Comments
Exposed: Tories and Lib Dems desperate to avoid policy debate
2010-04-25 15:22:21
If ever anything showed the Tory and Lib Dem fear of having a serious debate on substance it is the outcome of three-party discussions about a joint plea to broadcasters to do more policy and less process. As of last night, senior people in the three parties agreed there was considerable merit in the idea of approaching the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 to make the point that whilst the TV debates had energised the campaign, the public service broadcasters were not doing the traditional reporting of the different arguments of the parties in all areas of policy. The Lib Dems were keen. Senior shadow cabinet members said they had been having exactly the same discussions at Central Office and were keen to change the terms of the debate so that the TV debates did not absorb such vast quantities of the election oxygen.
This morning, it was all change. First the Lib Dems, then the Tories, decided to leave things as they are.
And I wonder why. The Tories were the first to suffer from scrutiny of policy which led to Mr Cameron's glide to power becoming a slow and rather directionless waltz. And now the Lib Dems are starting to stumble for precisely the same reason - Trident, DNA, immigration amnesties, cutting child tax credits. So just one party is left wanting a genuine debate focused on a serious policy debate. Ironically there are senior broadcasters arguing for the same thing. A united front from the parties might have helped them win the argument for more policy-based debate for the final stages of the campaign. It is a fascinating insight into the Tories and the Lib dems that they didn't want it and prefer all the blah-de-blah to a proper and detailed examination of policy.
*** Buy The Blair Years online and raise cash for Labour http://www.alastaircampbell.org/bookshop.php.
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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
Alex
2010-04-26 11:23:55Blimey - Nulab pravda in overtime this morning.
Substance? 13 years of substantial incompetence, hubris and dishonesty. You cannot have an honest debate on policy with someone who has a history of laying claim to other people's successes whilst denying any responsibility for things which went wrong under his watch. (Speak to the Europeans or the US and GB's claims on leading the global economic recovery are laughable to say the least).
Some would say that your appearance at the Iraq inquiry (and on Marr) was all 'blah-de-blah' poor me avoidance of a detailed examination of the facts. Yawn - its what Nulab have been doing for years, spin over substance, and its exactly what the public are tired of. Its a question of credibility you see, and unfortunately for you lot, GB and his cabinet have none.
Bye bye Burnley, bye bye Brown, bye bye AC.
Alex (former Labour voter, for my sins)
Chris lancashire
2010-04-26 10:53:15Do us a favour - New Labour was built on policy-lite ideals. The only policy the party had was to get power. Having got it, it didn't have a clue what to do and fell to micromanaging irrelevant details whilst simultaneously ruining a perfectly good economy.
Both Tories and Liberals have enunciated policy just as clearly, if not more than Labour.
As your wonderful leader might say - get real.
Mrs.Josephine Hyde-Hartley
2010-04-26 03:44:48Hello everyone. Yes it doesn't seem fair if it's true the public service broadcasters aren't reporting what the electorate would normally expect in terms of important, different arguments and policy positions. We're not stupid but that's the media for you! On the other hand perhaps it would be too much to expect the libdems and conservatives to understand what good policy in practice really means..they seem to have difficulty believing the truth in any event or so it seems.
Anyway, what's this "election oxygen" when it's at home? I dare say if we want to change the terms of the debate so that the TV debates did not absorb such vast quantities of "election oxygen" then we had better wake up to the fact that this so-called election oxygen is really citizens time and energy.. and it's not free ( see point 1.1 of H.M treasury's Transformation agreement October 2007)..Thus said, surely all our policies wont using and to use the policies properly and efficiently of course the public want to be more completely informed about what might happen to them "in practice" after the election. Or at least I do. - For example; I've been wondering what will happen to all those beautiful policies like " Creating a patient-led NHS " and "Positively diverse", amongst many others, which have been so inspiring and informative.
David
2010-04-26 00:34:31Hi Alastair
I have written to my local MP in the following terms:
"Dear Election Agent
I understand fully the position that Nick Clegg is in with regard to questions from the media regarding a possible hung parliament. However, I think his statement today on one possible outcome, is arrogant and ill judged.
It is arrogant because firstly. he has to put in a really incredible performance on the economy this Thursday and second the Liberal Democratic Party has to obtain more VOTES than the Labour Party on May 6th. The latter consideration is a tall order considering the need to get out the vote in every constituency, not just marginal seats. I believe he will live to regret his words today.
It is ill judged because ------- has now lost my vote and possibly many others. I have in the past voted tactically for you. I shall now vote Labour. I still hope that ---------- wins.
Please do not waste valuable time responding, should you think about doing so, your time would be better spent on the campaign or having a quiet word in Nick Clegg's ear.
Yours Sincerely
David"
I do not know how many people feel as I do but can tell you I am furious. I have blanked out names as I have no wish to involve my local hard working MP.
Best Wishes
David
Graham Jones
2010-04-25 23:23:39There is one simple truth, the tories, the lib-dems, the BBC, ITV, CH4, Sky and all the right-wing press are scared to debate policy. They know that Labour will win, so they avoid it like the plague.
It is an affront to the democratic values of this country, when two of the main political parties and the British press, start running scared of a political debate, that is centered around the actions promised in the party manifestos.
They know that if the public were confronted with the truth, alarm bells would go off all over the country.
It is right that Labour confront the media on this, or there will continue to be an impasse. In truth the media are the guiltiest of all. They are deceiving the public, by refusing to focus on the words and deeds of the three main parties.
It is shameful to cower from the truth in this way, when there is so much at stake.
J A BROWN
2010-04-25 23:12:22Cameron still waltzing while Brown sits on the dance floor watching Elvis. The first certainty is that Labour will not win the election and GB will go . That gives me great delight and worth the election to get rid of a non elected PM.
Labour have only one policy i.e do nothing , increase the debt and pay more interest. Credit card overspend theory. Once again the Conservatives will have to sort out the financial mess. Look at the history not the spin.
Alastair. First part of my double up:- Burnley to be relegated and a Conservative government. Life can be a bitch sometimes..
Kathy
2010-04-25 22:06:42That Elvis thing was hilarious and so embarrassing for Labour. Now the headlines will be - Elvis has now left the building and taken Gordon Brown and the Labour Party with him. Whoever is running this campaign must want Labour to lose.
Steven
2010-04-25 22:04:00AC`s point re the letter to public service broadcasters does get a mention in Nick Robinson`s BBC blog today and the draft letter is set out. After an admittedly quick trawl I haven`t seen any mention of it elsewhere nor heard anything on the radio which is a shame. It doesn`t look like it`ll become much of a talking point which it should be. It makes me wonder whether anything will override the hung parliament navel gazing during the rest of the campaign. Labour are still pushing for more policy debate and that has to continue whatever goes on in the media. If Labour play a dead bat to the post-election speculation and keep steering back to policy then it leaves the other two parties to fit square pegs in round holes with each other. I can`t see that doing either DC or NC much good.
Commiserations Alastair regarding Burnley.
Dave
2010-04-25 21:40:58Alistair
what is intriging about the labour party is that it claims to be democratic, yet when we look just a little closer we see 13 years of serious mismanagement, spin and leaders unelected to their senior roles in govt and policy making. If everthere was a group of individuals who have turned people off politics it is you, Gordon, Peter M and Charlie Whelen.
Davey Bell
2010-04-25 21:13:00I thought GB was mounting a serious comeback, after survivng the first two debates, with the economy debate to come I thought he had every chance to turn things around, then came Elvis.
Les
2010-04-25 20:08:54Unless someone has an idea for a poster Photoshopping Nick and Dave at the previous debate as a couple of Elvis impersonators with the slogan "GET REAL YOU TWO!" The Elvis stunt will be the "meme" for Gordons Election.
Helpfull hint No.1 :- If it isn't, get some dozy bugger on it right away because none of the commonly viewed vids of the thing show GB's punchline, leaving everyone involved looking like complete fools.
No. 2 :- If not, hide the bung the Tory party gave the organizer, and the one to you for hyping it so much.
spooney
2010-04-25 19:54:37Just read something on another site which I absolutely agree with - Clegg is beginning to sound and act very arrogant. Even Paddy Ashdown said earlier he couldn't contemplate working with the tories. I'm sure many people considering voting Lib Dem, won't be as keen if they know he is going to put Cameron in number 10.
Vote yellow - get Brown
2010-04-25 19:35:29After thirteen years of New Labour the electorate are very familiar with Gordon Brown's policies and their consequences. The electorate are presently engaged in avoiding anymore of Brown's Boom and Bust ideas!
Andrew Holden
2010-04-25 19:20:03As polling day approaches I hope Gordon Brown will crank up the idea of the Tory emergency budget. Lets face it – if you are going to keep things roughly as they are, with ‘only’ £6b spending cuts in year, what is the point of an emergency budget? By saying you are going to have one you are telling the dumb voters that within 50 days you’ll be raising taxes and cutting spending, not just making ‘efficiency savings’. It was announced as a macho bit of PR posturing, so now he has to explain why he needs one and how painful it will be.
Andrew Holden
2010-04-25 19:18:59Am I ever going to see a Labour poster on a real-life billboard during this campaign ?
Surely the party can afford a few going into the final stages of the campaign ?
Pam Nash
2010-04-25 19:08:14Oh dear - your party is beginning to look increasingly desperate, Alastair. The Elvis thing, though, was inspired - him and Gordon onstage together; 2 men trying to make you think they're something that they're really not. Whoever in Labour thought that up?
Patrick James
2010-04-25 17:35:53Gordon Brown is absolutely right to stick to policies and demand that policies be debated in this general election campaign.
There is very little in actual governance that necessitates the skills required for participating in a game show.
We want to know what the parties are actually going to do if they form the next government.
If Gordon Brown sticks with describing his policies and to matters of substance it is my belief Labour will win the general election.
Some say Labour are in third place but the difference between the parties is only a few percentage points.
spooney
2010-04-25 17:25:45AC - I think its time to go in hard on Nick Clegg - After today's mutterings he can't be trusted, I'm sure he will prop up Cameron given half a chance.
I don't believe for one minute he thinks he is going to beat the tories, but I'm sure he believes he can get second place, in front of Labour - and become the official leader of the opposition.
Labour really need to make this week count - what about full page ads in the papers? What about GB doing unannounced walkabouts? It would be great to see him at speakers corner, on a soap box spelling out why the tories would WRECK the recovery. Come on lads, make this week count!!
Mike T
2010-04-25 17:11:56This post from the guy thought it would be a good idea to have an Elvis impersonator sing to and endorse Gordon Brown! Unbelievable.
I listened to GB's speech in full yesterday. I thought it was one of the best so far in the campaign - from the heart - powerful stuff.I then watched numerous news reports and video clips on the news sites. Very little coverage of the content of GB's speech but lots of cringe worthy moments. The audience looking perplexed, GB trying to ignore "Elvis" as he sang into his ear etc.
What a wasted opportunity and what a bewildering message to send out to voters. I thought you were supposed to be good at this sort of stuff. Why have you let the wheels fall of this campaign?
Steven
2010-04-25 17:01:25Good point made in post re tactical voting. Clegg gains some authority the greater the share of the vote his Party gets but far more will result from more seats. The Libdems discouraging tactical voting is equally likely to lose them seats rather than gain them. Is Clegg`s media success going to his head? If the Libdems slip a bit in the polls it`ll be interesting to see if he backtracks though I doubt he will. Is Clegg`s overly aggressive posturing part of his `new politics`? It looks like old politics to me. Methinks his main aim, rather than improve the economic and social welfare of everyone, is to secure a better future for his party by getting PR. I suppose he`d say the those two aims accord with each other. Re PR, will the UK want that with a squabbling hung parliament and fragile recovery? He`s a gambler and I suppose he reckons that he`ll do at least as well as the Libdems did last time so he can`t lose. Speaking of gambling, I`ve just looked at the odds from one of the leading bookmakers and can`t believe how generous they are (and thereby depressing I suppose) for a small Labour overall majority. Worth a punt though I reckon when there`s still time for Con & Libdem gaffes and also the significant section of the population which doesn`t take part in polls and which only shows its hand on the day. I recall that hardly any polls gave Major the share of the vote he ended up with in `92.
Selina
2010-04-25 16:59:52I agree with Robert - I'm in a Con/LD marginal and have usually voted LD tactically. However, there's no way I'm going to do that if
a) Clegg may form a coalition with the Tories
b) He's going to use the number of votes as a sort of back door PR to justify his actions.
Robert Jackson
2010-04-25 15:45:04Nick Clegg has rather shot himself in the foot this morning by insisting that he would not form a coalition with a party that did not have the largest vote share.
My father has received several letters from LD HQ seeking his vote in a rural area - reckoned a Con/LD marginal. It would be a tactical vote as he is a Labour stalwart.
Yet, if he votes tactically for the LD's then Clegg says to dad "because you did not vote Labour then your party has a lower vote share so I am going to form a coalition with the Conservatives".
i.e. - Thank you for your vote - now get stuffed.
It would be sensible if Clegg really really really wants tactical support in Con/LD marginals to come up with something slightly more nuanced than this idiotic stance.
Otherwise he can look forward to kissing goodbye to Labour votes he needs in his west country marginals.
Charlie
2010-04-25 15:41:12Do you always whinge like this when you dont get your own way ?
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