The Fallout of Charest vs Marois

A sovereignty debate is a dish best served stale

Tonight was reminiscent of every Quebecers worst memories of large family gatherings when the topic of politics was raised and everyone was liquored up as  we were served up a head to head debate between Premier Jean Charest of the Liberal Party of Quebec and Pauline Marois of the Parti Québécois.

This duel simply reinforced preexisting ideas about both respective parties.

Charest came out charging accusing Pauline Marois of not being part of an ethically challenged government that displayed incompetency when it was last in power and only offers instability and division within the province and country. Marois counters that the Liberals are corrupt, lacking in leadership and terrible stewards of the Quebec culture and public purse.

This went on for one hour.

I don't know anyone that, if forced to choose between the two parties, doesn't already have a definite idea of who'd they vote for. This debate, while necessary and worthwhile, shouldn't be seen as something that will sway voters one way or another but more as a touchstone for the next two debates that will feature François Legault. Both leaders were passionate, knowledgeable and prepared. In his first debate, Legault seemed like a fish out of water. People will judge his performance by comparing him to the other two leaders.

If he miraculously shines in the one-on-one debate format, he can take votes from either party. If he collapses and looks unprofessional, it will most likely help Premier Jean Charest the most as the CAQ supporters are mostly composed of disaffected Liberal loyalists.

So who won between Marois and Charest? Nobody except maybe pharmaceutical companies who make blood-pressure medication.

The table is set though: both Marois and Charest will fight to the finish and have come equipped to do so. Will the same be true of François Legault when he squares off against Jean Charest tomorrow? Stay tuned!