Jack Layton earned his reputation as a fighter and it made for some great YouTube clips. Canadians looked forward to his colourful flourishes during debates, especially the leaders’ debates. For example, see how #intouch Layton was with the youth! 
Layton was known for fiercely holding his opponents to account. In one of the defining moments of the last English language leaders’ debate, he took on Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff’s rather lousy attendance record in parliament, Ignatieff looking badly flustered as a result (even though he must’ve known the question was coming.) Layton’s debate performance in 2008 inspired this montage by an NDP partisan, which includes one legitimately good zinger. Remember the sweater? Of course, we’re all human… In 1982, after an uphill battle to be elected to Toronto city council, Layton spoke to CBC. For all his earnestness, Layton wasn’t afraid to be a ham. For example: this video from the 2011 campaign, where he delivers a weather forecast for CTV’s Canada AM. Watch the seasoned campaigner effectively gladhand the whole country in one CGI swoop. In this 22 Minutes clip, Layton warmed things up in the kitchen making Stephen and Laureen Harper’s salsa with Geri Hall. Before his hip surgery, Layton gave Nardwuar the Human Serviette this extended interview replete with ancient CanRock references in 2006 even indulging Nardwuar one of his bizarro “hip flips” at the end.
