Comments
Biscuitgate and Susan Boyle, no win territory for GB
2009-10-19 12:31:00
How long before 'Biscuitgate' pops up in the ongoing saga of Gordon Brown and his choice of favourite biscuit? Oh, it just did. Richard Nixon, you who opened our politics to the Daddy of the Gates, the Water-one, you have a lot to answer for.
Biscuitgate is real 'can't win territory' for GB, as I learned at the reception prior to the excellent Audience with Stephen Fry for Leukaemia Research at the Criterion, which went some way towards cheering me up after Burnley's defeat at Blackburn.
'Can you explain to me,' asked one Fry-fan as she sipped champagne 'what on earth is wrong with Gordon Brown that he can't just answer a straight question about what his favourite biscuit is?'
I tried to give a possible explanation, namely that the Prime Minister had been trying to engage on Mumsnet about serious policy issues, and the question might have set a tiny alarm bell ringing that his choice of biscuit could take the discussion, and any subsequent coverage, down a less serious route.
'Yes, but whether he likes it or not,' came the retort 'we live in an age where that kind of question gets asked, and people want to see the human side of their leaders, not just the boring policy stuff.'
It was one of those sessions where you were lucky if you got more than a minute to stay in any one conversation, and as I was hosting the event for the charity, I was trying to do the rounds a bit anyway, so we had to leave the biscuit issue there.
A few chit-chat sessions later, I was in the company of someone in a state of fury even greater than Mrs Biscuitgate. 'Can you explain to me,' said Fry-fan Number 2 'what on earth Gordon Brown was doing phoning up Simon Cowell to ask how Susan Boyle was standing up to the pressure?' You see what I mean about can't win?
I have never discussed Susan Boyle or biscuits with GB, though I have eaten biscuits with him, as we have been at many meetings where biscuits are on the table. I seem to remember he quite likes shortbread and chocolate digestives. I like jaffa cakes, but they tend not to make it onto Number 10 or Number 11 plates, so I've usually gone for those 'Nice' ones with quite a lot of sugar on them. And frankly, a Boost bar with extra glucose, or a Yorkie bar with (a bit of) biscuit and raisins, beats any biscuit any day of the week. (You see, how ridiculous it would have been if the Prime Minister had started going on about that kind of thing in a serious exchange about childcare, flexible working, minimum wage, policy on carers and so forth - 'Will Brown's biscuit choice give him boost he craves?' 'Why on why does Gordon Brown talk about biscuits when he should be tackling the debt?').
So, back at the Criterion theatre, just as I tried to imagine the Number 10 thought processes re the biscuit question, I tried to do the same re Susan Boyle. At the time of the Boyle frenzy, I suggested to Fry-fan 2, Number 10 will have been getting asked the whole time whether GB watched it - (was it X-factor or Britain's Got Talent, I can't remember) - and this will have been his way of answering.
As with most things in life, you can make a case both ways. Yes, there was a case for saying what his favourite biscuit was. There was also a case for not saying what his favourite biscuit was. Who bloody cares, apart from biscuit manufacturers and newspapers and websites edited by Phil Space?
Yes, there was a case for him not saying anything about Susan Boyle. And there was also a case for him saying something about Susan Boyle, because, as Fry-fan 1 said 'we live in an age where that kind of question gets asked, and people want to see the human side of their leaders, not just the boring policy stuff.'
But again, in the scheme of things, it is not important.The golden rule in both, however, is that if it is not important, don't worry about it. Let the papers blather on. As it happens, there has probably been more biscuit coverage of him not answering than answering, but he was not to know that at the time.
The annoying thing is that it helps David Cameron, because he finds it a lot easier to answer questions about Rich Tea biscuits than he does about why he is giving an inheritance tax cut to his rich mates, or what he intends to do about the Lisbon Treaty now that Czech President Vaclav Klaus has indicated he will not be stalling long enough for a Cameron-led government to have a referendum.
I notice that Biscuitgate gets slightly more space in The Times today, on Page 11, than Klaus-shutting-the-Lisbon-gate-gate gets on Page 20.
But I note too that GB is out and about addressing the issue of climate change, while Dave is probably sitting by his phone hoping one of the papers calls to ask what he thought of Cheryl Cole's performance on X-Factor on Saturday night.
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
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
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
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
Trevor Malcolm, Portsmouth Hampshire
2009-10-20 04:58:07Announcing, … WHICH BRAND OF TASTY BISCUIT …
TAKES THE ALASTAIR CAMPBELL BISCUIT?
-----------------------------------------------
POLITICAL NEWS UPDATE (see your blog opposite, dated 19 0ctober 2009)
The former No 10 Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy welcomed the results of the first ever genuinely independent review into the biscuit-munching preferences of political spin-doctors. According to a reliable media source, near Westminster Village
The panel of judges agreed their decision proved difficult, with different brands of biscuit, even scoring neck and neck
One judge revealed: “ … Choosing Mr Campbell’s favourite biscuit, it wasn’t like the 52% landslide victory that won him the current, prestigious “Mind Champion of 2009” award. Oh no, far from it, because biscuits can be pesky, subjective matter, down to personal tastiness and preference … “
He added: “ … Ferocious competition among biscuit manufacturers for the coveted award, meant the result would be, by no means, a foregone conclusion … “
Brands short-listed included the bookies’ firm favourite, a "Yorkie Bar", a racing certainty, with its bits of raisin stuffed inside
But the "Yorkie Bar" entry was quickly disqualified. On the grounds, judges couldn’t detect enough biscuit inside the bar to even regard it as a proper biscuit
Those who backed second-placed favourite, the energy “Boost Bar” - with the extra glucose which athletic performers like Mr Campbell need - also trudged home, disappointed
The most discerning of the judges then found barely-visible, hairline cracks on the “Nice” brand of biscuit Mr Campbell enjoys. Other judges worried whether chunks of such a biscuit might collapse, once dunked in Mr Campbell’s cup of lukewarm, Earl Grey tea
Excessive sogginess guaranteed it would fail the “dip in tea” test. Worse still, the prospect of a partial “Nice” biscuit, lying on the surface, dissolving, like some dead goldfish, helplessly floating on the surface of the local “kiddies’ attraction” municipal pond, revolted the panel, all members
That decision left a clear winner. Yes, packets of those tasty, orange “Jaffa Cakes” – now, apparently, also available in a convenient, travel-size “mini-roll format” for the busy snacker to scoff the lot, in one go
For example, an ideal nibble for footie-supporters, driving home, disillusioned again, mulling over another dismal Burnley away-fixture result
Although biscuit-munching Mr Campbell declined to comment on the survey results, at his home in Gospel Oak, Hampstead, a spokesperson for Mr Campbell, Fiona
Millar, insisted she couldn’t comment on individual biscuit brands, but promised a "biscuit saga" press release would be made available, shortly
Ms Millar also refused to confirm that the present Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, used to relish shortbreads and those delicious chocolate-covered digestive biscuits, during the mornings whenever it was “ … time for Elevenses at Number 11 Downing Street … “
Jaffa manufacturers, McVitie’s Cake Company, of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, near Leicester, proved less reticent: “Thrilled, indeed. Passionate about baking Jaffas, free from trans fats, even vegetarians lust after Jaffas – that’s our sales pitch off the packet” - enthused their product spokesperson
So, there you have it, voters
Jaffa Cakes - the parliamentary biscuit of our time. And, remember the invite … ‘Ave a Jaffa, total stranger. Now scoff another, intimate Tory friend. A mouth-watering soundbite, some predict, David Cameron, will be spouting before the weekend
“ … Our Conservative Party policy?… Tastiest biscuits, ever – the stuff genuine political friendships are baked out of … “
Trevor Malcolm
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
//////////////////////////
Terry Evans
2009-10-19 23:26:21This is nuts and just goes to show why the standard of politician that we have is dropping.
Just Sayin'
2009-10-19 17:31:49Just to clear up a couple of points:
1. The biscuit question comes up on Mumsnet regularly. Cameron and Clegg have already answered it. Painlessly. So someone at Number Ten should have warned the PM so that a response could have been prepared - and pre-tested.
2. Gordon called Simon and Piers to enquire about Susan Boyle's health purely so that he could (spontaneously) blurt out this fact on the Andrew Marr show the next morning. There would have been no point in making the call if the nation didn't find out about it. And, sure enough, the nation was predicatably . . . appalled.
At the sheer, woeful insincerity of the whole exercise.
I can't decide what is more depressing. Having a PM who can't tell you what his favourite biscuit is without first spending days closeted with his advisors deciding which choice would best play to voters in the key marginals and, at the same time, hopefully, wrongfoot the Tories.(Haha! RICH Tea - typical!)
Or having a PM who's on first name terms with Piers Morgan.
Simon Gittins
2009-10-19 15:54:58'why he is giving an inheritance tax cut to his rich mates'
Are you saying that yourself and Tony Blair are his mates, because surely as millionaires you'd both benefit ?
olli issakainen
2009-10-19 14:39:15I am glad that Stephen Fry has cheered you up. But wasn´t that a great goal from Robbie Blake!
P.S. Excellent points on your "Spin has spun out of control" video on timesonline. I had to watch it three times and make notes.
Colin Morley
2009-10-19 14:02:15Gordon was quite right to ignore such a question. You can see the Sun headlines having already been written around the subject of Jammy Dodgers or some such pun. Takes the biscuit, really, doesn't it!
James
2009-10-19 13:43:58There is actually a subtle difference:
Someone (part of the electorate presumably) asked Brown a simple question - what biscuit do you like. He couldn't answer - not even a joke that he likes all biscuits or he doesn't like biscuits at all. That is just odd.
With the Susan Boyle issue - the problem was that Brown wasn't asked by the electorate to call Simon Cowell. He did that because he was advised to do it - presumably because someone felt it would make him seem normal.
Therefore - trivial as this matter is - it does highlight that Brown isn't normal. He can't converse in a normal light-hearted way, or mix serious policy with small talk to engage an audience. But he does desperately follow any hair-brain idea put forward by his advisers to try and pretend to be a normal man of the people. Very sad!
Claire
2009-10-19 13:20:40Can't beat a custard cream...
Personally, I think GB's interest in the mental health of SuBo was quite touching. Here was a person who so very publicly needed some help, and rather than the general public watching in their weirdly fascinated way as to what she did next, or completely lost it, it is only right that helping someone and having an interest was publicised. Plus, if our national TV culture was to blame for it, then GB would have been criticised for NOT showing an interest.
As you say - can't win...
Em
2009-10-19 13:18:55If Boyle and biscuits were the only thing GB had to worry about, we'd be fine. I have no idea what's taken over the electorate that they would trust a man (DC) who actually has a ready made answer to the biscuit question.
As far as "'we live in an age where that kind of question gets asked, and people want to see the human side of their leaders", I don't think that sort of trivia has anything to do with conveying the "common man" aspect of a politician except maybe in one telling instance.
Do you remember the "town hall" style debate leading to the presidential election between Bush Senior and Bill Clinton when a woman stood up and asked both men what a pint of milk costs? Bush had no idea and some say that is the moment when he lost the election. Of course, this isn't the sort of question Bill Clinton would fail at. He was a Rhodes Scholar and a lawyer but, above all, Clinton was a bubba and there was no way he was going to be caught off guard so easily.
Bush Senior came from money and held high office for most of his career. I don't expect such a man to have bothered with the groceries. Does this make him a bad politician? Not necessarily. I don't need to have experienced all the travails of my fellow citizens to have empathy for them.
The electorate does seem to want that "chat show friendly" factor in a politician these days and that is a problem for GB. GB is not a common man. His cerebral nature make him a man ill-fitted for the fashion of our times which, let us be honest, if far more interested in being entertained than anything else (read the book Entertaining Ourselves to Death). The problem is how people and the press use this as a symptom of what makes a bad politician.
The pint of milk was a better question and it was somewhat germane to matters that involve ruling a country -- but getting into trouble over biscuits? Everything's a minefield and then you wonder why young people won't go into politics.
Tony Pitts
2009-10-19 13:01:38I guess he should just be himself. I agree he seems obsessed with always wanting to appeal to the masses. Thatcher never did, and she kept getting voted back in. Imagine what she'd have said if she'd been asked about Susan Boyle or flaming biscuits!!!
Chris C
2009-10-19 12:57:58Waterbiscuitgate?
You're right, you can't win. Some people want one thing, other people want another. He should be judged on performance.
I couldn't give a toss what biscuits he eats, or what undies he wears, but I would like to know what he's doing ringing up Simon Cowell to ask about Susan Boyle's health.
(Actually, I already know - he's keeping up with what I'll loosely describe as the "cultural" zeitgeist. All power to him, but perhaps concentrate on that in less onerous times. And my favourite biscuits are Tim-Tams. You don't get them in the UK, but the trusty Penguin is a close approximation.)
Alan Quinn
2009-10-19 12:55:21GB didn't give a very good answer at nthe last PMQs on a defence matter. He was asked why the MoD want to order a 40 yr old American aircraft in preference to a new British one; namely the Nimrod MRA4 made by BAE. Gordon's rushed answer was no decision has been made yet, hardly a ringing endorsement.
The factory that makes the plane is due to close in 2012 due to lack of orders, over 1000 skilled jobs will go.
Imagine if GB had stated something like; " I can announce to the house that the Nimrod R1 planes will be replaced by the new Nimrod MRA4 keeping valuable skilled workers in work in a recesssion... when I said British jobs for British workers I meant it."
Dr Fox was on with Marr yesterday and threw in that the UK must look at joint procurement with the USA to reduce costs. That means to me cancelling the Airbus A400M and the Typhoon tranche 3. As yet no one from Labour has picked up on it.
This is another instance where Fox has intimated he prefers to buy off the shelf US equipment in preference to UK made kit and Cameron calls Labour the party of unemployment. On Sept 16th Osborne stated he would cancel these two projects as well as the new carriers.
Labour never picked up on this announcement either. Have a word Ally.
Tony Pitts
2009-10-19 12:51:25Shouldnt he just say "I'm prime minister of the country and have far greater concerns to occupy my time. Dont ask me stupid questions" or something like that? I like Mr Brown, and I think the country would like to hear that he's a serious man and will not give time to such banality. I dont blame Mr Brown, its the idiots who ask the stupid irrelevant questions and constantly try to trip him up.
@jlocke13
2009-10-19 12:47:32I was quite enjoying this blog until you brought up the old inheritance tax chestnut...Yes DC does find it easier to answer a straight question, because he is genuinely open about such things, GB is unable to answer a straight question because he is obsessed with the "political consequences" of everything he says or does...I note he has today jumped on another passing bandwagon re climate change...If he feels it is that important(death and destruction of the UK!) why doe he not just do what is necessary unilaterally instead of hiding behind the procrastinating skirts of G20....?
Judith Haire
2009-10-19 12:41:09Crumbs.
And I thought I had problems.
Paul
2009-10-19 12:39:16I suppose it is a "no win" situation really. Had he named a buscuit, his head would appear in the middle the day before the election on the front page of The Sun and if he didn't name one, he is accused of being unable to give a simple answer. Obama doesn't seem to struggle with this.. I think it's perhaps an art to answer the question but inject a bit of humour so that they don't take the answer so seriously. In a way I do with Brown would relax a little more. One of the conference interviews went live a few seconds early and you saw this amazing relaxed smiling face, and then suddenly he turned as stiff as cardboard and looked deadly serious. I prefered the smile.
Post a comment