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Opinion

In First Election Debate, No Knockout Blows or Damaging Gaffes

In First Election Debate, No Knockout Blows or Damaging Gaffes
(L-R) Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole, and debate moderator Pierre Bruneau pose for a photo during the French-language leaders' debate in Montreal on Sept. 2, 2021. The Canadian Press/Martin Chevalier
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Commentary

Election debates can make or break a campaign. An election debate provides voters with their first chance in a campaign to see party leaders directly facing off against each other on issues. While a debate alone rarely moves the electoral needle much, there are cases where a knock-out punch is scored against a rival. There are even other cases where a politician shoots themselves in the foot. Politicians are motivated to score points, but cagey as well.