The Testosterone Monologues

Leaders debate 2007

Danny's was a repeat performance of the 2003 fiasco.

Other men speak - Danny carries on with his own testosterone monologue - like a bee buzzing around your head. With Roger and Jack in 03 - Williams just talked on and on over and under Jack and Roger's comments.

This time the testosterone was still there - but when faced with Lorraine withdrew and treated her with "empathy" - it was condescending as most of his comments have been about the leader of the NDP.

Gerry for his part was weak on the opening and close - appearing nervous and unsure - but when debating with Danny and equally Lorraine was passionate. The only problem Gerry had was he had nothing to be passionate about. Fiery without policy - feisty without real belief in a policy direction - but he was willing to be scrappy.

Lorraine's message was heard - and she was polite but forceful to get her points across. Just once I would have liked to have seen the NDP drop a policy bombshell. For instance - the NDP would seek to develop the Lower Churchill power on the basis that if industry wanted to use it they would have to come to Labrador. Her comments were consistent with NDP policy - healthcare - homecare - pharmacare - poverty - education. These are most important issues - but she needed some remarkable economic policy - she did not present it.

Danny appeared coached and even with the best of fiscal resources you can't make a public performer out of this individual. You can dress him up - give him a manicure - and use the "youthful" approach of parting his hair in the center - but you can't make him comfortable giving a public statement.

Biggest disappointment - they all had to "read" from a script for a 2 minute opener and closer. News Flash - if you know your stuff and you are comfortable in your skin - give that speech from the heart - show the passion. All this reading from papers - should not be necessary - if you have already developed - researched - and debated a vision. You know what your policies are and you also know the weaknesses of the other side.

If you look down at a piece of paper to say rural Newfoundland and Labrador or the fishery - or education - or health - you are not with it - you are supposed to be leaders.

All in all Ms. Michael won the night while the boys just went on with their testosterone monologues.