For Canadian political nerds, election debates are like the Stanley Cup finals - the one chance to see leaders from all the major parties face off in real time, and maybe even land a few blows against their opponents. But how much power do these debates have to actually change how people vote? In the lead up to the French and English federal leaders’ debates this week, hosts Catherine Cullen, Jason Markusoff and Daniel Thibeault unpack the debate moments that make a difference, and the strategy the parties are prepping.

NOTE: This episode was recorded on Tuesday, April 15, and contains a reference to the Green Party participating in the debates. On the morning of Wednesday, April 16, the party leader's invitation to the debates was rescinded by the Leaders' Debates Commission.