Comments
An everyday tale of modern journalism, plus All-Time Premier League team
2010-06-06 11:45:22
First of all, thanks to the Independent on Sunday for devoting two pages to an interview pegged to the publication of Prelude to Power, which also mentions (and has pictures of the front covers of) All In The Mind and Maya, my two novels.
But ... and I think journalists know me well enough to know there is likely to be a but after such lavish thanks ... a modest grumble if I may about its presentation in the rest of the paper, which rather lends support to my argument about the real spin doctors being the editors, reporters and headline writers.
Here's a quote (and to be fair to interviewer John Rentoul, who had one of those old-fashioned tape recorders, I am sure all the quotes are accurate) from the section of the interview where we were talking about the four former Cabinet ministers vying to succeed GB as Labour leader, David and Ed Miliband, Ed Balls and Andy Burnham ...
'They have all grown. I got on very well with Ed [Balls] during the campaign. But in the end you've got to make a judgment. Of all of them, I think David [Miliband] has got the most rounded political and policy skills that you need. I'm a pragmatist about this. I think about who can take on Cameron best. They've all got strengths. I think the thing with Ed Miliband is that he's a really nice guy, but you've got to differentiate between making the party feel OK about losing and actually then making the party face up to what it needs to do to get into shape again. It's the latter that you have to look for, and I think David's got that.'
And here is a Page 1 strapline ... Alastair Campbell exclusive interview: 'Ed Miliband is a nice guy but he'd only make Labour feel OK about losing.'
Now, if you can bear with me, go back to the actual quote, and note the subtle but significant change secured by inserting the word 'only' in the strapline. I was trying to explain why I was backing David M over the other three, without denigrating his opponents. The quote just about achieved that, I think, but the strapline moves close to denigration territory. And it is in quote marks. Therefore you would be entitled to think I said it, exactly in those terms.
Then there was a small news story on Page 2, and here the headline is even starker ... 'Campbell: Ed Miliband isn't up to leading Labour.' Again, I think you would be hard-pressed to say that I actually said that. He has many strengths and there are clearly serious people in the party who think he is the man to lead Labour into the future, and I can see why. I just happen to have reached the view that his brother would be better. It does not mean that he 'isn't up to leading Labour.'
I go through this in some detail not because it is that important but, in a way, because it is so typical, the kind of mild misrepresentation that occurs almost routinely. Indeed, in the interview, when discussing the row with the BBC caused by Andrew Gilligan's untrue report seven years ago on the WMD dossier, I make the point that an awful lot gets written that is wrong or misleading, and you just let it go, as I will let the Ed Miliband story go, but sometimes the allegations and the misrepresentation are too serious to let lie.
As it happens, I think John Rentoul is one of those journalists who would acknolwedge that the media-politics breakdown that happened under New Labour was every bit as much the product of changed media attitudes and tactics as the product of our determination to do things differently. And this is not a big whinge, just an observation of the kind of small, quite subtle editing change whose overall effect can be to create a misleading impression.
It meant that last night, as Fiona and I came back from a night out, and someone alerted me to the headline, I was texting Ed M to say the quotes were accurate but the headlines were not. Small whinge over ...
... Good luck to those taking part in Soccer Aid at Old Trafford tonight. I am moderately gutted not to be there, as the two I have taken part in - especially the first when I lined up alongside Diego Maradona - have got to be among my top lifetime experiences.
Plenty of reminiscing about the experience last night because I was seated at a party next to Peter Schmeichel, who was our goalkeeper in the first one, and a volunteer coach for the second one at Wembley a couple of years ago.
We spent part of the evening comparing notes on our best all time Premier League team ... I went for Schmeichel: Neville, Stam, Terry, Cole: Ronaldo, Keane, Scholes, Giggs: Shearer and Rooney.
My main doubt was right back, where Lee Dixon was in the frame, and at one point I was bringing Dennis Irwin over from his usual left-back berth. I also felt Tony Adams and possibly Ricardo Cavalho might push Terry out. Hard to beat that middle four (all United) which meant the likes of Beckham, Vieira and Gerrard have to fight for a spot on the bench, and hard to leave out Henry and Bergkamp too, not to mention all the Chelsea and Liverpool strikers but Shearer and Rooney would have been quite a pairing.
Schmeichel was too modest to put himself in goal, so he left it blank. Yet I have never met anyone who has not put him between the sticks in a best ever team. He was torn between Pallister and Adams alongside Stam, and had both Irwin and Evra ahead of Cole. He toyed with Gerrard sneaking ahead of Scholes, but then club loyalty won the day. He reckoned Ronaldo was simply the best ever player in the Premier League, but also felt Shearer was not far behind.
Andy Gray was a a few places away down the table. He had Ferdinand and Adams at centre back, and Beckham instead of Giggs with Ronaldo switched to the left, and he put Henry ahead of Rooney.
No Burnley players made it, but I could tell they were both thinking Tyrone Mears might make right-back if Neville got injured.
*** Buy The Blair Years and raise cash for Labourhttp://www.alastaircampbell.org/bookshop.php.
*** Buy Prelude to Power here at Amazon.
Archive
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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
Ben
2010-06-07 12:29:13Who on earth was around Dianne Abbott when she decided to stand? Don't get me wrong, I think its great that the Labour party have a broad range of leadership candidates but Abbot? Surely her intention to do so may reflect scrutiny on Labour MPs and their simple common sense....
Why would any Labourite support a candidate who openly sits with Portillo and argues with a man who helped us win 3 general elections on television regarding party policy...I really think she is in the wrong party - and hopefully there will be no space for her within a Labour more in-tune and cohesive with its backbenchers..."what will you do be doing then Alastair" - "Well a lot more than you Dianne" - Nice one Al.
Tim
2010-06-07 10:15:22Diane Abbott has about as much credibility as Burnley had as a Premier League club.
The Labour leadership campaign has only gone to show how uninspiring politicians are thesedays. Both Milibands are too Blairish, Balls would be the biggest turn off (and has a slender majority so could be in trouble in the next General Election) and Andy Burnham has no profile outside the party, but looks like he should still be at school.
I despair of the modern Labour party. Nice suits, shame about the people wearing them. Where are the Michael Foot, Denis Healey or even Neil Kinnock figures? People with presence who speak with true passion, rather than manufactured focus group followers?
Diane Abbott might be a slight throwback to those times, as love her or loathe her she at least speaks with some fire in her belly, but for me she is the worst of Labour. Our equivalent of Lembit Opik.
Graham Jones
2010-06-07 03:30:53Cameron's scaremongering over the UK deficit is criminal, and further evidence of the great deception he is currently spreading, with the aid of the Lib-dem's. We always knew we would need to pay back borrowings; but not when the economy is still in fragile growth.
The Europeans have got the frights, due to a lack of leadership. Instead of taking control of the situation, they are panicking and reverting back to failed economics. They are stupidly cutting off the fiscal stimulus, despite the US Treasury warning against cutting too soon. It is perhaps fortunate, that the most powerful economy in the world has understood the lessons that Gordon was preaching, before the tories stole power. GB showed Obama and Geitner the correct path to stability, and they stayed on course, refusing to be panicked by the old right of centre economic dogma.
As for Britain, our percentage of debt, compared to GDP, isn't anywhere near that of Greece. The revised growth figures showed that Labour were making the right calls, investing in R&D.; New jobs, that were in the pipeline because of this, could be lost to the country.
Labour have to argue, to ensure their good work isn't mischievously undone for the purpose of political maneuvering. How will the economy ever recover, if huge cuts to supporting business are implemented? If we are to see a full recovery to the private sector, then the hand of partnership must be there to encourage job creation. There will be time for cutting back, when the recovery is locked in place, and not before.
It is understandable, that the public gaze has been diverted from the complexities of the economy, in a week that has made us all question our own mortality. It is right that we try to put these things, into some kind of proper perspective. These questions are about our future, and are important.
However, it is also important, that this coalition government, are held accountable for the gross mistake they are about to make, just to score some cheap political points.
kathy
2010-06-06 20:15:07I'm sorry I can't see David Milliband without seeing that banana. He reminds me of Mr Bean. The thought of him being a future Prime Minister is just a joke. His brother makes a more credible candidate but he is too associated with the old lot. Ed Balls is just unthinkable, too connected to Brown and Whelan. I think the way these two have suddenly revealed they disagreed with Labour's past policies just proves you can't trust a politician. Why couldn't they have been honest and spoke out at the time if they had reservations. They are just saying what they think the public want to hear. The only one with any credibility is Dianne Abbott and it looks like she wont manage the nominations. At least she did not always follow like a sheep and vote for policies just because she was told to by Labour Whips.
I know she sent her son to a private school and some say she is a hypocrite. The truth is I'd be very surprised if any of the children of Labour Politicians go to bog standard comps as they manage to move to areas where there are better schools, so I do not think that is an argument.It would be nice to have a fresh face not tainted with the Blair/Brown years of lying and spin who would maybe regenerate faith in the Labour Party. Unfortunately it looks like more of the same so where will the incentive be to vote Labour.
MoveFX
2010-06-06 19:09:39Hi Alistair - big fan. May I ask how you felt regarding Mr Blair apparently using interviews to 'steal a budget' and set a target to clear the 'asylum backlog'. Do you feel it was off the cuff policy, or deliberate attempt to use public promises to hold departments to account? I've always felt that Mr Blair used the media to 'grease' the wheels of state to perform in the way he thought should it's better nature triumph, and gently pre-empted such a triumph (ala Diana and the Queen's statement)?
SMukesh
2010-06-06 18:16:59As one of the shrewdest media men around,surely you knew exactly what would appear in The Independent` when you gave that interview...Infact,the headline is not as bad as it could have been.
One could understand why you support David as he is the most Blairite of the candidates...However,his performance on previous Question time appearances have left little impression on me,and only reinforcing the impression that he is more comfortable on policy maters rather than expressing them...Ed,on the other hand and Andy Burnham have the ability to express policy in words the voters understand...If David was such an outstanding candidate,the MP`s would have gone for him a long time ago when GB was trailing a long way behind in the polls...However,they seem to have understood that to ditch one proven policy maker in favour of another unproven one wouldn`t make any difference in the polls and GB held onto his post...If the Labour party wishes to do better in the next elections,they need to find a candidate who is able to tell the voters how his policies would make a difference to them on a daily basis
D J Hunt
2010-06-06 16:59:49Your comments about Clare short could equally apply to yourself from my point of view.
How did you and the two "B"s manage to cause so much damage to this country over the last 13 years and get away with it!
Jane
2010-06-06 16:55:42I have heard you on numerous occasions on the leadership candidates. I read John Rentaul's article and did not read anything into it.
Anyway, I think you are supporting the right person for the job. If David Miliband is successful, I will rejoin the party. I left after Tony Blair was ousted as I could never ever offer any support to his predecessor who was complicit in the coup. I wonder are there many others who feel like I do?
Charlie Reynolds
2010-06-06 14:54:52So you feel that you've had your words twisted a little. Tell me how does that feel? Your whole career is based on twisting others words isn't it?
How much money will you make out of selling your story and harming the Labour party? Still you're alright jack... and good old Mandelson and Blair will rake in their gold too. Isnt the world great?!! And the BBC supports you to do it. It all stinks to me.
Must make your family proud.
Jacquie R
2010-06-06 14:08:25Alastair, you probably thought quite hard about how you were going to present your reasons for supporting David M, and I can see how the paper's headlines must have made your heart sink a little. On the other hand, when one says about any potential leader: "He's a really nice guy, but...." it is pretty much the kiss of death.
In fairness, those who follow this blog know that you have a high a regard for both Miliband brothers, although neither Ed nor we will be surprised you're supporting the more Blairite David.
In my opinion, both brothers are exceptional and, if an election seemed likely within the short term, I would have thought the more mature David the better bet. Since it now looks as if it could be five years away, my vote will go to Ed, who I feel will grow and grow into the role of potential PM. He seems to have the intellect, skills and commitment of his brother, but also an engaging warmth. He is, frankly, a much needed breath of fresh air who could connect well with young and old alike and even turn out to be quite inspirational.
(On the other hand, now that he is coming out as an ace lasagne chef, perhaps Ed Balls is the one to watch. Somebody on Twitter suggested a Labour leadership Come Dine With Me.)
Matthew Patrick
2010-06-06 14:07:36FAO: Ian
Hi Ian, you can actually see the blog on an ipad/iphone/itouch. All you have to do is hold two fingers on the blog and drag the page up. This means you can scroll through the blog rather than the webpage.
Hope that helps.
Cheers
Matthew
olli issakainen
2010-06-06 12:59:15Well, we already know that the next leader of the Labour party will in all probability be a white, Oxbridge-educated man in his forties. But what other qualities are needed?
Nowadays leader´s character is more important than his policies. New leader must possess emotional intelligence.
Political brain is an emotional brain. People do vote for a person who elicts the right feelings - not for one who has the best arguments. People do not want reason - they want values.
It does not help these days if you have moral and intellectual superiority and better policies. You can easily be too intelligent, your arguments too complicated.
Dispassionate rational mind is an Enlightenment myth. People rely on emotion in decision-making process. They reach conclusions that make them feel good. Reason and rationality have limited role in political decisions.
A good leader listens. He must also be able to persuade, convince and reassure. He must have substance and good presentation skills. He must be capable of uniting the Labour party after the Blair-Brown years. And he must be able to win back support for Labour.
People are in politics for a mixture of high principles and self-interest. The next Labour leader must be in politics for high principles.
Neil Kinnock has said that Ed Miliband has all the good qualities the next Labour leader needs. I agree with Neil!
Ps. Alastair Campbell, an MP for Burnley? Why not? But what about your "cast-iron guarantee" of not accepting a high-profile job in media or politics?
Richard Burnell
2010-06-06 12:35:10I do not know why journalists are employed at all: all editors should award you 500 words each edition to make your embittered rantings unopposed, and without comment.
Brave new (labour) world, Al, but more the communist model.
Do they not know who you are?
Lynda Davies
2010-06-06 12:28:34You have highlighted why I no longer buy newspapers. I want to read what actually happened not what the media would like to have happened. The only way to get unedited news is online via all sources - freedom of speech does mean freedom to lie. Keep up the good work Alastair
Alan Quinn
2010-06-06 12:24:00Oh go on then I'll have to have a go.
1 Peter Schmeichel
2 Denis Irwin
3 Paddy Evra
4 Roy Keane
5 Tony Adams
6 Terry Butcher
7 David Beckham
8 Bryan Robson
9 Alan Shearer
10 Eric
11 Paul Gascoigne
Subs
Friedel, Pallister, Walker, Scholes, Giggs, Hughes, Ince
Ian
2010-06-06 12:19:43Are you aware that it's not possible to see any but the first box full of any blog entry on an iPhone or iPad. You'll be losing a lot of readers.
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