Dear nice Toronto media people:
None of the candidates mentioned the word “crack” because I suspect the research shows, consistently, voters don’t want candidates talking about crack instead of the many other issues.
In addition, I also suspect the research shows that the media’s ongoing preoccupation with crack, to the exclusion of any other issue, is one of the reasons why voters still cast a sympathy vote for Rob Ford.
You’re welcome.
Sincerely, Warren
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IN THEIR OWN WORDS: OLIVIA DOMINATED DEBATE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 2014
The second hour of the Toronto mayoralty debate was a lot like the first: Olivia Chow dominated!
The pundits agree that Olivia Chow was the only candidate who took on Rob Ford directly. Meanwhile, all the other candidates tried to take on Olivia – and failed.
Don’t just take our word for it – here is what the pundits and the press have to say:
“I thought she had a very strong performance. She was the only one going after Mayor Rob Ford.” – John Stall, 680 News
“Tory replies with a major nose stretcher – [says] he’s never backed any [revenue] tools.” – John Lorinc, Globe & Mail
“Ford: ‘We haven’t had one union strike.’ False. There was a library workers’ strike.” – Daniel Dale, Toronto Star
“I thought [Olivia] was best when she set herself up as the defender of the city.” – Charlie Gillis, Macleans
“Ford: ‘We’ve created 57,000 jobs.’ Misleading. Jobs # was up 57k last year, has since dropped by about 50k – now just 6,000 jobs.” – Daniel Dale, Toronto Star
“Tory says he’ll have a complete plan later.”- David Nickle, Toronto Community News
“Yikes, #RobFord again exaggerates his record on keeping taxes low. Untrue Toronto’s have been kept lower than any other city.” – Robert Benzie, Toronto Star
“Ford: ‘We have the lowest tax increase’ of any North American city. False.” – Daniel Dale, Toronto Star
“Tory double speak.” – Greg Elmer, Research Chair, Ryerson University
“I think Olivia connected. A lot of people were thinking the same thing. [Rob Ford], you’ve got to go.” – John Stall, 680 News
“Chow ends: ‘Time for change.'” – Daniel Dale, Toronto Star
Don’t just take my word for it:
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: OLIVIA BEGINS FIRST MAYORAL DEBATE ON A WINNING NOTE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 2014
In the opening 23 minutes of CityTV’s first mayoral debate, journalists, columnists and pundits across party lines agree: Olivia has already demonstrated to Toronto that she is the only candidate that can beat Rob Ford.
Here’s what they said:
“First zinger of night. Chow tells ford his gravy train has become a train wreck.” – Elizabeth Church, Globe & Mail
“I grew up taking #TTC and I still do. @oliviachow immediately differentiates herself from the crowd.” – Joanne Deer, CTV Truth North political panelist
“Martineau begins with a “full disclosure” note that Tory sits on Rogers board – which is something the Chow campaign wants people to know.” – Daniel Dale, Toronto Star
“Olivia Chow questions John Tory’s courage to stand up to Ford’s positions.” – CBC Toronto
“Chow hitting Tory, saying the city hasn’t even put in an application for the federal funding Scarb subway advocates counting on.” – Oliver Moore, Globe & Mail
“Ford says the Scarborough extension costs “$5” per household. Incorrect. It’ll be $40 per year as of 2016 for about 30 years.” – Daniel Dale, Toronto Star
“John Tory is referring to Ford as Rob.” – Jon Lorinc, Globe & Mail
“@oliviachow leading CityTV’s viewer poll of trust on transit with 40 per cent.” – Laura Kane, Toronto Star
“Most viewers of [the] debate rank Chow [as] the person they trust most on the transit file.” – James Armstrong, Global TV
“It’s pretty obvious – the only person who has the facts and not the anger is @oliviachow.” – Joanne Deer, CTV Truth North political panelist
“Why do John Tory and Rob Ford hate buses? Poor sad buses.” – Antionia Zerbisias, Toronto Star
“Mr. Ford is actually right.” – John Tory, 5:23 p.m.
“Tory agrees with Ford that TTC service hasn’t been cut. Which, again, is wrong.” – Jonathan Goldsbie, NOW Magazine
As the debate continues, Olivia will continue to show her challengers – and the people of Toronto – that she is the top candidate for a better city.
.
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I’m not entirely sure what this means, but Chatty Trout spotted it and told me.
Does this mean I can now boost my billable rate? Get better tables in restaurants? Live in a $10-million mansion on Lakeworth Lane in Palm Beach?
Oh, wait, that last one’s John Tory. But anyway, I’m blue checked. Watch out, baby.
Thomas Mulcair, take hope. All is not lost.
(All is not lost for Canada, either, apparently.)
