Gearing up for leaders’ debate in Wheat City

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/04/2016 (3839 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One of the great privileges of my life has been moderating political debates in our community. From city council to school board and federal elections, being able to interact with politicians and political wannabes in such an intense and fast-moving atmosphere is a rare treat.

This coming week, NDP Leader Greg Selinger, Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari and (hopefully) Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister will be in Brandon to participate in the Brandon Sun/Westman Communications Group Provincial Leaders’ Debate.

(Note the word “hopefully” in regards to Mr. Pallister. While he initially indicated he will be forgoing his attendance in this event, the invitation remains open. All of the organizers, myself included, remain hopeful that his schedule will permit his participation.)

That aside, it is a rather uncommon occurrence for all three leaders to have an open debate in Brandon. In fact, they will be having two debates on the same day — the first being a lunch-time chamber of commerce debate, and the second being our evening debate.

This debate, particularly if all three leaders attend, could be a real donnybrook. Selinger does not suffer fools gladly. In fact, one might suggest he doesn’t suffer dissension particularly well either, as a number of his former cabinet members may attest.

Meanwhile, Bokhari started strongly, but appears to be facing serious headwinds lately. The disappearing candidates’ imbroglio is hurting her, as are her unfunded policy promises. However, she has shown a willingness to step into the fray and mix it up. Can she take enough votes away the NDP to make a difference?

Pallister, of course, is the potential premier-in-waiting. Will he be as aggressive as his reputation suggests, or will he try to show Manitobans a more “presidential” side? Will he challenge Selinger aggressively? If he is not in attendance, what will the other leaders do to gain traction from his absence?

What am I looking for? As the moderator, my job is to provoke debate and bring clarity where questions exist. This is the moderator’s obligation to the public.

I will be asking for transparency if I believe the candidates obfuscate and then, in a respectful manner, my role is to bring light to the debate. While it’s not always enjoyable questioning in a pushy manner, it is often called for, particularly when the politicians are as skilled as these three promise to be.

Our panel features talented reporters from the Sun and CKLQ Jillian Austin and Clay Young — as well as Brandon University’s Kelly Saunders, a professor of political science. As I have personally witnessed in previous debates, these panelists are fearless, knowledgeable and speak truth to power.

With their experience, and the relatively limited number of major issues, the leaders should be anticipating the questions to be asked. While the panelists endeavour to design the queries in such a matter as to provide useful insights, often politicians skillfully use jargon. With respect, verbiage doesn’t help everyday Manitobans. As such, with any luck you will see the panelists (and me) cut through the confusing political-speak as we seek answers.

What do I want to know? Simply, how can Rana Bokhari find the money to keep her promises? How can Greg Selinger improve our province’s fiscal state, particularly given his role in getting us here in the first place? Can Brian Pallister really be a “compassionate conservative” and pull us out of our malaise without damaging front-line services?

As always, the audience will have an opportunity to submit questions to the panel. Brandonites should embrace this occasion as arguably their best chance to address questions directly to our province’s leaders.

You’ve heard my questions. What are yours?