What are the policies?
There was plenty of spirit and volume, as David Cunliffe and John Key, two boys from Canterbury, battled it out to prove they are ready to be New Zealand's next Prime Minister.
David Cunliffe was confident, self assured and knowledgeable. He clearly explained Labour's policies, although floundered when questioned by Key directly about capital gains tax.
John Key told a nice story about his Mum; deftly avoided dirty politics; seemed concerned his Trusts might be taxed but was light on National's policies.
The second half of the debate was more raucous, at times getting away from the moderators. Both Key and Cunliffe resorted to yelling over the top of each other. The tweet below captures the difference between the two:
David Cunliffe frustrated Key, who eventually retorted with the very witty, "Yea, what ever". Judging from the audience's reaction, they favoured David Cunliffe, especially when it came to issues concerning Christchurch.
What I got from tonight's debate was a sense of optimism that David Cunliffe and Labour do have a plan for New Zealand's future. David Cunliffe was able to succinctly articulate Labour's policies in a way I haven't heard until tonight. John Key, on the other hand, looked far less assured than he normally does, his policy seems to be that we have a solid economy but little else.
Over the course of what seemed like a very long debate, David Cunliffe looked like, and sounded like, the Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Let's hope come September 20, he is.
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