Clark postured by proposing that Canada bar US coal exports through BC ports (knowing full well that no useful purpose would be served (and harmful disruption would be caused) by such a gesture at this opening stage of the milk, softwood lumber and NAFTA dispute negotiations.

Horgan, to avoid Dix's mistake by not attacking Clark's record during the General Election 4 years ago, was to be aggressive during the earlier debate but dialed back during the debate this evening to avoid typecasting as a one-note angry guy.  Clark and Weaver tried to typecast Horgan as having 'anger issues' on the basis of the earlier debate.

The media and spin doctors will work overtime over the next week to try to settle the collective mind of the BC public one way or another regarding Clark's and Horgan's personalities (Is Clark too shallow and manipulative?  Is Hogan too quick to anger?).

Horgan has the stronger case (as polls after the first debate recognize) but this point isn't yet settled.