This debate (here) is amusing because neither 'side' is budging from their previously held views on National/John Key. Actually I think the same could be said of the wider debate. These tapes mean whatever you want them to mean. For Nats they are harmless/innocent/the truth. For those that don't support National they are proof that National is slippery/untrustworthy/have a hidden agenda.

IMO the tapes are not that damaging. It's just politics as usual. All parties play to the centre vote, whilst at the same time giving a wink and a nod to their hardcore (left or right) supporters that once elected they'll start working on those bedrock issues.