It's fun to watch. She's getting annoyed when the others laugh and are dismissive of her.


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    1. Anonymous Buster of Shit ArgumentsThursday, March 20, 2014 at 9:20:00 PM EDT

      Legault, there is no doubt in my mind, will regain some points after tonight.

      He's been spectacular tonight. Each exchange he's had with Marois, he's owned it and Marois desperately attempts to cut him off when he speaks.

      You can also see there's a form of truce in place between the Couillard and Legault - the insults are light and there's a level of agreement between the two on some fronts.

      Delete
  14. Anonymous Buster of Shit ArgumentsThursday, March 20, 2014 at 9:22:00 PM EDT

    Regarding body language: am I the only one to notice that every time Dussault cracks a joke that Couillard, Legault and David laugh while Marois grits her teeth and keeps her head low?

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    Replies
    1. I thought that Radio-Canada was pro-PQ?

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    2. By AnecTOTE

      Big time, I can't stand listening to them.

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  15. Well, the PKP subject inevitably becomes of the points of discussion. I am rather disappointed though, that candidates are allowed to bring cheat sheets to the debate.

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    1. They need notes to remind them what to bring up with each candidate. Their team makes the notes and trains the leader. Ed

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    2. Ed,

      Candidates on the U.S. Presidential debates are not allowed to bring notes. They can make notes during the debate, but not bring prepared materials.

      Delete
  16. Rick Mercier tackles the PQ's Fantasy.

    http://tinyurl.com/pbgkzmc

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  17. By AnecTOTE

    Popopipii kept trying to attack CouIlard the entire time, she FEARS the LIBs, it was funny, but the one who slammed her ass was Mme David, who I must say...was impressive..THAT's who she should fear. It makes me laugh, popo stood next to PKP while he put his fist up and said.."un pays", and now she is cha cha cha-ing to say ..oh no ..this election is not about a referendum..IS THIS A JOKE? Or are they so inept they didn't agree on ONE MESSAGE? Who a bunch of clowns the Paq has become, poor Rene L. Mist be turning in his grave with what a bunch of amateurs are running his this party now. PLAYERS the lot of them! To the curb please, are we not tired of being this disrespected by the PQ in this province?

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Marois is unable to solve the puzzle:
      “Uhhhh… I really can’t see it…”

      http://bit.ly/1gEAVz5
      https://twitter.com/ygreck/status/446636070868754432/photo/1

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  18. Une seule musulmane a perdu son emploi et c'est Mme Houda-Pépin..Lol

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    Replies
    1. By AnecTOTE

      How many have been spat on, harassed and maligned since the PQ introduced the charter? Pls, don't go there, it doesn't look good for you racists. The pathetic lot of you, have made 3rd class citizens out of women with hijabs. For Shame

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    2. C'est quand même mieux que dans leur pays d'origine où ils étaient en 4ème ou 5ème classe :)

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    3. By AnecTOTE

      Aren't you soooo proud that all the "quebec nation" can offer them is to be just 3rd class citizens. Lol
      How mediocre, LESS THAN MEDIOCRE, that is...just like your quebec brand! ....Score!! NOT

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    4. Pretty sure Maria Mourani would disagree with Marois. She was expelled from the Bloc in September for opposing the charter so she also has to sit as an independent.

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    5. Mourani est chrétienne.

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    6. Your doppelgänger incorrectly changed the quote from “femme” to “musulmane”... I can't imagine why.

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    7. Parce qu'il ne peut qu'y avoir qu'une seule personne en désaccord dans votre circle jerk...

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    8. By AnecTOTE

      I suppose we all knew that Mohammed is a little imbecile, obviously an existing troll, "circle jerk" is a term that unless you are a regular to this blog, or have read through all previous of Editors posts, will hardly be aware of it.

      @Editor,
      You have rules in regards, and I suggest that ALL of Mohammed junk/ garbage contributions be stricken from the record, as a matter of principle, going forward.
      Thank you

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    9. Je m'exprime et ça vous dérange?

      Pourtant, il y a quelques jours à peine, vous écriviez :

      "Omgggg all I want to do is talk to you all night and I have to go to sleep, I'm driving to Ottawa and back same day, tomorrow, I have to be in the office for 9am..I'm giving a talk...Damnnnnn ...but I am just sooooooooooo happy and thrilled to see you post again! It's freakin' Christmas as far as I'm concerned, forget Spring, lol."

      Ce sera difficile pour l'administrateur du blogue de vous prendre au sérieux quand vous dites une chose et son contraire.

      Delete
    10. Hey...MoHammed

      Lol...I wasn't addressing you you little Loser, I was addressing Apparatchik, a little presumptuous ....aren't you?

      Now please get lost.

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    11. Lol...It warms my heart that they lay awake at night with rage and anger thinking about us!!! Lol

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    12. Ce que j'ai écrit plus-haut, c'était une vos réplique alors que vous prétendez que je me réveille la nuit pour rager contre des personnes comme vous.

      En conséquent, je n'ai aucune leçon à recevoir de vous en ce qui à trait au fait d'être présomptueux. Surtout que c'est vous présentement qui semblez être habitée par la colère.

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  19. Une policière peut-elle porter un hijab M.Couillard ?

    Heeuuu..bha..bheu..hmm...

    Haha!

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    1. By AnecTOTE

      Legault: will you or will you not hold a referendum in the next 4 years, YES or NO?
      Marois: definitely, maybe...one two cha cha cha.

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    2. La réponse ne peut-être plus claire : Ce sont les Québécois qui vont décider.

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    3. The sepertits are on the run now

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    4. By AnecTOTE

      "La réponse ne peut-être plus claire..."

      The question was clear, ...the response,... clear as mud. Lol

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    5. For those who agree with the Charter affirming the values of State secularism and religious neutrality and the equality between women and men, and providing a framework for accommodation requests, please answer this simple question from me.

      If Alberta and Albertans has no problem with this man, why men and women like him is a problem for Quebec?

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    6. To add, British Columbians also has no problem with this man and this man. Ontarians does not have problem with this man and this man. So, in terms of accepting this kind on men, what makes Quebecers so different with British Columbians, Albertans and Ontarians? Why does it work in those places but not in Quebec?

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    7. Couillard: How many women will be fired from the civil service?

      Marois: Heeuuu..bha..bheu..hmm...

      Heheh! :)

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    8. @ Troy
      Well if the rest of charter supporters are of the same mindset as student then it's because they don't believe any person that believes in a god is rational enough to get through the day and do their job. So the short version of that, prejudice lots and lots of prejudice.

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    9. "La réponse ne peut-être plus claire : Ce sont les Québécois qui vont décider."

      That's like saying "Que Sera, Sera" is a political platform lol.

      Delete
  20. It's obvious that the class on stage was Dr. Couillard and Madame David. Couillard is the only one that apologized when he accidentaly cut someone off. Marois was rude as usual, She kept talking so others had no time to aanswer her questions. Legault doesn't get it. His promse of separation in ten years is killing him. Couillard was right when Legault tried to corner him on the school board question. They are necessary to give parents some say in their child's education. He does not want to cut anything democratic. I think David is a beautiful lady. Her personality stands out Ed

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    1. "he accidentaly cut someone off"

      Même les modérateurs du débat...err

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. In the post-debate scrums, Marois refused to answer a single question in English, demonstrating her great class to Quebecers. It would have been such a minimal effort for her to consent to, knowing that she had refused a debate in English. Françoise David did the same thing, claiming she was “too tired” to speak English. Civil debate in QC should be bilingual. Anglo-Quebecers aren't visitors. Not speaking English to reporters shows spite & belligerence, not very leader-like.

      Legault made fun of both of them by pointedly wishing everyone a “good night” as he left.

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    4. Let's be honest she didn't reply to the questions because she knows as soon as that mouth opens the PQ starts haemorrhaging votes. She didn't agree to the English debate even after they said they'd let her speak in French, to compensate for her handicap, she is pulling a Harper limiting debate, restricting questions and hoping no one looks behind the curtain.

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    5. By AnecTOTE

      @R.S

      I agree with you, in regards to Marois and David not answering question in English, David, who I had felt had done really well the entire night, at that very moment, became a -20 for me. Marois was just spiteful and classless, especially because of the fact she had held Power of the Office already, she flipped Anglos the bird.

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    6. @Montréal ville-état

      I totally agree with you. I always thought that if I were a separatist, I would definitely vote for David because of her integrity, honesty and openness to others but the moment when she refused to answer in English wiped out all the respect I had for her. -20 for sure. I was under the impression that she promoted an independent Quebec for all, but she is just more of the same old stock, they are all the same. It turned my stomach.

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    8. "because of her integrity, honesty and openness to others"

      Typique d'un chef de parti qui n'a jamais été porté au pouvoir.

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    9. So you agree that Marois has no "integrity, honesty and openness to others"???

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  21. So Pauline Marois said that her objective is to win the election and then publish a white paper as a consultancy for the independence. What if after the white paper the citizens are still "not ready". Will the Parti Quebecois disband itself then?

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  22. Only three of us commenting on the debate. I guess the hockey game was more important. I hope there's no hockey on voting day. Ed

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    1. Non, pas de match du CH prévu pour le lundi 7 avril.

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    2. ED: No, but the NCAA college basketball championship game is on April 7. More than a few people will be watching that on TV.
      Say, because basketball was invented by a Canadian, does that mean it's not a part of "Quebec's values"?

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  23. Cue up the worlds smallest violin.

    ""The hardest part of that debate was keeping composed as they all attacked me," Marois said after the debate."
    Yeah you can't just make up random thinks like having a seat on the bank of canada when you're not completely surrounded by yes men, people will call you on your insanity.

    http://tinyurl.com/pch8w5p

    At least all the resident trolls got a rousing speech from their favourite separatist party! We will maybe, but maybe not have a referendum on sovereignty, but please don't bring it up, we don't like talking about it. Why with that kind of clear belief in the cause, they may finally get around to maybe yes, but maybe no, coming up with an actual plan for sovereignty...probably no, we don't want to talk about it.

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    1. By AnecTOTE

      Legault: "Will you, if elected, hold a referendum in the next 4 years, YES or NO?"
      Marois: "Definitely, MAYBE..okayyyy?...cha cha cha...ooh François, because of you, I've lost pace, is it 1forward, 2back, 2 back, 1forward? An forget it, you won't even make me lead, I'm sitting down."

      Hahahahahahahahahahahhahaahhahaahhahahah

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  24. Un «pacte de non-agression»PLQ-CAQ mis au rancart

    http://tinyurl.com/np4ffhp

    Hoho!

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    1. The important part of the story: «des députés caquistes ont parlé de ça, mais il n'y a jamais eu de négociations».

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  25. Dear Pauline,

    What you can't get because of your fat ego and being surrounded by hate and yes people is we voted for who WE DIDN'T WANT eighteen months ago. You had the greatest opportunity to DO YOUR JOB and win us back over. However, you've proved to us all that it is only about selfishness and insanity. We will get rid of your party now once and for all and you'd be LUCKY to get in that chair in another two decades if we don't make Montreal its own province by then. Whats good for the goose.... We will watch your own party eat you alive. It will be all your fault because of your illegalities and so on and so on. No one can admit your and all your friends are full of shit and hate. I truly do feel sorry for all of you because you wasted it all and it will all be over soon. Enjoy the free ride for the next two weeks. The maid is knocking and its checking out time. I hear Wal-Mart is hiring though.

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    1. Must admit that Legault and David did a good job - too bad their on the wrong side of the fence. Anyway, Miss Piggy came off as a pit bull, not a leader, was rude and arrogant, as usual, and Dr. Couillard was a gentleman. Still won't answer the question which is great for our side - after all, it is her reason for even having a "political" party. And I'm with you, I hope she gets beaten so badly that her party is all but destroyed - they will not get rid of that "old" party thinking so time she got her ass beat. Everyone must get out and vote and keep in mind - the CAQ is still a separatist party - no matter that Legault is well spoken!

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  26. A pretty pathetic ‘debate’ if you asked me…

    4 useless pylons, 4 big government, high debt parasites with nothing to say…what a joke…all support the racist, bigoted bill 101…all just about the same. No one mentioned how they would pay off all this debt mounting in Quebec…

    Why they would show this crap on CTV and CBC is beyond me…what a joke…the whole thing.

    One big waste of time…

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    1. Anony,ous, I see you choose to exoound the three monkies theory, see nothing, hear nothing , know nothing.
      When you say racist, bigoted bill 101 are you referring to te act created o serve an 80 percent majority of then people?
      At least three of the four people spoke from the heart, seriiously wanting to lead our people. If you've missed all this you're wasting your time blogging here. You have nothing to tell us. Ed












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    2. Ed,

      Bill 101 may have been created to serve an 80 percent majority of the people but it is still a draconian law that discriminates against Anglos and other minorities. Some aspects of the law were trashed by the Supreme Court for being unconstitutional and it was judged to violate basic human rights by the United Nations. It drove tens of thousands of your fellow Anglos out of the province. Not all laws are just, and that applies to Bill 101. Fairer measures could have been implemented to protect the French language and culture in Quebec.


      "At least three of the four people spoke from the heart, seriously wanting to lead our people."

      Francoise David refused to speak in English after the debate so apparently she's not interested in leading all Quebecers. I suppose only pure laine separatists matter to her.

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    3. Ed, do you truly expect your elected government to serve only 80% of the people? If that's the case, where is the moral obligation of the other 20% to pay taxes, if they're getting taxation but no representation? Appeasing these a-holes has never worked in the past, so I'm not sure why you think it will work going forward. If you hadn't used some caps in your post I would have thought it was done by student.

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    4. Right on Diogenes - this appeasement has to stop and I'm sick of paying taxes, as I'm sure you are, with absolutely no say in how things go in this province. The bullies are only more emboldened when we give in to their horrible laws beating on the minorities all the time. At least Couillard said last night to David that freedom individual freedom of religion is important. Baby steps but steps. We are going to lobby the liberals to death after this election; you can bet on that. Our communities have had it with giving in to these people!

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    5. The "Jim Crow" laws of the U.S. Deep South were also designed to serve 80% of the population. The argument that Bill 101 "serves the majority" is asinine. The language law has always been designed to smother 20% of Quebeckers, and as such it is motivated by racism and bigotry.

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  27. New poll out last night:

    Le PLQ creuse son avance

    In 2012, all the Quebec polling firms underestimated the strength of the Liberals. I would have a tendency to believe this latest one.

    Let's not count our chickens yet, but let's remember that it's hard to build a country based on hatred of one group...

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  28. JF Lisee is getting panicky. Attacking QS. Sees the writing on the wall, impending failure, back to the blogosphere for you!

    "Divided sovereigntist votes could be roadblock to next referendum, says top Parti Québécois minister." Mar 19, 2014

    http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/quebec/2014/03/19/quebec_election_will_determine_the_fate_of_values_charter_pq_warns.html

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  29. Anonymous Buster of Shit ArgumentsFriday, March 21, 2014 at 12:16:00 PM EDT

    What a sickening coward. The first time Marois pulled up the corruption card on Couillard, he warned her and like the obedient dog that she is, she obeyed and didn't bring it up at the debate.

    However, that was more for her benefit. Now that this present debate is over, the morning after, she simply can't help herself: bit.ly/1hOgVMU

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  30. "PKP says he didn't realise he'd given mainly to the PLQ over the past 9 yrs. Says does not show his political affiliation "

    "Bernard Drainville, asked if there could ever be consensus on the charter: yes, if the Liberals agree with us. "

    "PQ slapped for including Judge Charbonneau in attacks ad"

    "They asked if Marois was afraid to say there will be a referendum because polls indicate Quebecers don't want one, what would be the minimum criteria required to hold a referendum, why is she talking about the referendum, and so on.
    Marois replied that the only talking about a referendum because Philippe Couillard was running a fear campaign, an answer that ignores her own party's main platform plank and her own MNA candidates, such as Pierre Karl Peladeau and Jean-Francois Lisée who have been promoting the importance of and independent Quebec."

    The gang of idiots sure are just self destructing today.

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    1. Excellent Job Federalists!!! Keep the pressure on gang and just give them enough rope to hang themselves.. When the pequistes get desperate their true intentions come to the surface. Pauline didn't look comfortable last night as she can sense power slipping away..

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  31. MONTREAL—Quebec Liberal Leader Philippe Couillard headed into Thursday night’s election debate with wind in his sails, a surging approval rating and the potential to form a majority government in Quebec, according to a new poll.

    The Forum Research poll for the Toronto Star, which was conducted Wednesday, is in line with a string of surveys this week showing that the federalist Liberals are pulling out ahead of the incumbent Parti Québécois after a rocky campaign launch that was dominated by unpopular talk of a third referendum on Quebec independence.

    Of the 1,650 respondents, 45 per cent said they intended to vote for the provincial Liberals compared to just 32 per cent for Pauline Marois’ PQ.

    The Coalition Avenir Québec was in a distant third place with 13 per cent of the potential voters and the left-wing sovereigntist part Québec Solidaire garnered 7 per cent support. The results are considered accurate to within three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
    When the pollster translated the voting intentions into potential seats in the Quebec legislature, it projected the Liberals could win 78 of the province’s 125 ridings when the votes are counted on April 7. The sovereigntist PQ, which had 54 seats when Marois called the election earlier this month, would win only 43 ridings. The poll projects that the CAQ and Québec Solidaire would win just two seats each on election day.

    “The Liberals are in a very promising position, aided immeasurably by missteps made by the PQ, including, it appears, recruiting Pierre Karl Péladeau,” Forum Research president Lorne Bozinoff said in a written analysis of the poll results.

    Péladeau, former president of the Quebecor media empire, was announced as a PQ candidate in the first week of the campaign and his passionate appeal for independence from Canada turned the PQ campaign strategy on its head.

    Instead of talking about policy, her 18-month record in power or the popular, but divisive, charter of values, Marois spent days musing about the contours of an independent Quebec, suggesting itwould continue to use Canadian currency and passports, and have open borders with the rest of Canada, operating much like the European Union.

    With Quebecers’ attention so tightly focused on an issue that, according to the Forum Research poll, only one-third of respondents support, the tides started shifting in the Liberal party’s favour.

    Couillard’s approval rating has jumped 10 points since March 5, to 44 per cent from 34 per cent. Only CAQ Leader François Legault had a more impressive jump, with his personal approval numbers rising to 48 per cent from 32 per cent earlier this month.

    Like most pollsters, Forum uses a proprietary weighting formula, which has been shared with the Star, to more accurately reflect the broader electorate. Raw data from this poll will be housed in the Political Science Data Library at the University of Toronto. Ed

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  32. Just to have a laugh for the weekend.

    http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2014/03/19/21544226.html

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  33. Pauline Marois: "Il n'y en aura pas de référendum... tant que les Québécois ne seront pas prêts... tant que les Québécois n'en voudront pas."

    Pierre-Karl Peladeau: "Mon adhésion au Parti québécois est une adhésion à mes valeurs les plus profondes et les plus intimes, c'est-à-dire faire du Québec un pays."

    Linda Goupil: "Si on m’avait parlé d’un référendum dans ce mandat, je ne serais pas candidate au Parti québécois."

    Jean-Francois Lisee: "I hope that we can have a referendum in the next mandate . . . I’m in a rush. I want to do it as soon as possible."

    Now as the readers here know that my French is not that good, so I would like to ask for help from S.R / Press 9, Y.L, student, Mohammed or Sebastien to translate the first three speakers. Also, if they do not mind, to give me a bit of analysis of PQ's campaign platform based on those comments above.

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