How Canadian candidates debate

On the same night as the US Vice Presidential debate, Canada's debates were held. A blogger writes about the Canadian format and why she preferred it to the podium approach of the single VP debate., including its format.

The CBC shook things up a bit this time ’round (pun intended), and did away with stiff podiums, going with a round table format instead. The 5 leaders (for the benefit of the non-Canadians, they are Gilles Duceppe of the Bloc Quebecois, Jack Layton of the New Democrats, Stephane Dion of the Liberals, incumbent Stephen Harper of the Conservatives, and Elizabeth May of the Green Party) sat around an oval table emblazened with a red maple leaf. The moderator sat at the head of the table. This format, of facing each other, as difficult as it was for the TV crew to shoot, did one thing well - it enabled conversation. And conversational it was! With the leaders facing each other like this, I kind of half expected to see someone come out and serve up a round of beers. I liked the laid back feel, and I think the leaders seemed to enjoy it too. via SuzeMuse

She also discusses the lack of glitz and the "real people, real issues" approach that helped her get information as a voter. Interesting post.

Tonight's Presidential candidate debate will be in the Town Hall format, which provides yet a different "look". 8pm EST.