Jessica Fletcher

My takeaway from tonight’s debate: Lorne Doerkson accomplished exactly what he needed to accomplish. David Eby spent much of the debate attacking the Conservatives, while Doerkson repeatedly brought the discussion back to the NDP’s record on affordability, the economy, public safety and the deficit. That contrast mattered. Doerkson entered this debate far less known than Eby. His challenge was to introduce himself to British Columbians and demonstrate that he could stand on the stage with an incumbent premier. Eby looked like an incumbent determined to put the Conservatives on trial. Doerkson used the opportunity to put the government’s record on trial. He entered the evening as the lesser-known challenger. He left having presented himself as someone ready to be premier.