John Armstrong: Attack dog lost scent

Leader of the Labour Party Phil Goff. Photo / Getty Images

The underdog going into the debate, Phil Goff rapidly turned into relentless attack dog. The Labour leader began in disciplined fashion, moderating his delivery to make his points and try to connect with viewers.

That transformation lasted for all of a couple of minutes.

Then it was back to the unreconstructed, gesticulating, overly negative-sounding Goff who voters find so unappealing.

He frequently turned away from his lectern to lambast John Key face-to-face.

The Prime Minister initially stared straight ahead. He accordingly looked defensive.

But Key visibly relaxed as Goff's bark - and there was plenty of that - failed to turn into real bite.

Only on Afghanistan did Goff really impress.

But Key can claim a (narrow) points victory.

Goff had to topple the incumbent from his perch - or at least make him wobble on it. Goff failed.

Few votes will have switched his way.

Simple as that.