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Federal Leaders Gear Up for Crucial Debates in Montreal

As the federal party leaders get ready to debate in Montreal, analysts suggest they are focusing on improving their body language and enhancing their French communication skills.

Dan Arnold, chief strategy officer at Pollara and a former pollster for the Trudeau Liberals, indicated that many leaders are likely participating in “mock debates” in professional setups with their teams ahead of the actual events. These rehearsal sessions are often recorded, allowing the teams to review and refine their leaders’ messaging and non-verbal cues.

Arnold noted that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau engaged in “at least half a dozen if not more” practice debates prior to the 2015 campaign. However, due to a hectic schedule, Liberal Leader Mark Carney may not have the same preparation time as his competitors.

Typically, campaigns scale back on other activities and devote the immediate day before the debate to thorough preparation, analyzing various scenarios that might unfold during the live events.

On Monday, Carney’s only public appearance was to announce his defense strategy, reflecting the focused nature of his campaign efforts as the debate draws closer. Arnold, who played a considerable role in Trudeau’s previous campaigns, explained that leaders will have a comprehensive debate strategy book outlining pivotal messages on widely discussed issues such as tariffs and also touching on subjects like gun control and language legislation.

“Winning a debate is all about connecting with voters,” stated Arnold. “The effectiveness often lies in how well candidates present themselves in unfamiliar settings.”

The significance of these debates is underscored by their timing, just days before Canadians enter the advanced voting period. A recent Leger poll commissioned for The Canadian Press indicated that 44% of Canadians are inclined to vote Liberal, with 37% favoring Conservative and 8% leaning towards the NDP.

The influence of the debates on voter decisions remains uncertain, especially given that 61% of Canadians appear to have already made their choices, according to the same Leger poll.

Overview of Upcoming Debates

Latest polling data from Ipsos, released recently, suggests that the Liberals maintain a lead in the federal election race, although the Conservatives have begun to close the gap. The federal leaders are set to participate in a French-language debate on Wednesday, followed by an English-language debate on Thursday. Each debate is slated to last two hours and will be broadcast live from Maison de Radio-Canada in Montreal.

The debates will tackle critical topics, including the rising cost of living, energy policies, and climate issues. The French debate is expected to delve into immigration, foreign affairs, identity, and sovereignty, while the English debate will focus on themes related to leading during a crisis, public safety, and national security.

Amanda Galbraith, a crisis communications expert and partner at Oyster Group, elaborated on the extensive preparation process. She mentioned that teams have been meticulously analyzing competitors’ moves and preparing detailed binders, as well as rehearsing to portray the stances of other leaders.

In the lead-up to the French debates, Galbraith noted that leaders likely dedicate their day to consuming only French-language media to immerse themselves in the language. She cautioned that Carney has a tendency to become defensive when questioned about his integrity, a trait he may need to manage as opponents will aim to exploit his vulnerabilities during the debate.

Arnold emphasized the critical role of presentation in debates, including a leader’s smile, eye contact with the camera, and ability to convey seriousness. “It’s crucial to engage with the audience and project a likable, confident demeanor,” he observed.

Amidst increasing scrutiny, Carney’s proficiency in French has been a focal point since his previous debate performances. Arnold noted that Carney has likely been enhancing his French by conversing with his team in the language and interacting with French media. He should also aim to share personal anecdotes for a more relatable presence during debates.

Conversely, Arnold mentioned that Pierre Poilievre might focus on adjusting his tone to connect better with voters. Currently, some perceive his style as overly aggressive, which could hinder his appeal. Galbraith echoed this sentiment, recommending that Poilievre work on softening his approach while targeting Carney.

While Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet concentrates on Quebec voters, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is seeking to regain relevance. Arnold noted that Singh needs to deliver striking messages during the debates to revive his visibility among constituents.

For Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault, the debates represent a critical opportunity for recognition among Canadians.

Arnold highlighted that expectations for Carney are tempered due to his prior struggles during the French debate in the leadership race. Given that other candidates may not offer him the same support, performance will be closely scrutinized.

Finally, Arnold pointed out that much of the effort surrounding debates tends to emerge after the fact; campaign staff aim to dominate the media narrative by sharing positive clips and messaging on social media in the aftermath.

Source
globalnews.ca