Final debates have new dynamics

[CHIMO]

Between the first and this week's final set of election debates, Liberal Leader Paul Martin lost his monopoly on the unity card. That cost him his lead in voting intentions in the Jan. 23 election. And that means that the dynamics of this week's debates will be starkly different from those held in Vancouver in December.

A lot more voters will be watching. A recent string of polls showing the Conservatives in the lead for the first time in the campaign guarantee that the ratings for this particular set of debates will be high.

All eyes will be on Stephen Harper. That will make it more difficult for the NDP's Jack Layton to compete for votes and attention.

And that, frankly is a less dangerous outcome for Canada than the historical victory that Martin was poised to hand sovereignists on a silver platter with his poorly executed Quebec strategy.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&cid=1136762107904

Seems like a no go to me.