Pierre Pollievre will have my vote for the leadership race. The Liberals seem quite fearful of him as judged by the uptick of personal attacks on him.
The other reason is that they know he can handle himself very well in a debate in both official languages. He has a quick wit and excellent command of the facts. He was most impressive as Finance Critic especially when it comes to scandals such as the WE scandal.
He appears to champion the legitimate gun owner in Canada and is knowledgeable about the issue - something I'm not sure LL is, even if she says all the right things.
I remember how Erin O'toole got ambushed in Vancouver at the last election concerning this and came away weak, looking like a deer in the headlights. This will not happen to PP.
LL is a fine person and a true blue Conservative but her lack of French language skills will hurt her and the party in the next election debates. Like it or not mastery of the French language is essential to become leader of this country.
I agree that Poilievre can handle himself. When he goes on the attack, he can be a hard ass. Certainly a contrast to Trudeau's touchy-feely approach. I haven't received any mail or email from the leadership candidates except for Poilievre. He is certainly going after votes earlier than the rest, it seems.
Lewis has her Jamaican origins, as well as being a black female. In today's world, that carries a lot of sway. She is bright and well read. If she hasn't said it already, she will say that she can learn French, and probably can. The only thing that would sink her is the French language debates. The nuances are usually missed. Spontaneity is difficult too in another language.
Poilievre has the smarts, the political background, ties to both the West and Ontario, and speaks French.
When things heat up, it will be interesting to see where the majority of Conservatives lean.
