Second debate
Last night’s leaders debate on TV 3 was quite dull – I nearly fall into sleep before they finish the debate. I don’t understand what’s the point for them to use that one hour to just list their policies, which they’ve done for many times during the campaign. I wanted to get something new from the debate, and both of them disappointed me.
The only interesting thing happened was around the Anti-smacking Bill. Maybe it was so boring so that two leaders actually started to claim the credit for this very unpopular bill, instead of give the “credit” to the other party. Well this reinforces what I said in my Chinese blog – if you want real change, don’t expect that from major parties.
It was so boring so I have to say that both of them did quite bad. In fact, I think the only winner of the debate, was John Campbell.
Despite others’ comments, I thought John Campbell did very well. The questions were succinct and right to the point. And most important of all, he can control the debate far better than Mark Sainsbury, Helen Clark was unable to yell as she did in the first time, and asked for ”fairness” (when was the last time you see this?). Campbell did very well by given each other fair amount of time to respond to questions, and when someone is way off the topic, Campbell interjected very quickly.
I understand those who criticised Campbell do not like too many interjections in a debate, well, that’s really a matter of individual preferences, for me, I don't want to see two people just yell to each other without any form of mediation, in that situation nobody gets anything out of the debate.
John Campbell was the clear winner of the debate. I usually watch Close Up at 7, but I’ll sure consider Campbell live in the future.
For two party leaders, I think Helen Clark did better than John Key, compare with last debate on TV ONE. Key played it very safe, but lacked energy and motivation. Clark didn’t yell much this time, but was still fierce and energetic – well she had to hadn’t she?
