Dartmouth, Nova Scotia – December 5, 2011 – NDP Leadership candidate and former Nova Scotia NDP leader, Robert Chisholm, reacted today to his first party debate, held yesterday in Ottawa.
“I admit I was a bit nervous about speaking French for the first time in front of a national audience. It was tough but I’m proud of the fact that I was able to do it”, said Chisholm, who continues to work daily with a tutor. “A real leader has to deal with difficult challenges and never give up. That’s what I did yesterday. Those are the qualities I will bring as leader of the party”, he said.
Responding to some of the negative comments from pundits, Chisholm pointed out the fact that it was pretty ironic that some people would want to exclude him from the leadership race because he is not yet bilngual following a debate that spoke to the need for inclusion.
“I do believe it’s important for our next leader to be able to speak French and I will learn it. However, let’s not forget that this is not a language contest, it’s a leadership contest”, he replied. “Our party needs someone who is ready to lead right now. I might be the only unilingual candidate but I’m also the only one who has the real leadership experience we need”, Chisholm said.
The Nova Scotia MP also received some positive comments after this first debate. Supporters from across the country were quick to respond to critics.
“Congratulations Mr. Chisholm for your performance on the debate…And yes, please keep studying French, cause you were good at it, when you finally showed us what you were capable of…at the end! All you need is confidence!”, wrote a supporter on Facebook. “Points to Robert Chisholm for pointing out the elephant in the room with a sense of humour”, said someone on Twitter.
“I’d like to thank everyone who posted comments on the web or came to see me following the debate”’ said Chisholm, who his heading to the Prairies this week.
Chisholm also commented on his overall performance during this first debate on the economy. “I thought everyone did pretty well yesterday and showed how strong and diverse a team we are. I wanted to talk about my real leadership experience as former leader of the Nova Scotia NDP and leader of the Opposition but also talk about my vision for an inclusive economy and the need to address poverty”, said Chisholm
What they’re saying on Twitter:
- “A young lady next to me whispers, “he’s a really good speaker, eh?” of @RobertNDP.
- Chisholm sounds like a fiscal conservative and a realist. Would make a great NDP leader.
- Happy to see Chisholm at least try it in French #ndpldr
- Points to Robert Chisholm for pointing out the elephant in the room with a sense of humour. #ndpdb8
- robert chisholm is kind of awesome. #ndpdebate
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Good job Robert. Keep working on your French so by the time the next debates come, you will be able to converse more in French. On CPAC’s follow-up program discussing the first debate, it was stated by one of the journalists that a lot of the Quebec members did not speak English, so it not be a criticism that your French is not up to par yet. I am sure you will get there. Keep some humour in your debates (Jack always did that and it took him a long way). Anyway, you have my full support so go get em!!!!
Congratulations Robert. The word I would use to describe you is “real”. A man who is passionate about his party and his country, and isn’t that what we deserve from our political leaders. You may not have all the answers but you showed that you are willing to work hard to find them. Jack would have been proud of you, as I am.