This is the real end to the holidays. Kids back to school. Tired cranky small people running around the house at 7:15 am.

The debate goes tonight. There are likely tired cranky larger people running somewhere this morning as well. People are talking about the Tories now as out manouvering the Liberals in the campaign but I don't buy it. I think the Grits now have to look at themselves in the mirror regardless. There is no great shift to the right. If there is a shift in this election it is the race to vanilla. The top three are all trying to look the same and most Canadians can actually think of Gilles Duceppe without seeing devil horns. What would have happened if Levesque or Parizeau had actually achieved that level of bland acceptance?

It could be that tonight is the end of something. If Harper trips, it is the end of the blip and his campaign for Premier of Alberta begins. If Martin does not do something to turn the boat around, he will be remembered as something of a Joe Clark except with much better hangtime. Either way, if there is no majority the next election in 8 to 18 months will feature different faces. If there is no majority, I expect to be working for the Party of the Flea next time around.

Update: Apparently we are in for a treat as "the right to rebut" has been added to the debate format. Shout-fest 2006. Excellent. And it will be hosted by Steve Paikin of TVO, the most intelligent person ever to appear on TV.

Update Update: Big poll out this morning. People in red have a certain look in their eyes. The only concern the Tories might have is tht it is not two weeks from now.