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To wit: in the 2011 federal election debate, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff touted a mix of family friendly policies, he dubbed the “Liberal Family Pack.” Voters shrugged and sent him packing instead. In the 2014 Ontario provincial election debate, Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak declared that he would quit if he didn’t keep his election promises. Voters didn’t bother giving him the chance and reelected Kathleen Wynne’s Liberals.

But in Election 2015, none of the above applies. First, there will be not one, but at least half-a-dozen debates, featuring various formats, themes, languages and participants. They’re starting early, when the campaign has barely begun, and much of the electorate is still in summer vacation mode. Instead of a final destination, each debate will be a pit stop, providing an opportunity to unveil new ideas, take opponents by surprise and change direction, should one’s campaign be stuck in first gear.

In this first race, all four leaders face different challenges. Harper needs to be strong but not arrogant. Selling fear is one thing; belittling people is another. In an election where two thirds of voters want change, Harper can legitimately warn that change is risky, uncertain and dangerous. When seeking a fourth mandate, it’s one of the few cards he can play to counter the sense that his government has passed its best-before date.

But if he plays the bully card, he will slip into dangerous territory. While calling Trudeau by his first name only and trashing Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley are moves designed to diminish his Liberal rival and tarnish the Liberal and NDP brands, they could have the unintended effect of generating sympathy for his targets, particularly Notley. Sexist or not, the image of the prime minister beating up on two female premiers isn’t exactly the best visual.