Photo © 2007 AAP Image/Gary Ramage/Pool

The only televised debate for the 2010 election has been bumped by the unstoppable ratings juggernaut MasterChef.

The debate, traditionally aired in the prime time 7.30 slot is likely to be rescheduled for 6.30 on Sunday night.

Speaking to the 7.30 Report, Prime Minister Gillard said “I understand the fascination with cooking and eating, so I know many Australians will watch that show.”

But, she also expressed the thought that many Australians will want to pay some regard to the debate and to the election campaign and what’s said in it.

Interestingly, in 2007, before MasterChef was the darling of our TV screens, the televised face-off between John Howard and Kevin Rudd drew a massive audience of more than 2.4 million viewers, which suggests Ms Gillard is right and Australians really do give a damn about the debate and who runs the country.

But in an election year where all the major policies are so glaringly similar, it’s hard to imagine a 90-minute war of words between Abbott and Gillard holding our attention when the high drama of MasterChef is a button click away.

It makes you wonder if they’d be better off scrapping the entire debate in favour of a CWA fruit cake cook-off. Perhaps it could even be moderated by a certain flamboyant, cravat wearing food critic?

Just a thought…

If they went head-to-head, would you watch the Leaders' Debate or the MasteChef final? Which is more crucial to the future of our nation? Log in and tell us what you think...