We have now had two leaders’ debates. Before getting to the performance of the two leaders I must pay a compliment to the moderators, John Campbell and Paddy Gower, neither of whom along with Jacinda normally light my fire. But credit where credit is due. Campbell, as Mike Hosking pointed out, was a bit wordy with his questions which tended to slow the whole debate down somewhat. However, for a guy who loves the sound of his own voice, I think he did rather well. If you had to pick a winner I’d give it to Gower. He appeared to become really frustrated with Jacinda and her modus operandi, not that you could blame him.
In both debates, Jacinda could best be described as having gone haywire. She appeared awkward, disorganised and at times confused, particularly on economic matters. Nine times out of ten a straight answer was not forthcoming. I think this was what was frustrating Gower. A number of times he said that we’re not going to get an answer so we’ll move on. This put Jacinda in a bad light as it highlighted either her ignorance or her evasiveness. Debating is obviously not her strong point.
In a debate, you actually need to prepare, particularly if you’re someone like Jacinda. She is not a fact and figures person. The reality she understands is kisses, hugs and selfies. When it comes to the facts and figures that matter when it comes to running the country she resembles a fish out of water. Rather than do the homework required, particularly when up against someone like Judith, she would rather play the Pied Piper of Hamlin on the campaign trail. She’s got just enough nous to know her journalist groupies will lap it up. Great fodder for the evening news.
Her problem stems from the fact that most people who tune into the debate do not do so to idolise her. They’re trying to get a handle on policy, particularly in the economic area, so as to make a judgment call on who to vote for. In both debates, Ardern has delivered more flannel than fact. Her particular art of communication lets her down badly in the debating forum. Talking volumes and saying nothing doesn’t cut it. Viewers are looking for substance and she can’t deliver. She is simply not up to the task.
Judith, on the other hand, has found her mojo. I am unsure whether she was advised at the start of the campaign to adopt a different persona or whether it was her doing. The fact is it was not the Judith we had wanted as leader. The first half of the first debate was underwhelming but suddenly Judith became Judith, more the Crusher if you like. She carried this into the second debate and set the night on fire. It was great to see her being herself and really enjoying herself. Perhaps it’s from her legal background, but she appears in her element in this situation.
I don’t wish to be rude, but the intellectual ability of the two is like chalk and cheese. Hence, during the debates, Judith has it all over Jacinda when it comes to specific policy information including facts and figures. There were a couple of times in the Newshub debate when discussing economic matters, it was obvious from Jacinda’s body language that she didn’t have a clue what Judith was talking about. Judith is also far too quick for Jacinda with her repartee. She has the ability to fire off short succinct lines often laced with humour.
Judith has decisively won both debates and rain showers like Simon Wilson and other commentators on the left simply don’t want to admit it. Judith is the rainbow to the rain showers and we can only hope she is the one holding the pot of gold on election night.
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