“The debates aren’t the best way for the voters to become informed.”
That’s from UNBC Political Science Lecturer Jason Morris following Wednesday’s leaders debate involving the BC NDP’s David Eby, Lorne Doerkson, of the Conservatives as well as BC Greens Party head Emily Lowan
Morris told Vista Radio while everyone is under the microscope, the debate isn’t the be all, end all.
“This format rewards soundbites and not necessarily solutions when we have debates built around twenty second answers and rapid cross-fire talk. Debates aren’t really a format for policy discussions on complex issues.”
“What happens is that not about what the leaders but how they say it and how they look. We discuss body language and how they compose themselves and whether they look comfortable or smile. We look for their quick retorts and wonder if all three leaders coordinated the colours of their clothing.”
Retired Prince George-Valemount MLA and political commentator Shirley Bond believes NDP leader and incumbent Premier David Eby is struggling to convince British Columbians that calling a snap election was the right thing to do.
She added the Greens open frustrations with Eby and the NDP blows the election wide open.
“When you stop and think about it, if you are going to take votes away from the NDP, it certainly opens the door wider for the Conservatives to come through and be successful in the election.”
Bond was also impressed with how Lowan handled her business pressing Eby and Doerskon on some important issues for voters.
“Her most pointed approach with the BC Conservatives around reconciliation and DRIPA. She was very pointed with her questions so I think last night (Wednesday) she did what she needed to do. It was David Eby who was defensive as it’s his record we are taking to the polls.”
“It’s time to assert the narrative that he needed a majority to move forward with the policies and decisions he made. This simply isn’t sitting well with British Columbians and I think that British Columbians are unhappy with the fact we have overlapping elections and we are halfway through a mandate.”
“David Eby is going to continue to struggle to convince the broader group of British Columbians that calling a snap election was the right thing to do,” added Bond.
Centre BC leader Elenore Sturko and embattled One BC head Dallas Brodie were also in attendance.
The provincial election is set for October 24th.
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