Green Leader fires digital salvos in the campaign debate on the economy

OTTAWA — There were three podiums on the stage for Thursday’s federal leaders’ debate on the economy, but it was the one Elizabeth May set up on Twitter that captured most of the social media attention.

The Green party leader used Twitter videos to rebut various talking points throughout the debate — and data provided by the social networking site suggested her talking points got the most people talking.

May’s videos on trade, jobs and carbon pricing were the most retweeted messages at the halfway mark of a debate that also touched on immigration, housing, infrastructure and general economic vision.

Whether the debate changed any minds remains to be seen, but it generated more online interest in May overall — Twitter says she earned 5,000 new followers.

While May drove Twitter traffic, Google said the most Googled debater was Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, narrowly edging out Conservative rival Stephen Harper.

Debate-watchers were also tweeting for fun Thursday: more than 1,000 tweets mentioned the intrusive bell that was used to signal the end of a session.

We kept track of May’s comments during the debate just below:

‘Let’s talk about carbon pricing.’

Let’s talk about carbon pricing and the climate conference. #GlobeDebate pic.twitter.com/xL9Y4jC5i7 — Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) September 18, 2015

‘We will reduce emissions.’

‘Sorry, Mr. Harper. Fact check.’

‘Here is our infrastructure plan’

‘We need a predictable path to citizenship.’

‘Our refugee system is broken.’

‘We need to pierce the housing bubble.’

I wish that question was about homelessness, but it’s true we need to pierce the housing bubble. #GlobeDebate pic.twitter.com/Jep5Ki7gIk — Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) September 18, 2015

‘We need a guaranteed annual income.’

‘Time to resurrect dead money.’

‘Bill C-51 makes us more vulnerable.’

Bill C-51 makes us more vulnerable to terrorist attacks. We will repeal it. #GlobeDebate #elxn42 pic.twitter.com/5qWgslYxjq — Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) September 18, 2015

‘Let’s talk about productivity.’

‘There’s only one person on this stage …’

There’s only one person on that stage who has never had a job in the private sector. #GlobeDebate pic.twitter.com/aIymLWBfWN — Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) September 18, 2015

‘This debate touched on climate, but …

‘Student debt is a problem.’

Student debt is a problem. We will offer debt relief and eliminate tuition fees by 2020. #GlobeDebate #elxn42 pic.twitter.com/IA9G1WsXpC — Elizabeth May (@ElizabethMay) September 18, 2015

‘Oh. I do need another fact check.’

‘This may not be the focused debate …’

‘Let’s talk about Harper’s trade record.’

‘Missing? Women’s Issues.’

‘How PM Harper balanced the budget.’

‘They sure left out some issues.’