MacKay compares time as defence minister to O’Toole’s military service

One of the more noteworthy moments of the debate, however, was when Peter MacKay compared his "service" as defence minister to Erin O'Toole's service in the military.

Aside from this, the strongest candidate tonight was, arguably, Derek Sloan—who improved dramatically was his less-than-impressive French language debate the night before.

Revealing his irreverence towards political correctness, Sloan praised President Trump, attacked the belief in "72-102 genders" (his words, not mine), and brought up the Canadian icon, Jordan Peterson.

Unlike last night, the two front-runners MacKay and O'Toole spent less time attacking each other, instead focusing their ire on the Prime Minister.

Lewis, who had some momentum coming into these debates, may feel rather disappointed in her performance. Last night, the Torontonian hardly looked up from her podium. Tonight, she said the name "Max" an unutterable number of times and failed to make any significant impact.

At on point, Lewis said she believed in equality of outcome (a traditionally left-wing viewpoint). In response to this Sloan attacked her: saying everyone would hope for equality of outcome to exist, but humans are fundamentally different.

Both MacKay and O'Toole seemed poised and statesmanlike. One difference between the two men is that MacKay defined systemic racism whereas O'Toole chose not too. Despite the debate hardly touching on the subject, the reporters were eager for the candidates to throw their hat into the debate.

On the whole, Sloan had the best performance. O'Toole and MacKay, I would argue, were tied for second; and Lewis finished in a disappointing last place.

There will be no further debate in the Conservative leadership contest, and the ballots will be counted on August 21. From now until then, the candidates will have to persuade Conservative party members through traditional tactics in order to revive their vote.