My title caught your attention.
I won't suggest that Layton and Harper should not be debating each other. I just wish to remind Layton that the NDP is still not in the top two positions. Those belong to the Conservatives and Liberals. Layton may wish to debate Harper. He will get a chance in the two debates. However, Harper may not really care about debating Layton. If Layton can shut May out of the debates, then a Conservative leader can do the same with an NDP leader in the future. Harper's target is Liberal leader, Stéphane Dion.
Because of Canada's far from perfect First-Past-the-Post voting system, Layton is just the leader of the fourth party. He's only one step above Elizabeth May and two steps below Harper. Layton is just a pip-squeak who doesn't deserve the attention in Harper's eyes.
Layton should rethink is position about May participating in the debates.
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Sorry if I sound harsh. In terms of power relationships, Layton is really not in a position to veto May's participation. Technically, he could say that he won't particpate if May does. I'm guessing that not many Canadians would care if Layton didn't participate in the debates. More Canadians would care if Harper didn't participate.
Layton should have left the decision to invite May up to Stephen Harper. Then, Layton could have informed the Canadian public that the decision would be up to the broadcast consortium. That way, the consortium and Harper could take the blame if they refuse May's participation.
If I were Layton now, I would say to the Canadian voters, "I'm going to debate Harper. It's up to the consortium if it wishes to invite other party leaders." From Layton, it would be an open but indirect invitation for May to participate. It would not be an endorsement.
I have just heard on the radio that Layton has agreed to let May participate in the debates.
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