Clark and Key refuse televised debate with other leaders

There are some great debaters in the minor parties. Clerk and Key know that they don't fare well in comparison to the likes of Peters, for example, who seems to shine in these sort of debates. They know the public admires (and often will sway towards) personalities who show some likeable chacteristics in this sort of arena. They know (as history tells them)its often about the confidence and control of the leader under pressure that impresses the public, not so much about the policies. What these two want is to try to control that situation and make it a battle of policies and not of personalities. Denying to debate with the minor party leaders is another way of saying "we believe its a two horse race and we would rather you back one of us".

Clerk, being a more seasoned campaigner, will feel confident that she has the edge in this debate.

No, you ranted about "Helen" throughout your comment, neglected badmouthing John Key, then, when there'd been no condemnation of either person from anyone known to be left or right leaning of their own respective preferred PM, you decided it was time to lambast "the left" for not condemning Clark yet.

If we want to copy anything of the American style of politics, at least allow us to vote for the party leader, this will allow us to choose who will lead the party of our choice, and not allow them to be handed that title by way of entry to parliament via a list, this would even the field and eliminate those the public dont see fit for the job...

Doppleganger, agreed and the ratings is part of the problem that the minor parties will face.
Alien, yes I am also looking forward to the Helen v John debate

If a person chooses to accept or reject an offer to debate, so be it. It is their right. The minor parties should just proceed with the MMP debate without those who do not choose to be present. MMP is about voters democratic choice, it does not dictate ground rules for electioneering. The minor parties merely protest because without the 'big-hitters' present they effectively have no platform i.e. It will be a dull as ditch water and nobody will tune in to watch. And they know this.

dan, in one go you claim we need to get rid of the politicans and the country be run by the people, then you say Key doesn't know politics. So what is it. You want normal people, like a succesful businessman, or you want politicans? I would think, looking at our government we actually have quite a range of people from the normal joe blogs to life long politicans. Labour has actually passed some good policies.

"A party team leader who cannot control his team for heaven's sake is expected to lead this country !!!"

Such a silly statement, how many wayward Labour MP's have we seen since they have been in Govt? Plenty, who can't control who???
Remember David Benson Pope, Taito Field, Damien O'Connor, Trevor Mallard and his punch ups, Ashraf Choudhary for publicly saying that what the Koran says is correct in terms of stoning gays to death!, and just recently Parekura Horomia trying to persuade the Maori party to vote with them for Winston.
Certainly looks to me like Helen can't control her own band of merry men.

Alex I don't agree in the slightest with the 2 of them shutting out the other leaders from the debate. Perhaps I didn't make my self clear with my first post. But you prove my point, you attack me for something I did yet fail to condemn Helen yourself. Who's the party hack?

Frankly this country needs a new system of governance by the people to get rid of such trashy politicos who do not stand for anything clearly , do not even have a human bone in them and do not have have our interests at heart . Both Helen and John only want to get to the seat and then another tenure of mayhem and nonsense policies . People I have met say " Oh John is going to be a massice improvement over Helen and her silly labour govt. Well my friends you are going to be in for a shock cause John doesnt even know the P of Politics . A party team leader who cannot control his team for heaven's sake is expected to lead this country !!!

"Stranger still... Over 24 hours and not a comment of condemnation on here from the left over Helens actions."

What about condeming John Key, you hack?