Comments
Learning the right lessons from Obama
2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lots of memories stirred last night as I sat on a panel to help launch the Fabian Society's latest book, The Change We Need, on lessons Britain can learn from Barack Obama's victory.
Memories because the venue was Millbank Tower's media centre, scene of dozens, hundreds of briefings and press conferences in the run up to the 1997 election. It did not help that peering down on us were giant posters - don't ask me why, but I so keep saying the real spin doctors are the journos - of Andrew Marr, Jeremy Paxman, David Frost and Trevor Kavanagh.
As I filed in with chairman David Lammy, book co-editor Will Straw, Catherine Mayer of Time Magazine and Obama online campaigner Ben Brandzel, I recalled all those times we had to get our key communicators to line up together, walk in looking like they were part of the same team, and then say vaguely the right thing.
Certainly among the many points of agreement across the panel was that the old command and control comms of the 90s was no longer applicable in the same way. Of course you still need a robust strategy, clear lines of defence and attack. But if there is one thing I take from Obama it is that he set the clear strategy at the centre, but then inspired and empowered supporters to take their own risks, and do their own thing, in how they helped promote it.
Ben Brandzel's chapter has a terrific story of how, during the Livingstone mayoral campaign, he was urging Ken's team to decentralise the campaign to house meetings and self-organised volunteer squads. He was told it was not really British. Yet that evening, at an event organised by a group calling itself London Citizens, all the candidates were grilled by people who had organised a coherent platform and set of questions based on 1,200 house meetings.
It is always good to get the take of an outsider and his view, and the view of a leading member of Democrats Abroad in the audience, was that British people are closer to this kind of politics than politicians or the media imagine. He predicts that when it happens, there will be an avalanche.
I hope he is right. Because mass participation in progressive campaigns is the best antidote to media cynicism.
A few more observations from last night. Yet another event to disprove the middle-aged myth that young people are not interested in politics. No sense out there of a positive appetite for the Tories. Frustration, as David Lammy acknowledged at the end, that ministers are not doing more to defend the record, take the fight to the Tories, and engage more and better in new communications.
My main point, apart from farewell to Millbank Tower, was that whilst Obama fought a brilliant new campaign, he did the basic old-fashioned stuff well too - organisation, clarity of message from the top, groundwork and so on.
PS -- hilarious correction in The Guardian. 'An article headed "Knives out at New Statesman as Alastair Campbell editing stint sparks crisis of faith" carried a sub-heading saying that the star columnist Suzanne Moore had quit the magazine. Moore was not on the staff of the New Statesman and was not a regular columnist. She had been listed as a contributing editor, an honorary position for which she was not paid. The magazine removed the names of all contributing editors from its masthead three weeks ago.'
So she fills a page in The Mail on Sunday, fee doubtless well into four figures, to say she was sacked from a magazine for which she didn't work. Can't wait for the correction in the Mail on Scumday. I'm sure given her self-styled claim to principled journalism, she will want to correct any false impression she and Obergruppenfuhrer Dacre may have allowed to be created.
Thanks meanwhile to cartoonist Martin Rowson for donating the original of his Dacre cartoon for a Labour Party auction. I am open to advance bids, and I will make sure the OGF is kept informed as to how his welcome efforts to help us raise funds is going.
Archive
Osborne has Lib Dems pretty much where he wants themPublish date: 2010-05-24 11:50:59
Time to Change Street-Porter's silly but prejudice-reinforcing views on depressionPublish date: 2010-05-21 12:19:18
Thumbs up for Wenlock and MandevillePublish date: 2010-05-20 10:11:10
Humourless Laws facing both ways with ease. And where is Nick Clegg?Publish date: 2010-05-18 10:17:24
Why I love the NHS even more than everPublish date: 2010-05-17 18:05:11
A bit of ENT on the NHSPublish date: 2010-05-17 11:06:17
Charles Kennedy speaks for many Lib DemsPublish date: 2010-05-16 14:18:11
Italian interview on Dick Clamberon, TB, GB, Murdoch inter aliaPublish date: 2010-05-15 13:45:54
Lib Dem desertions coming thick and fast. Business not impressed with ClameronPublish date: 2010-05-14 11:21:41
As Dick Clameron love-in begins, brilliant Martin Argles photos more powerful than wordsPublish date: 2010-05-13 12:39:17
Random House announce publication plans of AC diariesPublish date: 2010-05-12 17:23:12
Fight to get Labour back in starts nowPublish date: 2010-05-12 10:18:21
What's changed and what hasn't after yesterday?Publish date: 2010-05-11 08:29:25
In the circs, Labour's campaign was superbPublish date: 2010-05-08 11:12:25
Cameron as Obama - you have to laugh - then vote LabourPublish date: 2010-05-06 16:00:36
He has his faults, but my God you have to admire GB depth and resiliencePublish date: 2010-05-05 11:04:45
Big Society no laughing matter - but enjoy the film!Publish date: 2010-05-04 09:34:04
GB at his best at Citizens UK, fired with passion and convictionPublish date: 2010-05-03 18:40:35
Polls show race wide open. Tax credits massive issue with womenPublish date: 2010-05-03 11:38:46
Cameron has media stitched up, but public still doubtfulPublish date: 2010-05-02 11:36:33
Clegg poem gives foretaste of Tory/Lib coalitionPublish date: 2010-05-01 18:34:02
TV debate polls not what they seemPublish date: 2010-05-01 09:20:27
All still to play for. GB won. DC not answering. NC on wanePublish date: 2010-04-30 11:02:03
After all the fuss of yesterday, it is still the economy, stupidPublish date: 2010-04-29 17:00:44
GB mortified at bigot comment. Visit was human not politicalPublish date: 2010-04-28 16:56:13
All returning to roots as decison day loomsPublish date: 2010-04-28 12:46:55
Eton fags not the only ones looking forward to life under DavePublish date: 2010-04-27 15:47:36
Guest blog from a candidate in Tory-Lib council landPublish date: 2010-04-27 09:16:11
Only one leader talking policy today amid confused Tory tacticsPublish date: 2010-04-26 19:27:54
Clegg over-reach and cuddle up to Cameron both mistakesPublish date: 2010-04-26 11:41:32
Exposed: Tories and Lib Dems desperate to avoid policy debatePublish date: 2010-04-25 15:22:21
On Elvis, soft Lib Dems, Tory unfairness and silly Labour briefingsPublish date: 2010-04-25 09:06:16
Feeding defeat talk waste of time. Fight to winPublish date: 2010-04-24 10:19:02
Even their own polls say GB did better than they're sayingPublish date: 2010-04-23 15:42:51
Now let's have less process more policyPublish date: 2010-04-23 10:03:27
Press Clegg-bashing not helping Cameron. Debate should be on policyPublish date: 2010-04-22 12:33:25
Clegg's debate strategy hardly new honest politicsPublish date: 2010-04-21 12:48:09
More policy on the telly pleasePublish date: 2010-04-20 19:03:23
As Cameron revises body language, focus should be Lib Dem policyPublish date: 2010-04-20 10:25:50
Cameron junks broadcast - is he morphing into John Major?Publish date: 2010-04-19 14:56:02
Come on Dave and Nick - stop the carpingPublish date: 2010-04-19 09:49:59
A friendly letter to David CameronPublish date: 2010-04-18 10:24:08
Clegg rise good news for the campaignPublish date: 2010-04-17 10:02:47
The election landscape has changed. Exciting timesPublish date: 2010-04-16 14:45:39
Clegg wins on style, Brown on substance, Cameron on shallownessPublish date: 2010-04-16 01:32:41
Bring on the big debate. And don't miss Eddie Izzard tomorrowPublish date: 2010-04-15 18:58:37
Cameron's preference for process over policy in pre debate blatherPublish date: 2010-04-14 15:59:32
Black hole plus DIY public services - Cameron's second manifestoPublish date: 2010-04-13 10:37:52
Never mind 5 more years of GB. It's three more weeks of DC people worry aboutPublish date: 2010-04-12 11:16:02
Ashdown spot on about Tories' Sarah Palin momentPublish date: 2010-04-11 12:10:44
London Marathon the best of BritishPublish date: 2010-04-10 12:37:42
Pressure needs to be kept on Tories over NICsPublish date: 2010-04-09 13:15:17
Tories wrong on recession wrong on recoveryPublish date: 2010-04-08 11:47:59
Cameron's deception goes beyond the businessmenPublish date: 2010-04-07 19:55:22
Labour's greater scope for positive campaignPublish date: 2010-04-06 13:14:53
Cameron uncut - message matters more than moneyPublish date: 2010-04-05 11:33:17
Key election questions remain the same and the answer is still LabourPublish date: 2010-04-04 17:43:56
Osborne should heed his own wordsPublish date: 2010-04-03 16:01:39
The 25th HourPublish date: 2010-04-02 11:13:31
Hardly surprising if business prefers tax cut to wastePublish date: 2010-04-01 11:43:48
Tories really ought to listen to TB and Mr KaletskyPublish date: 2010-03-31 09:59:37
TB's return to fray a reminder of Cameron strategy failurePublish date: 2010-03-30 10:44:34
A chance to design Labour's next posterPublish date: 2010-03-29 09:47:29
Right pledges, at the right timePublish date: 2010-03-27 11:32:06
Can't wait to hear what George's tax wheeze isPublish date: 2010-03-26 14:55:00
Darling credible, Mandy exciting, Tories panicking over adsPublish date: 2010-03-25 11:21:25
Today is all about credibilityPublish date: 2010-03-24 09:38:11
Obama's win good news for politics everywherePublish date: 2010-03-23 10:11:13
I take my hat off to a genius brieferPublish date: 2010-03-22 17:21:23
With Hague disabled, Labour team v Tory team even more importantPublish date: 2010-03-19 11:43:25
Tory lack of clarity gets candidates jitteringPublish date: 2010-03-18 10:12:25
Is Kate Winslet's split more important than Michael Foot's funeral?Publish date: 2010-03-17 11:38:52
Why Sir Trevor did no favours for CameronPublish date: 2010-03-16 10:57:18
Support the Street Kids World CupPublish date: 2010-03-15 11:25:17
Bumping into Peter M on the fundraising campaign trailPublish date: 2010-03-14 00:27:35
Adonis shows the way on transport, and debatesPublish date: 2010-03-12 12:22:05
The record needs a better hearing - Labour and ToryPublish date: 2010-03-11 08:50:51
What happened to the detoxification of the Tory brand?Publish date: 2010-03-06 12:00:38
Support, activism and hope returning to LabourPublish date: 2010-03-05 09:46:34
Happy Birthday Lord Ashcroft HB2UPublish date: 2010-03-04 10:59:48
Michael Foot ... above all else a lovely manPublish date: 2010-03-03 14:22:46
Elvis support for Labour lifts the mood furtherPublish date: 2010-03-03 10:16:30
Hoovergate - the rebuttal amid hope of Labour winPublish date: 2010-03-02 13:00:35
At least Britney knows what she is singing aboutPublish date: 2010-03-01 10:57:28
News blackout on Olympian success storyPublish date: 2010-02-28 14:52:49
Kseniya Simonova's got talentPublish date: 2010-02-27 21:14:58
Debate expectations in a good place for GB and CleggPublish date: 2010-02-26 10:21:53
We all agree - Carlisle is cleverer than DCPublish date: 2010-02-25 11:59:11
On News International phone-hacking and CameronPublish date: 2010-02-24 09:40:08
GB, temper or not, a better leader for Britain than DCPublish date: 2010-02-23 10:24:48
Cameron inquiry call says more about him than GBPublish date: 2010-02-22 15:15:59
Some great stuff in The Observer todayPublish date: 2010-02-21 11:00:46
Game definitely on. If polls narrow more, Tory jitters set inPublish date: 2010-02-20 14:35:40
Cameron so right about pigs in pokesPublish date: 2010-02-19 09:12:50
How twitter is changing balance of power in film indsutryPublish date: 2010-02-18 12:00:19
Thanks for the thanks. Is online shopping not always like this?Publish date: 2010-02-17 10:44:30
There'll be another New Big Idea along in a momentPublish date: 2010-02-16 09:53:22
People may listen more to the political GB having heard the personal GBPublish date: 2010-02-15 13:11:57
Happy Valentine's Day. My present to you is Jacques BrelPublish date: 2010-02-14 12:06:54
A celeb fest in my weekend of culturePublish date: 2010-02-13 10:38:58
Alan Johnson right to stand up for security servicesPublish date: 2010-02-12 14:27:56
Time to turn up volume on sport schools revolutionPublish date: 2010-02-11 10:17:54
Let's give Cameron a Doris Day moment over AshcroftPublish date: 2010-02-10 10:29:05
Time for Maya's voice to be heard amid the non-tearsPublish date: 2010-02-09 09:04:22
Marr needs to explain his 'sexed up' question re casualtiesPublish date: 2010-02-08 13:55:36
On GB's tears with Piers, and my emotional moment with MarrPublish date: 2010-02-07 16:04:56
On NI, Tory fears of Labour spinsters, and headbands in sportPublish date: 2010-02-06 10:00:25
Daily Mail tells truth shock horrorPublish date: 2010-02-05 08:54:36
Welcome to the virtual Maya launch partyPublish date: 2010-02-04 10:38:44
Public ahead of press on the mess that is CameronPublish date: 2010-02-03 13:52:26
Cameron winning on media support but losing on leadershipPublish date: 2010-02-02 10:47:50
Buy The Blair Years and raise cash for LabourPublish date: 2010-02-01 09:00:00
A lesson in campaign mindset from young Labour studentsPublish date: 2010-01-31 13:14:19
Media tweets show the real agendaPublish date: 2010-01-29 21:18:59
TB made a judgement, and is defending it wellPublish date: 2010-01-29 14:04:38
On inequality, special advisers, Ireland, and TB/IraqPublish date: 2010-01-28 13:45:08
Message machine Mandelson on form todayPublish date: 2010-01-27 12:15:42
Only one place to be tonightPublish date: 2010-01-26 09:20:26
Cameron and tweeting ought to be natural fitPublish date: 2010-01-25 11:55:58
Big bucks campaigning not what it's cracked out to bePublish date: 2010-01-24 10:28:57
A life in unemployment statisticsPublish date: 2010-01-22 09:39:21
Learning the wrong Iraq lessons for Afghan warPublish date: 2010-01-21 10:24:46
Denis MacShane MP on the rewriting of history re Iraq warPublish date: 2010-01-20 10:44:07
Darling v Gove, Osborne and help the rich squad is No ContestPublish date: 2010-01-19 10:12:27
Dacre's DownfallPublish date: 2010-01-18 03:30:21
Rebutting the good and the bad, and support from football fansPublish date: 2010-01-17 12:45:38
Mandela is a great man, Invictus a great filmPublish date: 2010-01-16 08:54:48
Is Paul Dacre hiding a guilty secret that explains his deranged paper?Publish date: 2010-01-15 09:56:24
What's the real fight to be had?Publish date: 2010-01-14 10:20:20
On Owen Coyle and Brian LawsPublish date: 2010-01-13 18:27:58
Thanks to friend and foe alike for helping yesterday go byPublish date: 2010-01-13 08:49:25
So far so good in campaign to remove discriminatory lawPublish date: 2010-01-11 09:48:15
Thanks to Will Hutton for talking sense on 'class war'Publish date: 2010-01-10 12:56:48
In defence of airbrushed postersPublish date: 2010-01-09 16:45:29
Fire is always best turned on the ToriesPublish date: 2010-01-07 15:41:19
On Hoon-Hewitt and John PrescottPublish date: 2010-01-07 00:55:10
Sad and baffled to see Coyle goPublish date: 2010-01-05 16:26:05
Cameron's wobble the product of his team saying what their audiences want to hearPublish date: 2010-01-05 10:50:58
New Tory slogan - if you've got the cash, splash it on crap adsPublish date: 2010-01-02 12:11:18
And the musicians of the decade were ... The Beatles and The KingPublish date: 2009-12-31 18:52:25
Prepare for avalanche of Ashcroft posters for ToriesPublish date: 2009-12-30 15:06:06
Here's Good Luck to you, Mrs RobinsonPublish date: 2009-12-29 12:22:42
One man's White Christmas joy is another's football disasterPublish date: 2009-12-24 13:36:05
My favourite fact of the day - a French decimal time systemPublish date: 2009-12-23 16:48:00
A few crisis management tips for EurostarPublish date: 2009-12-22 11:49:35
Do we need same approach to booze as smoking?Publish date: 2009-12-19 09:13:28
Prepare for tears, tantrums and an imperfect but miraculous Copenhagen conclusionPublish date: 2009-12-18 10:23:03
London 2012 and Copenhagen today ... different approaches to tight deadlinesPublish date: 2009-12-16 11:13:21
Tiger cut off at the knees. I bet he'll be backPublish date: 2009-12-14 11:03:17
Cameron Shameron on the need for new laws to clarify Ashcroft tax statusPublish date: 2009-12-13 17:06:56
When poor mental health creates great art ...Publish date: 2009-12-12 15:21:13
Giggs gets my Sports Personality vote, but I'll miss the big momentPublish date: 2009-12-11 13:56:15
Tough day for Labour, but tough questions for Tories tooPublish date: 2009-12-10 10:03:13
Alistair Darling's quiet authority key part of recovery.Publish date: 2009-12-09 11:03:25
Clegg risks squeeze as election nearsPublish date: 2009-12-08 15:30:58
Copenhagen really matters. Guardian front page sets scene wellPublish date: 2009-12-07 10:26:33
Four years on, what do we think of Cameron's leadership?Publish date: 2009-12-06 13:55:17
Boris and Waddles, an everyday tale of Tory croneyismPublish date: 2009-12-05 09:53:35
The Speaker's wife is a credit to him, and spot on about Cameron's ToryismPublish date: 2009-12-04 10:52:37
PMQs win for GB was a direct result of Cameron's strategic failurePublish date: 2009-12-03 08:21:10
Cameron's conkers add to his problem with serious opinionPublish date: 2009-12-02 10:59:45
Sarko at risk of riling Obama and GB. Cameron on conkersPublish date: 2009-12-01 10:29:48
The life and death of the man who made the link between exercise and healthPublish date: 2009-11-28 11:37:29
Even top Tories think Dave and Co can't do piss up in a breweryPublish date: 2009-11-27 20:51:29
Well done BBC Inside Sport. Shame on media for news blackout on Coulson bullying casePublish date: 2009-11-26 13:59:57
Well done BBC in Mental Health Media awards. Looking forward to Inside Sport on depression tonightPublish date: 2009-11-25 10:26:22
BBC main bulletin blackout on leaders' speeches bizarrePublish date: 2009-11-24 10:17:48
Business right to be worried about Tory axe on RDAsPublish date: 2009-11-23 10:17:12
Why should Brown and Cameron apologise for being seen to pay tribute to the war dead?Publish date: 2009-11-22 11:12:38
Beware climate change denial dressed up as 'commonsense'Publish date: 2009-11-21 12:54:27
Something for the weekend - a long lazy blog lifted from interviewsPublish date: 2009-11-20 12:35:23
If France and FIFA won't act on Thierry Henry, let's have a boycott of Gillette razorsPublish date: 2009-11-19 10:09:00
Never in the history of human taxation has so much been promised from so many to so fewPublish date: 2009-11-18 18:32:39
Tories far from 'effete and unfamiliar' when it comes to twisted tax prioritiesPublish date: 2009-11-18 09:52:12
Two very different stories of depressionPublish date: 2009-11-17 17:17:11
Congrats to Ellie on PPB campaign, and Willy Hague on getting van RompuyPublish date: 2009-11-17 11:40:14
Private schools worse than State schools - unless it's drugs you're after. DiscussPublish date: 2009-11-16 12:10:25
Fiona Millar 5 Toby Young 0Publish date: 2009-11-15 13:18:38
Where we fight we winPublish date: 2009-11-13 11:22:00
Good luck to Number 10 on 'lobby' review. And a big NO to the other PRPublish date: 2009-11-12 14:39:11
Robert Enke RIP. May his death increase understanding of depressionPublish date: 2009-11-11 17:59:53
On the exploitation of grief to get GordonPublish date: 2009-11-11 08:59:01
Why Tories are not home and dry, and wrong to call GB callousPublish date: 2009-11-10 13:00:20
Labour needs more of the winning mentalityPublish date: 2009-11-09 10:30:44
The scandal of friendship and the shame of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?Publish date: 2009-11-07 10:53:53
US clarity of strategy required for full explanation on AfghanistanPublish date: 2009-11-06 10:31:48
Just because he is French doesn't mean he's wrongPublish date: 2009-11-05 10:58:46
Congratulations to David Cameron and Trevor KavanaghPublish date: 2009-11-04 10:34:36
Is there a Sun blackout on Cameron's dumping of 'cast iron guarantee' on Europe?Publish date: 2009-11-03 20:37:04
Johnson seems to get it on immigration. Right on advisors advising tooPublish date: 2009-11-03 11:58:59
Public opinion on climate change - the public might be the problemPublish date: 2009-11-02 11:37:23
In praise of Stephen Fry, who should tweet or not as he sees fitPublish date: 2009-11-01 09:29:34
John Sergeant spot on re TB. TB's Olympics legacy. Liam Gallagher's generosityPublish date: 2009-10-30 11:50:44
Conservative contortions on Europe and BlairPublish date: 2009-10-29 11:44:12
Two-jobs Osborne suffering credibility deficitPublish date: 2009-10-28 09:14:22
Canaries win AC spin award with dark nights productivity surveyPublish date: 2009-10-27 09:41:48
Blair - dead big in Japan!Publish date: 2009-10-26 17:21:17
No complacency, variants on a themePublish date: 2009-10-24 09:48:46
Griffin may have been dreadful, but there can be no complacencyPublish date: 2009-10-23 11:57:29
Margaret Hodge MP on how to fight the BNPPublish date: 2009-10-22 16:48:39
Thanks to Charlie Falconer and Dominic Grieve - yes, I know he is a ToryPublish date: 2009-10-21 17:24:18
On Biscuitgate, barmy Tory policy, and BNP v GeneralsPublish date: 2009-10-21 10:36:15
More on Obergruppenfuhrer Dacre, Biscuitgate and Bullingdon ConservatismPublish date: 2009-10-20 12:16:37
Biscuitgate and Susan Boyle, no win territory for GBPublish date: 2009-10-19 12:31:00
Hating the Mail - a mindset worth havingPublish date: 2009-10-17 11:28:12
A line by line guide to the Mail statement on Gately article outragePublish date: 2009-10-16 19:12:36
Hit the Mail where it hurtsPublish date: 2009-10-16 16:36:02
Talking Cameron and Obama with US Democrats. Progressive Convervatism? No, he can'tPublish date: 2009-10-16 10:02:40
Inspired by kids' green passionPublish date: 2009-10-14 18:24:13
Good news on leukaemia, good news on student activismPublish date: 2009-10-13 08:24:21
Musings from Bertie Ahern, and how I won the Nobel prize for literaturePublish date: 2009-10-12 09:26:18
Continuing double standards in the mediaPublish date: 2009-10-11 11:36:21
The best policies in Cameron's speech were those of Labour Big GovernmentPublish date: 2009-10-08 17:07:40
Tongues slipping all over the placePublish date: 2009-10-08 09:00:07
Cameron confuses strategy and tactics and puts Union at riskPublish date: 2009-10-07 10:29:26
Osborne inspires apathy at BBC LeedsPublish date: 2009-10-06 16:01:59
Let's see more of the Tory candidates pleasePublish date: 2009-10-06 09:23:11
Labour needs to fight on record to stop Tory vandalismPublish date: 2009-10-05 14:28:40
VacuDave goes all peevish at difficult questions. Bring on the debatesPublish date: 2009-10-04 23:33:52
Lots of joking around in Jersey, though nothing as hysterical as Dave's Europe positionPublish date: 2009-10-03 10:31:22
On The Sun, Obama in Copenhagen and Alistair McGowan on the looPublish date: 2009-10-01 10:59:49
Sun switches ain't wot they used to bePublish date: 2009-09-30 10:17:14
Darling and Mandelson show what I mean by authenticityPublish date: 2009-09-28 16:28:18
Serious Politics 1 Low Journalism 0Publish date: 2009-09-27 11:55:54
Media's love for Cameron should be turned into a weaknessPublish date: 2009-09-26 10:30:03
Time for ministers to stand up and fightPublish date: 2009-09-25 09:40:26
Today's media double standards watchPublish date: 2009-09-24 09:29:45
Breaking News - GB wins award, Lib Dems face all waysPublish date: 2009-09-23 09:43:49
Why authenticity is the key to comms, and why Merkel will winPublish date: 2009-09-22 08:29:13
Why I love NHS walk-in centresPublish date: 2009-09-21 12:13:03
Here goes with the smoked SalmondPublish date: 2009-09-20 10:40:21
Breaking News - Cameron's vacuousness an impersonator's nightmarePublish date: 2009-09-19 11:06:09
Cameron has an army of spin doctors - aka journalistsPublish date: 2009-09-18 10:07:06
On Scottish independence, Cameron's short-termism, and Jimmy Carter being rightPublish date: 2009-09-17 09:56:56
Is Cameron Alex Salmond's Trojan Horse?Publish date: 2009-09-15 10:13:42
On the TUC, Roy of the Rovers and Anna WintourPublish date: 2009-09-14 11:04:46
Memo to Apple boss Steve JobsPublish date: 2009-09-13 17:36:31
A day in the life of a (crap) City traderPublish date: 2009-09-11 17:52:25
Defend record with pride, attack Tories with gustoPublish date: 2009-09-10 11:06:36
Cameron's Conservatism beyond parodyPublish date: 2009-09-09 10:38:00
On transforned cities, and tales of Princess Di and Laura BushPublish date: 2009-09-08 09:45:54
Labour should put minister up against Griffin on Question TimePublish date: 2009-09-06 12:39:56
School speech the latest source of right-wing frothing at ObamaPublish date: 2009-09-05 08:23:02
More horse's mouth, less Beeb blah pleasePublish date: 2009-09-04 22:49:20
Real respect for sport can be Olympic legacyPublish date: 2009-09-04 09:27:34
First ladies watch out for Japanese bombshellPublish date: 2009-09-03 10:47:19
TV debate - good idea in theory, but ...Publish date: 2009-09-02 15:37:43
'No worries' - the new response to thanksPublish date: 2009-09-01 12:25:19
Tremors of Japanese political earthquake will be felt far and widePublish date: 2009-08-30 15:50:54
Pressure on Ed Miliband can help get a climate change dealPublish date: 2009-08-28 13:39:08
Why Tories and media cannot stomach GCSE success storyPublish date: 2009-08-27 16:03:34
Exposing the absurdity of Chris GraylingPublish date: 2009-08-26 13:20:19
Joy and beauty and a night of magicPublish date: 2009-08-20 10:55:11
Twitter NHS backlash good for ObamaPublish date: 2009-08-14 15:44:49
A lifetime's ambition fulfilledPublish date: 2009-08-08 16:59:02
Breaking the blog-a-day spell as warm up to holidayPublish date: 2009-07-20 17:44:49
No hiding place from Twitter, me on the bike, JP in DCPublish date: 2009-07-17 18:17:09
At last - something Obama cannot do wellPublish date: 2009-07-16 10:05:47
Will MPs take the lead in the debate on euthanasia?Publish date: 2009-07-15 12:30:01
Berlin brothel leads the way to a greener worldPublish date: 2009-07-14 10:57:25
A time for GB to explain the whole picturePublish date: 2009-07-13 12:37:54
All hail Monty, Jimmy and Collie!Publish date: 2009-07-12 20:06:36
First triathlon of the summer for me, education award for FionaPublish date: 2009-07-12 09:43:06
Of Burnley's friendly and Obama's wandering eyePublish date: 2009-07-11 12:38:52
Two great early morning momentsPublish date: 2009-07-10 10:27:07
Cameron had better be sure he's rightPublish date: 2009-07-09 11:06:22
Guardian scoop has big questions for press, cops and CameronPublish date: 2009-07-08 20:40:54
Divisive legend: Lance ArmstrongPublish date: 2009-07-07 10:38:23
First hug a hoodie, now grab a gayPublish date: 2009-07-06 12:57:09
Mail on Scumday's wonderful account of Lansley's kipperdomPublish date: 2009-07-05 13:14:51
Ecclestone undermines his own success with alarming views on HitlerPublish date: 2009-07-04 14:04:04
When the conmen move more quickly than the councilPublish date: 2009-07-03 10:19:52
Andrew Lansley done up like a kipperPublish date: 2009-07-02 10:10:52
A day spent interviewing footballers, then being interviewed by a transvestite comedianPublish date: 2009-07-01 14:47:40
When the power of black eyes fadesPublish date: 2009-06-30 09:24:59
Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
tiocruzorpoled
2009-09-02 02:04:15The requested URL /forxru1/zadanie.txt was not found on this server.
Apache/2.2.3 (Debian) mod_python/3.2.10 Python/2.4.4 PHP/5.2.0-8+etch15 mod_ssl/2.2.3 OpenSSL/0.9.8c Server at allhomedecor.org Port 80
Not Found
Alina Palimaru
2009-03-25 01:42:08Paul R: I didn't specifically state below that I was defending AC. I was pointing to cowards who hide behind screen names to issue hurtful remarks.
Now moving on to defence: any facts on your "blood" statements? Unless you can go beyond your fluency in news-bites, I strongly encourage you against wasting your time. As far as I know, AC did not fabricate facts regarding Iraq. As I understand, he merely compiled the intelligence supplied to him into a document for mass consumption. Distilling highly technical data into a manageable document is not lying. In any case, any decent literature on that period should convey how difficult it is to make such decisions, amid pressure, politics, deluge of intelligence, foreign policy dilemmas etc. As AC wisely says, "politics/policy are not done in hindsight." Also wise is a Latin anecdote saying that after a war, many of the survivors claim to be heroes, when in fact they might have survived by hiding. In this case, after the dust has settled a little bit and some things are clearer in retrospect, many will claim to have understood matters all along and that so and so person lied. Hence, my recommendation to move on. At that time AC was at the hub of things, working his guts out... and you were....?
Gordon Brown-Nose
2009-03-25 01:35:07Have to say I agree with Paul. The problem I have on the Labour blogs is that there seems to be a lot of dishing it out and yet not wanting to take it.
It has to be said that Alistair was part of the Blair government took the country into what many people now feel was an illegal war.
Yes, hindsight is a wonderful gift but surely we elect and pay our MP's / government to have foresight as well. This appears to have been lacking in my opinion.
I would agree with David Lammy and say yes Labour needs better communication - which to me involves telling us what you have done, apologising and correcting mistakes and not doing the constant name calling like Prescott with his Troll thing.
I do think it will be an uphill if not impossible battle though as there has been so much spin and outright lies that me, an I suspect a large portion of the public, feel we cannot believe anything good that is reported.
Examples? How about Gordon releasing knife crime figures to suit him? How about the lack of WMD's? Prescott caught with his trousers down?
And if you really want to get slaughtered in 2010? Carry on with the "right on" messages found in things like the LabourList and John Prescott's preaching on the Go 4th site.
Will wait with interest to see how long before I get called a Troll ;-)
Tony Poole
2009-03-24 22:54:18All very interesting comments on here. So this is my tuppence worth. I think Alastair the bloke is top drawer. Did his job well and protected Blair to the hilt. Like the man once said, "loyalty is what I'm about" As for his politics, I can see where Paul is coming from. Tony Blair promised all things to all men and the public fell for it.Iraq/WMD wasn't the only thing that was damaging to Blair. Ecclestone? Harman? Mandelson? Blunkett? Prescott? All sleaze when TB promised whiter than white? AC and TB set us on a course directly to the shitter, then got out in time so Brown caught the flak! What a manuoevre! So don't expect my vote anytime soon and for those who clamour "move on" To what? Another decade of this lot? No wonder the BNP are making ground....Go figure!
Paul
2009-03-24 22:54:14Dear Mark,
Now run along where? To the tap? Where we could fill up a bucket with cold water and help Ally wash the blood off his hands.
It is quite amazing how deep denial runs. Thousands of people killed. A project sold to the British people that has proven to be based on fiction. Alastair Cambell should have no credibility left whatsoever. He should be totally discredited.
PS Dear Al, thanks for letting these posts occur. Much appreciated and nothing personal.
Mark Marshall
2009-03-24 22:06:57Something very odd about Paul publishing comments about how he has been banned from commenting on here - methinks that was his hope, the poor thing. Some people just love to be victims. Now run along dear ...
Paul R
2009-03-24 20:59:12Alina and Penny. Good evening. You have now one letter of my sirname, just to confirm that i am not the editor of The Daily Mail. A crap paper by any standards.
I admire your vociferous lack of any defence. Calling me a schmuck and suggesting i get over myself is fine but it is a weak defence of Campbell's main problem. He has blood all over his hands and so does Blair.
I am not right wing or left wing. I am not motivated by politics and the unseemly desire for power which turns people like Blair and Campbell into such monsters. But I think it is perfectly clear and obvious to any rational human being that this country was lied to on a consistent basis for many months and the architect of that campaign was your hero, Mr Campbell. This isnt a "get over myself" issue. This is a "many men were killed for no reason" issue. There has never been one word of contrition or apology from any of the lying politicians marshalled by Cambell. My point is simple. He accuses all day long, demanding retractions and apologies and publishing pathetic jibes at critics of his on a public blog. But the central fact is that Campbell should have been confined to the dustbin of history for so blantantly misleading an entire nation to war. Simple as that.
Alina Palimaru
2009-03-24 18:14:22Penny, excellent point about the lack of identification. I am sick and tired of verbal abuse, insults, and unsubstantiated charges from unidentified web-creeps! Hiding safely behind screen names like Har523, DreamyStone or simply Paul in this case, many delight in this free-for-all insult orgy… If you have something to say, firmly believe in it, and can back it up with evidence then stand up, identify yourself properly and advance something that transcends a mere rant!
As for your accusations, I'll say what I always say to schmucks like you … Move on! And while you're at it, get over yourself!
penny morton
2009-03-24 17:07:10There I was saying how good you are at provoking the right and up pops Paul ... isn't it funny how these right blog types don't like saying who they are .. it couldn't be Paul as in Dacre could it?
paul
2009-03-24 16:41:41censorship is alive and well on the blog. How ironic is that. The papers are going to love this one
Paul
2009-03-24 16:35:10Dear oh dear. The Liar's Mouthpiece is spewing more bile. Fact. Tony Blair lied to the country for years. Fact. Alastair Spamball was his contemptible mouthpiece for years.
He is so keen to see the Mail on Sunday print a correction to some pathetic little inconsistency he has discovered. Well Mr Spamball......you owe every single person in this country an apology for lying through your teeth to all of us. And a special apology to all parents of all service personnell killed or maimed in the Gulf War would not go amiss either. Does that keep you awake at night because it should do.
I am going to start a campaign to remove this tainted spin doctor who bullied pathetic lazy journalists to tow his prescribed line. Well done Mr Dacre (please note i have removed the unfunny link to to the German army). You were one of the few who has regularly stood up to this appalling man and guess what. He doesnt like you.
Well get used to it Campbell. The sooner you crawl back under that stone in Burnely from whence you came, the better for all of us.
PS I have impeccably placed sources at the New Statesman who confirm that everyone loathed you being there.
PPS I am going to auction a beautiful clay statue of Alastair Comebell which shows him with his big head rammed up his arse so far he cant be breathing. This will fund my campaign. Bids please?
Madame Arcati
2009-03-24 14:31:02Go on, be a devil and admit you knew Suzanne Moore wrote for the New Statesman.
Alina Palimaru
2009-03-24 14:28:46Cathy: I share your views on the importance of social media for enhanced and consequential participation in politics and policy processes. Obama used them brilliantly during the campaign and continues to do so as he seeks popular support for his administration's policies (i.e. this past weekend former campaign supporters took to the streets, block by block, door-to-door to enlist support for the budget). As AC keeps emphasizing, the old stuff is equally important.
Alan, the appearance on Jay Leno was fine. The claims by some that he was wasting time instead of dealing with issues are ridiculous. As Obama says, he can multi-task…and he proved it. Secondly, it was only a one-time 20 minute appearance, not a tour de force of the late night circuit. Such occasional appearances can be thought of as the modern equivalent of FDR's fire-side chats. He made some really funny and witty jokes, interspersed with his take on the economic crisis. Give this man a break!
Katie
2009-03-24 12:21:35For goodness sake get a job.
Cathy
2009-03-24 12:06:45I was at the event last night as well and found it very thought provoking.
I sincerely believe that one of the reasons the electorate in this country has become disengaged is because of the way the UK media reports politics. Social media offers an alternative and I will be watching with interest to see how it impacts on political partipation in this country.
As an example, this time last year, I was one of the disillusioned and despite a natural centre-left leaning, found myself asking whether I might find myself voting Tory at the next election. This all changed when I heard Gordon Brown speak at Labour Party conference. I was there on a commercial basis (I'm a lobbyist) but listening to his speech, as he listed all the amazing achievements the Labour Party had made over the last sixty years, I found myself thinking that this was the party for me. I joined up less than a week later.
However, reading the subsequent press coverage of conference, you would have struggled to see past the ridiculous focus on the 'no time for a novice'/Miliband nonsense. If I hadn't actually been there, I wouldn't have got any sense of the bigger picture that Brown conveyed so well. In the end, it was his portrayal of Labour's core values that had me signing up - none of this came through in the media.
This is where social media can be so powerful - it allows politicans to talk directly to the electorate without the inevitable distortion by media agendas. It also permits a two-way dialogue that natually increases participation...even being able to comment on your blog makes me feel I am taking part in the wider debate.
Ultimately, I think the most important lesson that Labour can learn from Obama is the sense of 'we' that was discussed last night. On the day after his election, Obama's twitter read: 'We just made history. All of this happened because you gave your time, talent and passion. All of this happened because of you. Thanks'. What a powerful message.
I think you are absolutely right when you say the British public are ready to get involved in this kind of politics. Let's get out there and do everything we can to bring people back into the debate. I, for one, have real hope that social media will tranform the way politics is done in this country.
Penny Morton
2009-03-24 11:26:01Reading some of the Tory (into which must go Suzanne Moore as a Mail on Sunday writer) reaction to the New Statesman just brings home how terrified they are of you. My husband was saying last night that it is more than half a decade since you left Number 10, but you still have this capacity to provoke the other side in a way that hardly anyone else does. I love it. Please do more of it. They're worried about you twittering and blogging, so more of that too please.
keith
2009-03-24 11:19:19Obama's 'clear strategey' was to not say very much, make few promises and let people put their own hopes on his candidacy. Thats modern politics and its no surprise people dont like it or believe in it.
The NS this week was quite unbelievable. The self aggrandisement of its guest editor only marginally outstripped by the mutual back slappng of the Ferguson interview. Id say pass the bucket but mine's full already.
Alan McRae
2009-03-24 09:31:41I'd be interested to know what people thought about Obama doing a late night chat show. I felt watching it that it would have been fine for a campaign but not so right for a President. Or am I being fuddy-duddy?
Valerie
2009-03-24 09:30:29The other thing Obama did better than his opponents was to stick to his own story. I was at the Fabians launch last night and I agreed with what you said about Labour being too defensive and thinking they have to meet media negativity half way. I think the reason you and Prescott are getting noticed on the blogosphere is because you both stick to your own stories. In your view Labour are better people with better values and policies than the others and that is the message you never stop putting out. But as you also said, people have to sound like humans not machines reading a script. Anyway, I enjoyed the event and wish you well.
Post a comment