Round two of CP24’s televised mayoral debates (read about the first one here) played to a big audience last night, at one point trending number one in Canada on Twitter.
Up for debate were a number of hot buttons: the G20, bike lanes and Pride Toronto’s decision to ban Queers Against Israeli Apartheid from this year’s parade. Guess on which side of the issue the candidates fell on that one? To a man, and woman, they all backed Pride’s decision. My top 10 moments. Yes, there were a few.
Queerest George Smitherman slithering his way through the aforementioned Pride dustup. Does he really believe Pride is not about politics? As a gay man, Smitherman should appreciate a little more than his opponents perhaps the meaning of diversity of opinion.
Most dumb ass Giorgio Mammoliti takes this one, incomprehensibly shifting gears on a question about bike lanes to a subject that’s not even on the radar – gangs and guns. Hey Giorgio, have you checked crime stats lately? FYI they’re the lowest they’ve been in a decade.
Weirdest Sarah Thomson having to fend off Mammoliti and his below the belt suggestion that she’s not being completely forthright about her resume – in particular, the homeless teen to riches story she’s spinning at all-candidates debates.
Most embarrassing Joe Pantalone telling viewers concerned about the G20 summit lockdown to head to the cottage. Oops. Good socialists everywhere – and the majority out there without a comfy little place in the woods – were cringing.
Most patently ridiculous Courtesy of Rob Ford, of course – the penny-pincher and self-proclaimed tax fighter trying to sell the billion-plus bucks being blown on the G20 by his Tory friends in Ottawa as a “win-win” for the city that’ll attract tourists. What a riot. A close second to Mammo for proclaiming there’s a “war on the car.” Yeah, just ask anyone whose been nailed by a tonne or two of metal while riding a bike.
Amusing Candidates handlers complaining during television breaks to anyone who’ll listen about the format of the debate not allowing enough time for discussion of the issues. Have they ever heard of talking points?
Most poignant Councillor Adam Vaughan, a one time rumoured candidate for mayor, beamed into the studio to discuss Tories decision not to compensate business owners who’ll be forced to shutdown during the G20. The moment was a reminder to those still looking for a progressive standard bearer of what could have been had Vaughan decided to enter the race. Certainly the level of debate would be markedly more enlightened.
Biggest joke Ford again stumbling out of the blocks when asked in the up close and personal section of the debate about his one secret vice. Er, steak, pasta, veal parmigiana. He forgot to add a kegger of Molson Export. Almost as good: Ford catching himself about to tell a lie. Says he’s talked to 200,000 people so far in the campaign, no his 10 years in politics.
Frustrating Watching Thomson trying to find her feet. Tell me again why she’s in this race?
The coup de gras Delivered by Rocco Rossi during the candidates’ one-minute closing remarks, when he handed Smitherman a calculator and napkins (presumably to write on) and told the frontrunner to redo the math on his much criticized transit plan because it just doesn’t add up. Political props, who doesn’t love ‘em?[rssbreak]
