Wednesday night’s third leaders debate went ahead, despite both Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton suspending their campaigns earlier in the day in response to the passing of Pope Francis.

But neither of the leaders were in mourning for very long, not wanting to upset the programmers at Channel Nine who insisted on proceeding, despite the death in the Catholic family.

Of course, ‘suspending’ the major party campaigns was really just spin. Neither leader had much campaigning in the diary anyway, given that both men planned to spend a sizeable chunk of the day prepping.

Apparently the Labor camp were also trying to get the debate deferred, which was opposed by both the network and the Opposition.

The Opposition Leader needed Wednesday night’s debate more than Albo did, given the deficit in the polls.

The PM was telling journalists earlier on Tuesday (while not campaigning out of respect for the dead Pope, remember) that he’d asked the Opposition if he should consider suspending the debate. 

But at that time Albo hadn’t even texted Peter Dutton yet to make such a request. Besides, what self respecting Prime Minister asks their opponent if they should do something or not?

Show some leadership and make a decision for yourself, you’re meant to be a leader not a follower!

The third leaders debate between Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese got off to a fiery start

The third leaders debate between Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese got off to a fiery start

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton needed Tuesday night's debate more than Albo did

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton needed Tuesday night’s debate more than Albo did

At any rate, the debate went ahead and I’m calling it a dishonourable draw, which leaves the four debate series delicately poised at one win a piece with the decider due on Sunday.

What a coup for Network Seven to host the decider, although I suspect the ratings will suggest otherwise.

The lines of attack from both Albo and Dutts (it’s time we started using both their nicknames) were fairly predictable.

Albo’s a weak leader who has worsened the cost of living crisis. Dutts has some crazy nuclear energy policy that will all but bankrupt the state.

Neither prime ministerial contender worded their attacks precisely that way, but you get the gist.

The debate started with some fiery exchanges when the candidates were asked to nominate mistruths being peddled by their opponents. Dutton went for Labor attacks on his nuclear policy as well as the Mediscare tactics.

Albo used his time to double down on Dutton’s alleged health cuts from 2014. Spending went up back then, just not by as much as originally forecast. You be the judge.

Dutton said Albo isn’t even capable of lying straight in bed. True or not I’m not sure the attack will help with the opposition leaders image.

Nine debate host Ally Langdon is pictured during the showdown

Nine debate host Ally Langdon is pictured during the showdown

The two leaders put hostilities aside to shake hands before the third debate. The pair will face off again on Sunday night

The two leaders put hostilities aside to shake hands before the third debate. The pair will face off again on Sunday night

The real takeaway was that this campaign has been even more negative than most, and that sentiment was reflected in tonight’s debate, that’s for sure.

One of the few positive moments came during an ad break when a positive Labor paid advertisement aired. Predictably, the Liberal ad during the same break was negative.

We should give Channel Nine a shout out for using a panel to ask questions, allowing the candidates to actually answer them largely free of moderator interruptions.

The ABC debate was more like an episode of Insiders, with the moderator getting nearly as much airtime interrupting the contenders as they tried to respond.

Yes politicians spin and it can be annoying, especially during interviews. But actually getting to hear what they have say is useful for voters during election debates.

Predictably both sides claimed victory which is an overstatement on both their parts. But it was at least a more interesting affairs than the last two debates.

Dutton did well on foreign policy, although suggesting we should use the AUKUS agreement as leverage on tariffs is risky business, and it was called out by the interview panel. However, it might resonate with some voters as assertive and strong.

Albo’s best lines were in response to Dutton’s claim that Labor has a secret agenda to scale back negative gearing. The PM dismissed the attacks strongly, so if he wins and does make changes, his career will be over.

The best moment of the debate was towards the end when host Ally Langdon called out both leaders for their overspending. I couldn’t agree more!

With three debates now done and dusted there’s only one left, to be hosted by Network Seven, as already mentioned. Because it falls with less than a week to go, it should be the most importantly as undecided voters start to sit up and pay attention.

While four debates for one federal election is a lot compared with past campaigns, as a lover of both politics and debating, I don’t see why they didn’t make a true World Series of it and hold seven debates across the five week campaign.

They could have had three more – hosted by SBS, NITV and Channel Ten – thereby giving every broadcaster equal airtime.

Food for thought…or maybe not!

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