Duckin' and Jivin' Part Deux: La Fracas En Francais!

Yes, the French version of the Leaders Debate is cooling on the windowsill of public opinion as we speak; freshly baked and half-risen like some sad baguette.

Wow, Harper, way to suck. Thank goodness. Your French wasn't good and your responses were dull. You didn't have the same stage-presence as last night, you looked considerably less comfortable, and hopefully it'll resonate with Quebec voters - you didn't win this gunfight.

Ignatieff was much more fluent and his ideas seemed to flow even better than during the English Language version, however it was almost a carbon copy of last night's lines and tack. You seemed more confident, less angry, and again you paid careful attention to sticking to the questions asked, addressing the other leaders directly, and throwing last night's punches to the same spots on Harper's torso. There was a little less intensity around Harper's democratic assault, a little more flair and less mild flubbing - good job.

Jack's interpreter was phenomenal. The voice was perfect for Jack's mannerisms and facial expressions. It's always hard when you're watching and listening to an interpreted debate; (for us, anyway) a lot of the physical language is lost due to the dissonance of the voice overlay; but not with Mr. Layton tonight somehow. He was good; predictable, again, like the rest of the group, repetitive with last night's responses and message, but there were no slip-ups. A special thank you to the Voice.

Gilles - oh, Gillesy... How loved you are at the IO. Because you only need to woo Quebecers, and of course this was Quebec's debate night, you generally enjoy the ability to avoid generalizations and the long sweep of political language that those scrambling for votes across a wider spectrum - not to mention geography - need to employ. You nailed Harper, Ignatieff and Layton equally. Fortunately, speaking in your first language brought clarity to your ideas and arguments that isn't always in evidence when using English; sorry, dude - it's the truth.

Hopefully Ignatieff gained some ground in Quebec - he sorely needs it - and if he didn't, that Duceppe has at least convinced the electorate to vote Bloc instead. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that we here at the IO believe Canada's future is truly in safer hands with the sovereigntists in parliament than we are with Harper's Conservatives. A fact that speaks volumes to Harper's treatment of traditional Canadian ideals, institutions, and respect for human rights and democracy. At least the sovereigntists understand what real values are - even if you disagree with their core ideal of Quebec independence. At least they have basic moral comprehension in their political make-up.

If you missed the debate, we'll post the link soon. Apparently there's an issue with last night's link, but we got our people on it.

Now let's see what happens when the ink hits the page tomorrow morning, (or the pixels hit the screen this eve). What happens now, Canada? That's the only question really worth asking.

And it's a question not to be taken for granted - one earned with blood, written in tears - a question unasked of millions of oppressed peoples around the world that, thankfully and dutifully only you can answer. Make your voice heard. Vote on May 2nd.