Kevin Taft is ready to govern Alberta after televised leaders’ debate, viewers and experts say

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.”

“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.