The Globe and Mail reports 0n September 10, 2008 at 2:24 PM EDT
The political path has been cleared for Elizabeth May to participate in the televised leaders debates after first NDP Leader Jack Layton and minutes later Conservative Leader Stephen Harper withdrew threats to boycott.
The reversals could be a pivotal point in this federal election campaign.
Dogged by protesters and divisions within the ranks of his own party, Mr. Layton told reporters during a visit to a solar-panel company here Wednesday that the debate about the debate has become an unwanted distraction.
“I have only one condition for this debate, that the Prime Minister is there, because I want to debate the issues with him,” said Mr. Layton. “I don't want to be debating the debate forever.”
Mr. Layton's change of heart put the onus squarely on the shoulders of Mr. Harper to decide where the block against Ms. May will remain.
Conservative spokesman Kory Teneycke then said the Tories were dropping their opposition to Ms. May participating in the debate.
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This is I believe a clear indication of the power of the online community, no Party can afford to underestimate the speed and power of the blogging community. The outrage expressed by bloggers of all political stripes coupled with the commentary from the electorate across the country was picked up by the MSM and left the “old boys club” little choice but to agree. No longer can the “leaders” rely upon their spin machines to bend the truth and control the talking points. A tip o the hat to all those bloggers who posted their opinions on this, and all the other folks who called their MPs or Newspaper to help end this travesty. Long live the internet and free and open expression.
Now we wait and see what the “consortium” has to say!