Comments
Darling credible, Mandy exciting, Tories panicking over ads
2010-03-25 11:21:25
As the Top Tory Spin Doctor said in his genius briefing to my new best friend Nick Watt of The Guardian earlier this week, authenticity is the key in modern communications.
It explains why, despite the extraordinarily tough hand Alistair Darling had to play yesterday, and despite (perhaps because of) the overshrill Tory response, personally he emerged well from the Budget.
I have no idea whether the latest poll showing the Tory lead down to two is accurate or not. But I do know the polls have narrowed, and I do know that the choice of who people trust with the economy has been central to that.
Alistair has been around a long time, one of a tiny handful to have held ministerial positions since May 1997 to the present day.
The authentic AD is not dull, as often stated, but sober, serious, with a sometimes gloomy disposition often pepped up with self-deprecating humour.
He is also someone who finds much of politics, in particular factionalism and infighting, rather tiresome. He has spent most of his career being defined, when TB was in charge, as a Brownite. I would say he defied that easy separation. Rather than ever being a fully paid up member of any grouping, I always found him a fully paid up member of the Grown Up Tendency, a team player.
His credibility and authority, and his contrast with George Osborne, make him an absolutely key campaigner in the forthcoming election. Frankly the more we see of him the better.
Talking of people who defy easy Blairite-Brownite labelling, (these days at least) the same goes for Peter Mandelson. It is possible to detect in the Budget the development of some of his ideas for a new and exciting industrial strategy. And whereas I know there are still some who shout and scream every time he comes on the box, the people who like to see him least are the Tories. At his best, he reminds me a bit of Michael Heseltine in his pomp, and (technically speaking) I can't say fairer than that. The Mandelson-Ken Clarke debates of the coming weeks will be splendid.
On Monday we have a Channel 4 debate involving AD, Osborne and Vince Cable, which unfortunately I will miss as it coincides with a long-promised fundraiser in Yorkshire. A year ago, the prospect of such a three-way debate might not have filled Labour activists with glee, not least because of the chatterati's love-in with Vince Cable, and the Tories' sizeable lead in state of the parties polling as well as ratings on economic competence. Now the chances are it is an ace card, which Alistair is likely to play well.
Ps ... Nick Watt and I are loving the spin by TSD on their decision to hire a second ad agency, M and C Saatchi, to 'work alongside' Euro RSCG. Here are the explanations quoted by Campaign magazine...
A Tory spokesman said: 'We're delighted with the contribution Euro has made and will continue to make as we near the election.' Come on Nick, take it down ...
David Jones, the global chief executive of Euro RSCG, said: 'There are a lot of people in the ad industry who would like to see the end of Brown's regime. All great ideas that help us achieve that are welcome.' Aw sweet ... and so typical of the ad industry's non-competitive, teamwork-across-the-companies approach to advertising.
And absolutely nothing to do wih the airbrushed poster disaster/Belize dosh down the drain drama. No, not at all. Come on Nick, what about 'Poster wars -- Tory turmoil over how to waste Ashcroft cash.' Come on, just for me.
*** Buy The Blair Years online and raise cash to fight the Tories, Euro RSCG, M and C Saatchi and Lord Belize http://www.alastaircampbell.org/bookshop.php.
Archive
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TV debate - good idea in theory, but ...Publish date: 2009-09-02 15:37:43
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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
irene brant
2010-03-26 17:53:27So after 12 years with people like you, Brown,Whelan, McBride, Mandelson et al in the Labour Party bringing this country down and trying to turn the country into a cemented, overpopulated, socialist state where it is considered "cool" to live on benefits - you actually think we are stupid enough to vote you in again!
s chapman
2010-03-26 10:43:17Mr Tait - pls come down from Mars !!
You actually wrote that GB and AD's economic policies have been successful !! Are you mad?
With respect,the 2 of them have ridden a debt wave over the last 10yrs or more that has left us in a black hole that is far worse than this country has ever experienced before - and needlessly so.Thats economic mis-management whether there has been a Global recession or not.
Marion
2010-03-26 00:56:48You must have been watching a different budget speech and response to me! I'm not a fan of Mr Cameron - but I still thought his response to the budget was very good indeed. It's rather unfortunate that EVERY political party and all the media I listened to agreed that the Government are being dishonest. I can't comment on Mandleson because find Peter Mandleson's presence in the Government (supposedly an elected body of representatives) highly objectionable. I actually like Labour policies more than the Conservatives' however I refuse to vote Labour because of the continuing presence of unelected cabinet members who are in no way accountable to the electorate and most certainly don't behave with transparency; a fact which your own diaries are evidence of.
Chris lancashire
2010-03-25 22:18:39Yep, let's trust the economy to the two people who have run up a stupendously record debt and defecit, who plan to still be borrowing £80bn in 4 years time, who sold gold at an alltime low.
Yep, there's a safe two pairs of hands.
George Tait
2010-03-25 17:10:17I've never voted for the Labour Party before. I'm 41, I've voted five times, three times for the Tories and twice for the LibDems. The Liberals are, I suppose, the party who I most identify with but I'm not going to vote for them this time because And since Cameron and Osbourne are nakedly careerist and insincere, I could never vote for the Tories. So I shall be voting Labour because I genuinely trust Brown and Darling. However, I worry that the party isn't fighting hard enough. I don't think that they are capitalising enough on the successes of Darling/Brown's economic stategy and I certainly don't think that they're doing much in the way of highlighting the deficencies of the conservative campaign. I see no policies just a lot of hot air coming from Cameron and co. And having seen the video of Cameron being interviewed by the guy from, I think, Gay Times, it is obvious that he isn't capable of handling questions that aren't scripted in advance. The labour party need to target the Conservatives for their lack of political direction and need to sock it to Cameron big time. The election can be won by Gordon but if there's no fightback, he will lose.
s chapman
2010-03-25 17:03:15yes I suppose 75p a week is feeble when you compare it to the £92 a week debt we all have to stomach from this Govt.
Robert Jackson
2010-03-25 16:38:16Kloff Kapp - I have been trying to find the web log that has banned you but keep coming across sites talking about knitting patterns.
All part of the Tory leadership's cunning plan to keep their candidates confused about their policies:
Blackberry on doorstep to Coleshill: "What do I say about the NHS?"
Coleshill to Blackberry on doorstep: "Knit one - Pearl one."
Brian Hughes
2010-03-25 16:12:15The Tories' "not raising income tax thresholds = a tax rise" must rank as one of the feeblest political attack line since records began.
If my sums are correct, an increase of 3% on the basic threshold would have given every taxpayer just under 75p a week. Would that really have transformed anyone's life?
No doubt they'll trot out 'thin end of the wedge', 'slippery slope' and other assorted clichés from their Boys Own Guide to winning elections, but they're fooling no one but themselves.
Kloff Kapp
2010-03-25 13:30:06...Tories panicking...
It's true.
No, really it IS true.
I have been posting mildly critical contributions to their website The Blue Blog and they have now barred me from it.
My remarks/observations, such as they are/were, have been polite, pithy, witty and humorous but the BB police don't like them.
They're in a bit of a panic.
Obviously they don't like it when a reasonably educated Back Street Bard has a little dig at them. It stings. What's wrong with challenging them on their own turf. Why, it would be the same as me exposing some of the Left oriented Westminster Wild Bunch to probing examination requiring response wouldn't it. I'm sure that you'd all be up for that wouldn't you, Mr. Campbell?
Silly buggers. The Blues that is.
I ain't sure about you lot yet, but I’m there for the convincing.
Charlie Reynolds
2010-03-25 13:19:24Why did Alistair Darling avoid the Today programme?
Why did Alistair Darling not raise the income tax thresholds now that inflation is at 3%? This is a tax on every worker in Britain. Is this a clear sign he doesn't care about putting income tax up for us all in the future?
Why does Alistair Darling believe that we will have 3.5% growth next year and for the following years? He is relying on this for two thirds of his deficit cutting. This is not something anyone is prepared to rely on. It seems to be an excuse to avoid having to talk about difficult decisions ahead. It makes him non-credible.
Why did Darling raise tax on Cider (Westcountry of England) and not on Whisky (erm where's this made again????). I am not the only person who is sick of the deal Scotland gets from the union. This needs to be rectified.
In terms of manufacturing - read Larry Elliott's article in the Guardian today. Labour have destroyed 1 million manufacturing jobs in Britain since 1997. The rate of decline is greater than under Thatcher (I know Gordon & Tony are big admirers of the lady so they must feel immensely proud of this achievement). As to Lord Mandelson - he is a major reason why we are all so disaffected with politics and politicians. He is shameless.
I am sure Nick Watt is flattered by your interest in him. I am sure you have won him over with your usual highly resistible charm.....
Jane A
2010-03-25 12:49:36I think the polls are narrowing because although the Tories have been playing against a weakened team over the last 18 months, they've failed to capitalise and win public support. Even as a committed Labourite I'd feel that time hasn't been our strongest.
So, (apols to all for the football analogy) even with no one in goal at times, the Tories have failed to make an attack stick, or score. They've missed penalties. They've just flailed about in midfield doing some fancy footwork & shrieking for the ref to do something.
Now the Labour team are strengthening, they're not going to win the big match.
Kloff Kapp
2010-03-25 12:45:26...Tories panicking...
It's true.
No, really it IS true.
I have been posting mildly critical contributions to their website The Blue Blog and they have now barred me from it.
My remarks/observations, such as they are/were, have been polite, pithy, witty and humorous but the BB police don't like them.
They're in a bit of a panic.
Obviously they don't like it when a reasonably educated Back Street Bard has a little dig at them. It stings. What's wrong with challenging them on their own turf. Why, it would be the same as me exposing some of the Left oriented Westminster Wild Bunch to probing examination requiring response wouldn't it. I'm sure that you'd all be up for that wouldn't you, Mr. Campbell?
Silly buggers. The Blues that is.
I ain't sure about you lot yet.
Jacquie R
2010-03-25 12:45:18Yes, a good performance from Darling, and, because he comes across as genuine and decent, he is a reassuring figure at the helm, unlike Osborne. As for Mandelson, not sure I'd buy a used car from him, but I certainly admire him razor sharp mind and feel the Party and the country would be all the poorer without him. Thus I consider them both electoral assets - AD because I trust him and PM - er because I don't!
Mark Wright
2010-03-25 12:35:33I agree with Ben G. Every time we see Darling Osbourne will have to respond. The more he responds the weaker he'll look etc etc
Smoke 'em out!
Colin Johnstone
2010-03-25 12:19:31Please please please make sure the Gay Times video you showed on your blog yesterday is seen by the masses. Talk about not being able to handle minor pressure. It was embarrassing. That man can not be pm
Pauline MArsh
2010-03-25 12:18:30I missed it live but what I saw on the news last night impressed me. The figures are mindboggling which is why you need to be able to trust the person setting them out. I did not feel, despite Nick Robinson of the bbc trying to persuade me so, that Mr Darling had been hiding things. I thought he was very frank
Harry Prendergast
2010-03-25 12:17:04You could be right but the Tories are banking on people just feeling Labour has had enough time and the problems are still there. Yes he did well and yes, lots of Labour things have been good, but Gordon Brown has not cut it as Tony Blair did and I do hear a lot of people saying time for change. That being said, the economy is always the main thing and I do trust Darling more than Osborne or Cameron who seem out of their depth
Charlie
2010-03-25 12:02:59AC Your myopically tribal stance is excusable in a free society.
But you have an extremely spiteful streak in you which is not attractive and probably accounts for why many people have no time for you at all (at best).
Today's blog is a classic example.
Brian Hughes
2010-03-25 11:54:36I am biased and so it's not easy to be totally (or even remotely) objective but George Osborne was embarrassingly woeful on Radio Five Live just after 7:30 this morning and even worse on Today a bit later. No wonder they rarely let him out.
As for Vincent 'I saw it all coming and was a really important bloke once at BP' Cable, does no one now remember that he was still calling for less regulation of banks pretty well up to the day before the start of the Great Disaster?
I met Mr Darling briefly once on the stairs and so can pontificate with great authority about every aspect of his character and abilities. Seemed a nice sort of chap to me who didn't seem to mind that I couldn't recall his name. He was lucky that I also forgot he was in charge of transport at the time and so he was spared any from my vast collection of British Railways anecdotes.
It could be an interesting debate...
Patrick James
2010-03-25 11:49:27I 100% agree that Alistair Darling has played this budget superbly well.
The freaking out by the Conservatives only makes them look silly and desperate.
Alistair D. has exactly the right personality for seeing our way out of this period of financial difficulty.
I think that the Conservatives face a problem with the forthcoming election in that they must do something to get ahead in the opinion polls, but their excess criticism of Labour now only further undermines their credibility.
I think that when the country is facing a difficult period in the world's financial affairs what people want is a figure who is confident, stable and reassuring, like Alistair D.
What they don't want is the sense of conflict with the nation that I think the Conservatives keep putting out. Resurrecting Thatcher, describing Unite as the "new Militant", apparently relishing massive cuts which will make so many unemployed, age of austerity etc. etc.
I suspect that with the new advertising company there might be some very aggressive advertising from them. However I wonder if that will do them any good?
Ben G
2010-03-25 11:39:12Keep AD out there as much as possible. This election will be all about the Chancellors. Osborne was lamentable on Today; he can't give us details of his own deficit plans, he says, until he 'hears from the Institute for Fiscal Studies'. Can't he do his own sums?
Mark Wright
2010-03-25 11:37:55Darling played a blinder yesterday. He has grown in stature considerably since his appointment in 2007. He encompasses trust, stability and a firm grasp of the challenges at hand. And most importantly of all...HE WAS RIGHT!
If Gordon Brown has the privilege of forming the next government he should seriously consider keeping Darling exactly where he is regardless of any promise to the likes of Ed Balls (I mean, come on, a guy with the surname 'Balls' will just have headline after headline in The Sun at the slightest hint of a financial wobble). Now is not the time to be promising posts to your mates. The best man for job is what's needed.
Let's just say there is a hung parliament. How about the creation of a vice-chancellor position and invite Vince cable along for the ride. Now a Darling/Cable collaboration would trying make for an interesting few years at No.11.
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