Stephan Dion - You don't get do-overs!

Dion is complaining again.

Harper initially responded to the interview by saying it proved Dion wasn't equipped to handle the current economic uncertainty, and that prime ministers don't get "do-overs."

On Friday morning, speaking in Brantford, Ont., Harper defended his response, dismissing claims it was a mean-spirited attack on Dion's English skills.

"I think the interview speaks for itself. Canadians can watch it. The issue is Mr. Dion's response on the economy," Harper said.

"Mr. Dion says that he has no plan for the economy other than a carbon tax and that's what the issue is in this election. Canadians are being asked to pick a prime minister, myself or Mr. Dion, and I think Canadians expect that you have a plan before you are elected, that your platform is not that you will develop a plan only if elected."

Harper has passionately railed against Dion's Green Shift carbon tax plan, calling it an "experiment" that would raise prices, damage investments and eliminate jobs.

The plan took a couple of hits from within the Liberal party on Thursday. Recently published comments from both Rae and deputy Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff suggested the Liberals might have to rethink the carbon tax if a deep global recession develops.

Later Thursday they released a joint statement of support for Dion.