Sparks fly as party leaders debate the economy

Sharp-elbowed exchanges and three leaders talking over one another marked a crucial election debate on the economy in Calgary.

The second of five leaders' debates before the October 19th vote took on a more combative tone.

Stephen Harper, looking to extend his Conservative government rule into a second decade, maintained that a stay-the-course, tax-cutting agenda with balanced federal budgets is the safe road to prosperity.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau animatedly countered that now's the time for some national optimism and investment in the future.

Literally between them on the stage at BMO Centre, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair tried to position himself as a prudent and progressive alternative to his Conservative rival.

But at times it was difficult to hear the conversation as Mulcair and Trudeau took turns jumping on Harper's responses, and frequently each other's messages about spending to build the economy.

What could be heard, at least online, were the responses from Green party Leader Elizabeth May.

She turned to social media after being shut out of the formal debate.