I do not mind the Greens being in the debates. She is going to attack the Conservatives but ultimately will split the vote on the left even further. Dion, Layton, May and in Quebec Duceppe all seem to be going after the same voters. All have similar platforms. I think Harper and the Conservatives are well positioned on the right and among the moderate middle. I congratulate the Green Party for getting in the debates because I think it is good for democracy. I look forward to Elizabeth May explaining her deal with Dion and perhaps pushing new Green Party ideas as oppose to simply endorsing the Liberal platform. Hopefully the campaigns and media can stop focusing on the leaders debates, puffins and other distractions that take away from the serious issues facing our country today. I think Stephen Harper is on the right track making announcements such as the one today on Afghanistan and talking about issues like foreign affairs, the economy, the carbon tax, crime and other kitchen table concerns. He is appealing to a broad base right now and has found confidence, humour and the ability to relax in his initial campaigning. He is coming across as an average Canadian family man as oppose to the opposition who are trying to find out what they stand for and seem to be running their campaigns in reaction mode. It is early, but I think the first four days were won by the Conservative Party. -Darryl
