Kevin Taft is ready to govern Alberta after televised leaders' debate, viewers and experts say
February 22, 2008
Kevin Taft is ready to govern Alberta after televised leaders' debate,
viewers and experts say
Edmonton - Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft is ready to lead the next
government of Alberta.
Taft demonstrated in last night's leaders' debate that the Alberta Liberals
are the only party with a comprehensive long-term vision for the province.
But the debate also showed PC Leader Ed Stelmach to be incapable of being
straight with Albertans on the legacy of his government or a vision for the
future.
"Thirty-seven years in power is too long for one party," Taft said. "Alberta
has changed, but the PC Party and Ed Stelmach have not changed with it. The
Alberta Liberals have the plan to restore confidence and trust in government
- a plan that looks out for the future of Albertans."
To date, the Alberta Liberals are the only party to release a comprehensive
election platform to voters, including strategies for strengthening the
health care system, making post-secondary education more affordable,
increasing access to child care and fighting climate change. The Alberta
Liberals have also taken a stand on critical issues like auto insurance, and
restoring accountability in the elections process.
Here's what some viewers, experts and media reports had to say:
CBC analyst Duane Bratt:
"Kevin Taft looked very premier-like, looked very statesman, was very
solid.I think Kevin Taft by far was probably the most articulate and most
interesting candidate in terms of ideas and where he wants to bring Alberta
in the next few years."
Edmonton Journal:
"Doreen Barrie, a professor at the University of Calgary.thought [Alberta]
Liberal Leader Kevin Taft did particularly well. 'I thought that Kevin Taft
put in a really good performance. I think he looked like a
premier-in-waiting. He looked comfortable and animated, and he got his
message across,' she said.
Editorial: "Were you unable to picture Kevin Taft as premier? The [Alberta]
Liberal leader probably made his aspiration believable even to those who
don't care for the policy alternatives he offered. Defying Mason's attempts
to paint the [Alberta] Liberals as a sort of corporate-backed Tweedledum to
the Tories' Tweedledee, Taft insisted that the best way of protecting jobs
is to be more aggressive on climate change, not less so, and rather
effectively claimed that an estimated $1 billion environmental charge is not
so large in a $244-billion provincial economy."
"Stelmach's biggest weakness is an inability, as a former Klein minister, to
evade responsibility with his party for the many problems he promises to
fix.. Taft likely improved his credibility as an alternative."
"Since moving to Alberta in 1939, Louis Broten has voted for all the major
provincial parties. This year, he has no idea who to support. .Broten
worries Premier Ed Stelmach doesn't represent enough of a change since
former premier Ralph Klein left office in 2006. 'When (Stelmach) was
elected, I was pleased. I thought, "There's a change, a guy from the farm
industry,"' Broten says. 'To be honest, I don't think there's that much
difference between Klein and our present premier. And we needed the change.
We need change in Alberta. I don't see it coming with Stelmach.'"
"Taft, who was the most animated of the four, said Stelmach was part of the
government that blew up the Calgary General Hospital and wrecked the
health-care system, and can't be trusted to fix it."
>From on-line "Sound Off" - Susan: "I thought Taft was the clear winner.
Stelmach didn't address the questions, just spouted the same old tired Tory
lines. Brian Mason was predictable, and Hinman clearly didn't understand
some of the issues, especially health care. Kevin Taft was the only one that
truly looked like a premier."
Calgary Herald:
"Political analysts and communications specialists were torn as to how Tory
Leader Ed Stelmach fared against his opponents in Thursday leadership
debate. .'Ed really had some problems,' said Robyn Braley, president of
UniMark Creative Services, which specializes in image coaching and media
training.Braley and [political scientist David] Taras agreed, however, that
[Alberta] Liberal Leader Kevin Taft held his own..Taft showed his passion,'
said Braley. 'He was comfortable with the medium and with his views. . . .
He looked like he was having fun.'. Taras also thought Taft's knowledge
shone through and connected him with voters."
Columnist Don Braid: "The stakes were just as high for Taft. As the only
leader showing positive momentum in the polls, he had a chance to impress
large numbers of voters, and perhaps shove Tory support into serious
decline. Well aware of the stakes, Taft came charging into the ring right
from the start, clenching his fists theatrically as he talked about grabbing
the future."
"For the first time heading into a provincial election vote, Coventry Hills
resident David Hartwick is utterly conflicted as to which party to support.
A lifelong Conservative voter, the air traffic controller with two
elementary school-aged children feels the party -- which has held power for
37 straight years -- has failed Calgary. Hartwick was impressed with
[Alberta] Liberal Leader Kevin Taft and Wildrose Alliance chief Paul Hinman.
Stelmach's performance, however, pushed him farther away from the Tory
party. 'Stelmach just continued to show that his government continues to be
out of touch . . . with the average Albertan,' he said."
CBC "online townhall":
Lisa Hurst (Banff): "Kevin Taft said it very well -- 'the voters want the
pot-holes fixed, the leaky roofs in schools repaired, the hospitals built,
etc. We have the money, now let's get on with the job.' I think Kevin Taft
is clearly exhibiting the strongest leadership abilities, the most
knowledge, and passion." Paula (Edmonton): "Kevin Taft is the only one who
seems to understand the needs of Alberta and able to articulate a practical
plan for change." Julie Kearns (Calgary): "Kevin Taft is demonstrating
strong leadership - he has a clear vision for the future of Alberta, he has
charted a course for the future, he looks like a leader." Marc (Southern
Alberta) wrote: "Taft has been the most positive and focused. Time and time
again, I find he says what I am thinking. Mason has been an annoying barking
dog. He attacks anyone and everyone and then beats his chest on issues he
claims are NDP issues. GIVE ME A BREAK. Saskatchewan NDP closed
hospitals!!!!!" Rob Wilson in Edmonton, a non-Liberal: "Taft is creaming the
lot of them so far"; Jeff from Calgary: "Mr. Taft has the best TV
personality.Mr. Stelmach a stuffy cardboard cutout."; Warren Gallin from
Edmonton: "Taft making major policy points, making a clear contrast with
Stelmach's babbling about all his non-initiatives"
Breakfast Television -- City TV:
Bob Hooey , Executive Speech Consultant -- "..the other thing that [Kevin
Taft] did well, and from the beginning, is he talked to people. Like, if you
noticed when he was talking, he was talking to the panelists and actually
making contact and he was the only one of the four that, for example in
their 45 second opening, didn't use a speech. He didn't use notes, and it
made a difference."
CITY TV Calgary:
Bruce Foster, Political Scientist: -- "Who was the most personable, the most
friendly, the most at ease? I think it was Kevin Taft of the Liberals by a
long shot."
Blogger CalgaryGrit:
"Ed gets asked where his figure of 300,000 lost jobs comes from ...and...
we're on to talking points...I'll give Ed credit - he's not showing any
emotion or any sign of life, but he's sticking to the script."
Blogger Daveberta:
"'If you protect the environment, you protect jobs and the economy.' Taft
did a pretty solid job answering the question on the environment."
CBC political analyst Paul McLouglin:
"I think Taft, once he calmed down, did an admirable job in terms of
explaining his position."
630 CHED:
"Taft argued that Alberta voters want a new government and a fresh
beginning, not more government from a crew that hasn't got it right to
date."
This election is a choice between staying with a drifting, clueless,
incompetent government or changing directions with a strong leader and
strong team that embraces the opportunities of the future.
It's time for a change. Let's get the job done right.
Kevin Taft is ready to govern Alberta after televised leaders' debate,
viewers and experts say
Edmonton - Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft is ready to lead the next
government of Alberta.
Taft demonstrated in last night's leaders' debate that the Alberta Liberals
are the only party with a comprehensive long-term vision for the province.
But the debate also showed PC Leader Ed Stelmach to be incapable of being
straight with Albertans on the legacy of his government or a vision for the
future.
"Thirty-seven years in power is too long for one party," Taft said. "Alberta
has changed, but the PC Party and Ed Stelmach have not changed with it. The
Alberta Liberals have the plan to restore confidence and trust in government
- a plan that looks out for the future of Albertans."
To date, the Alberta Liberals are the only party to release a comprehensive
election platform to voters, including strategies for strengthening the
health care system, making post-secondary education more affordable,
increasing access to child care and fighting climate change. The Alberta
Liberals have also taken a stand on critical issues like auto insurance, and
restoring accountability in the elections process.
Here's what some viewers, experts and media reports had to say:
CBC analyst Duane Bratt:
"Kevin Taft looked very premier-like, looked very statesman, was very
solid.I think Kevin Taft by far was probably the most articulate and most
interesting candidate in terms of ideas and where he wants to bring Alberta
in the next few years."
Edmonton Journal:
"Doreen Barrie, a professor at the University of Calgary.thought [Alberta]
Liberal Leader Kevin Taft did particularly well. 'I thought that Kevin Taft
put in a really good performance. I think he looked like a
premier-in-waiting. He looked comfortable and animated, and he got his
message across,' she said.
Editorial: "Were you unable to picture Kevin Taft as premier? The [Alberta]
Liberal leader probably made his aspiration believable even to those who
don't care for the policy alternatives he offered. Defying Mason's attempts
to paint the [Alberta] Liberals as a sort of corporate-backed Tweedledum to
the Tories' Tweedledee, Taft insisted that the best way of protecting jobs
is to be more aggressive on climate change, not less so, and rather
effectively claimed that an estimated $1 billion environmental charge is not
so large in a $244-billion provincial economy."
"Stelmach's biggest weakness is an inability, as a former Klein minister, to
evade responsibility with his party for the many problems he promises to
fix.. Taft likely improved his credibility as an alternative."
"Since moving to Alberta in 1939, Louis Broten has voted for all the major
provincial parties. This year, he has no idea who to support. .Broten
worries Premier Ed Stelmach doesn't represent enough of a change since
former premier Ralph Klein left office in 2006. 'When (Stelmach) was
elected, I was pleased. I thought, "There's a change, a guy from the farm
industry,"' Broten says. 'To be honest, I don't think there's that much
difference between Klein and our present premier. And we needed the change.
We need change in Alberta. I don't see it coming with Stelmach.'"
"Taft, who was the most animated of the four, said Stelmach was part of the
government that blew up the Calgary General Hospital and wrecked the
health-care system, and can't be trusted to fix it."
>From on-line "Sound Off" - Susan: "I thought Taft was the clear winner.
Stelmach didn't address the questions, just spouted the same old tired Tory
lines. Brian Mason was predictable, and Hinman clearly didn't understand
some of the issues, especially health care. Kevin Taft was the only one that
truly looked like a premier."
Calgary Herald:
"Political analysts and communications specialists were torn as to how Tory
Leader Ed Stelmach fared against his opponents in Thursday leadership
debate. .'Ed really had some problems,' said Robyn Braley, president of
UniMark Creative Services, which specializes in image coaching and media
training.Braley and [political scientist David] Taras agreed, however, that
[Alberta] Liberal Leader Kevin Taft held his own..Taft showed his passion,'
said Braley. 'He was comfortable with the medium and with his views. . . .
He looked like he was having fun.'. Taras also thought Taft's knowledge
shone through and connected him with voters."
Columnist Don Braid: "The stakes were just as high for Taft. As the only
leader showing positive momentum in the polls, he had a chance to impress
large numbers of voters, and perhaps shove Tory support into serious
decline. Well aware of the stakes, Taft came charging into the ring right
from the start, clenching his fists theatrically as he talked about grabbing
the future."
"For the first time heading into a provincial election vote, Coventry Hills
resident David Hartwick is utterly conflicted as to which party to support.
A lifelong Conservative voter, the air traffic controller with two
elementary school-aged children feels the party -- which has held power for
37 straight years -- has failed Calgary. Hartwick was impressed with
[Alberta] Liberal Leader Kevin Taft and Wildrose Alliance chief Paul Hinman.
Stelmach's performance, however, pushed him farther away from the Tory
party. 'Stelmach just continued to show that his government continues to be
out of touch . . . with the average Albertan,' he said."
CBC "online townhall":
Lisa Hurst (Banff): "Kevin Taft said it very well -- 'the voters want the
pot-holes fixed, the leaky roofs in schools repaired, the hospitals built,
etc. We have the money, now let's get on with the job.' I think Kevin Taft
is clearly exhibiting the strongest leadership abilities, the most
knowledge, and passion." Paula (Edmonton): "Kevin Taft is the only one who
seems to understand the needs of Alberta and able to articulate a practical
plan for change." Julie Kearns (Calgary): "Kevin Taft is demonstrating
strong leadership - he has a clear vision for the future of Alberta, he has
charted a course for the future, he looks like a leader." Marc (Southern
Alberta) wrote: "Taft has been the most positive and focused. Time and time
again, I find he says what I am thinking. Mason has been an annoying barking
dog. He attacks anyone and everyone and then beats his chest on issues he
claims are NDP issues. GIVE ME A BREAK. Saskatchewan NDP closed
hospitals!!!!!" Rob Wilson in Edmonton, a non-Liberal: "Taft is creaming the
lot of them so far"; Jeff from Calgary: "Mr. Taft has the best TV
personality.Mr. Stelmach a stuffy cardboard cutout."; Warren Gallin from
Edmonton: "Taft making major policy points, making a clear contrast with
Stelmach's babbling about all his non-initiatives"
Breakfast Television -- City TV:
Bob Hooey , Executive Speech Consultant -- "..the other thing that [Kevin
Taft] did well, and from the beginning, is he talked to people. Like, if you
noticed when he was talking, he was talking to the panelists and actually
making contact and he was the only one of the four that, for example in
their 45 second opening, didn't use a speech. He didn't use notes, and it
made a difference."
CITY TV Calgary:
Bruce Foster, Political Scientist: -- "Who was the most personable, the most
friendly, the most at ease? I think it was Kevin Taft of the Liberals by a
long shot."
Blogger CalgaryGrit:
"Ed gets asked where his figure of 300,000 lost jobs comes from ...and...
we're on to talking points...I'll give Ed credit - he's not showing any
emotion or any sign of life, but he's sticking to the script."
Blogger Daveberta:
"'If you protect the environment, you protect jobs and the economy.' Taft
did a pretty solid job answering the question on the environment."
CBC political analyst Paul McLouglin:
"I think Taft, once he calmed down, did an admirable job in terms of
explaining his position."
630 CHED:
"Taft argued that Alberta voters want a new government and a fresh
beginning, not more government from a crew that hasn't got it right to
date."
This election is a choice between staying with a drifting, clueless,
incompetent government or changing directions with a strong leader and
strong team that embraces the opportunities of the future.
It's time for a change. Let's get the job done right.
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