Leader's Debate: Mr. Ignatieff's point the most important for Canadian voters?

Did one of the leaders deliver a knock-out punch in last night's debate? I agree with others that there were no knock-out blows, but each of the opposition leaders had their rabbit punches.

Mr. Harper remained calm (but always speaking directly to the camera creeped a lot of people out), despite having a reputation of blowing up behind closed doors, although he did engage in some significant obfuscation and misdirection (saying that there were no upcoming corporate tax cuts, even though it's in the government's latest budget, is one that comes to mind). Mr. Layton seemed the most relaxed and came up with a couple of good zingers ("...criminals in the Senate" was probably the best one). Mr. Duceppe seemed to have a little difficulty debating in English, but came up with some good attacks (bringing up the 2004 coalition accord that Mr. Harper initiated and signed, as well as pointing out that he promises that his government won't open up the abortion law among others, but may use someone in his caucus to raise a private member's bill like he did with the gun registry, were the most memorable).

However, I think the most poignant moment for all Canadian voters, the one that everyone needs to consider, is the point made by Mr. Ignatieff. Although not a knockout blow, it is one that the media hasn't really held up as important for voters. Mr. Harper went on about one of his main talking points (and plea to Canadian voters) that they're "asking Canadians for a clear majority so we can get on with the nation's business..." Mr. Ignatieff retorted with, "You haven't earned a majority. Majorities are things you earn when you earn the trust of the Canadian people. And you haven't earned the trust of the Canadian people because you don't trust the Canadian people." Mr. Ignatieff also said, "You don't deserve a majority because you don't respect our democratic institutions." How telling is that? The polls consistently show that among committed voters, the Conservative numbers have remained flat, and have so for the past several years. I think that this shows that Canadian voters are not ready for a Conservative majority and certainly not one with Mr. Harper at the helm. Could the Conservatives be deliberately engaging in obfuscation and misdirection to so thoroughly turn voters off the election process that minority Conservative support turns into a Conservative majority parliament because so many people that will not vote Conservative just stay home on election day? It certainly appeared that way in the 2008 election. It was the lowest voter turnout in Canadian history, yet the Conservatives failed to form a majority government.

Are the Conservatives aiming for new lows in voter turnout so that they do have a shot at a majority? Election Day will tell the tale, unfortunately hindsight will be 20/20. Whatever your political stripe, get out and vote. Don't let this election be a Sienfeld-esque "election about nothing." Make it about who you want to lead Canada. Make it about what YOU want, not about what someone else wants, because you didn't bother voting. THAT is what democracy is about!