Debating the debates

Political season kicks into high gear both north and south of the border tonight, as Canadian political leaders and Republican presidential hopefuls take part in their respective debates. But which clash of political titans will be best?

Average personal wealth of candidates

GOP: More than $1 billion CAD: Less than $1 billion EDGE: GOP — courtesy of Trump

Dynastic pressure

GOP: Jeb Bush — faces lifetime of George W. asking, “How many terms as president did you serve? Oh yeah, none!” at family gatherings

CAD: Justin Trudeau — faces lifetime of Liberal brethren asking, “Are you ready, now?” at party gatherings

EDGE: Push

Ideological credibility

GOP: Ted Cruz — Cooked bacon on the muzzle of a machine-gun in a recent campaign video CAD: Stephen Harper — Flashed his anti-tax bona fides by picking fights with Ontario and Alberta premiers EDGE: GOP — Bacon is a dangerous prop for Canadian-born Cruz

Experience factor

GOP: Average age of candidates: 55.5 CAD: Average age of candidates: 55.0 EDGE: PUSH — Within the margin of error

Pre-debate zinger

GOP: “If I’m attacked I have to, you know, do something back, but I’d like it to be very civil.” — Donald Trump CAD: “I think that if he comes on stage with his pants on, he will probably exceed expectations,” Conservative spokesman Kory Teneycke on Justin Trudeau. EDGE: CAD — That’s all you got, Trump?