Fantino’s camp has cleared things up: Mr. Fantino will attend the Rogers debate (to be aired Nov. 23, but prerecorded). On Nov. 23, though, he has a family commitment to attend to that evening and cannot attend the Citizen’s debate. Stephen Lecce from Fantino’s campaign says they weren’t given any options for debate dates.
Of note, Fantino's camp was offered Nov 16 for the same debate, but also declined that date, so this excuse of no options is categorically false. Fantino has agreed to the Rogers debate, which just so happens to NOT include an audience, unscripted questions, media and is moderated by a former Harris cabinet minister.
It's just pathetic, the way these Conservative candidates do the bare minimum, in terms of exposure. We've seen the same in Winnipeg North, and the examples are endless during previous bi-elections and/or general elections. What are they afraid of? Are these Conservative candidates so inept and incompetent that they can't face the voters? Every party thinks they have the solutions, everyone has a point of view, an audience, so to actually fear exposure and dialogue, it's just an affront to the pure notion of grassroots democracy.
I keep ending up in the same place these days. Astounded on one level, then resigned, because the Conservatives DO get away with this endless crap. Fantino should be drawing the rage of voters for this peekaboo style of campaign he is running. And yet....
10 comments:
I agree 100%. This band of roving cons becomes bolder and bolder-less and less democratic-more and more power hungry. Their acts of treason well documented by the media, yet they still attract 30% of Canadian voters. It boggles the mind. As though nothing sticks to Harper, reminiscent of the "Teflon Don"!
In business I find that there are those who never put anything on paper. What is reflected verbally can be avoided later, 'I was misunderstood' or 'I never said that' can easily be a defense when there is nothing on record.
This is what is going on....these candidates do not have ideas, those all come from Sussex Drive...they just vote the way they are told. The same with Senators....just do what we tell you and you have a cushy job until you are 70...then a nice pension.
I do appreciate that Ignatieff is out there, its on record and whether we agree with him or not...its on record.
As for these debates...I think they should go ahead. If the Con choses not to attend...his/her loss...I am sure that the audience will appreciate the chance to discuss the issues with whomever attends. The constituents should play hardball...come and be heard.
Why don't the other candidates just skip the one that is not live?
What a great idea.
That is half the problem. Harper gets away with this because other parties LET him get away with this. Media too.
I still think the CBC should not have allowed him to appear during the last election when he refused to take questions from people. Other candidates should refuse to debate him or his candidates unless they are willing to do it live, without knowing the questions before hand.
What will happen here is Fantino will "debate" the other candidates, and so the fact he has refused to do so in anything other than a controlled environment will get lost.
Why do they constantly allow Harper to dictate the rules?
It appears the strategy is essentially to capitalize on the unwavering support of the hardcore supporter, while practising tactics (ignoring and avoiding policy discussion and debates, rely upon inflamed and exaggerated rhetoric from head office and The Boss to increase the apathy of the general voter who tends to favour less extremism and more centreist concessions.
Drive the paranoid and foaming at the mouth CON base to the polling box; drive away the voter who's trying to make a rational, wise decision.
It worked for Bush and the Tea Party...
Considering Fantino who is the kind of cop who had no problems breaking wiretapping laws to spy on the civilian head of the Toronto Police Services Board, it's not hard to imagine what kind of right wing politician he is.
Gail, good idea. But will they do it ?
Jerry
I think it's sad that we have to imagine. Voters should know where their candidates stand, and I would argue Fantino has an audience, so what's the problem?
No one wants fascism through the front door, it's a backdoor ideology, creeping around, the politics of Break and Enter.
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