Given the tightness of the three-way race for control of the Canadian government, it's not surprising that Thursday night's leaders' debate got chippy early. All three candidates exchanged barbs and interrupted each other on topics like economic policy, the environment and immigration.
With his nation's economy struggling following the sharp decline of the Canadian energy sector, Prime Minster Stephen Harper's record 10-year tenure in office is clearly in jeopardy. From the start of the debate it seemed his goal was to paint Justin Trudeau of the Liberal Party of being in favour of out-of-control deficit spending and the NDP's Thomas Mulcair of killing jobs by raising taxes, while promising stability in tough times.
Both of his opponents fought back, and occasionally directed swipes at their left-of-centre counterparts. Mr Trudeau asked if Canadians were better off now than they were 10 years ago, while Mr Mulcair accused Mr Harper of fearmongering when it came to immigration and national security.
The debate often descended into cacophony, evidence that on the debate stage, three is definitely a crowd.