Comments
All returning to roots as decison day looms
2010-04-28 12:46:55
I've gone back to my journalistic roots today with an interview in the Mirror with Alex Ferguson talking about his roots, and how he has never forgotten them despite all the success and wealth he has enjoyed.
He tells the story of how after the recent Manchester United win against Spurs, he and his wife Cathy had a night out with eight couples, the eight men being former team-mates from his time many decades ago playing with Govan Boys' Club.
What he said was remarkable was not just that all the couples were still together, but that 'every single one of them was staunch Labour then and staunch Labour now.'
He was making the point that it is the Tory view of Labour that says once someone has done well for themselves and their families, they somehow ought then to 'become' Tories, but that in fact a sense of aspiration is perfectly compatible with the commitment to public services or a belief that we have responsibilities to others.
I have not travelled as much in this campaign as when I was on the road with TB, but when I have been out on the road, as now, I have beeen struck by how different this campaign feels to the one I occasionally catch on the news. There is always something of a dissonance, but I do believe is more exaggerated this time.
The first thing to say is that whilst there is a residual anti-politics mood, a lot of it driven by expenses, I don't feel the visceral nature of some of the debates at the last election, particularly concerning Iraq. Nor do I detect any hardening of hostility towards GB. On the contrary, I feel there is more respect for him than for some time, even if a lot of people don't warm to him.
And I feel of the Clegg phenomenon that people find it interesting, but that it is more of a media thing, which in turn drives the polls, than it is a real shift of the plates.
Meanwhile, I remain of the view that the real story of this campaign so far is the public reluctance, despite so much stacked in his favour, to go for David Cameron as Prime Minister. It feels almost as though the country doesn't want to make a decision. But ultimately this is the time when the public has that responsibility, and over the next few days the many undecideds will choose to decide.
If the Clegg bubble bursts, what matters is where the air from it goes. It might go nowhere. It might go left to Labour or right to the Tories. But it is to a large extent there in the first place because people felt emotionally resistant to both. The question is to whom the resistance is greater.
GB is GB and everyone pretty much knows him. They know his strengths and hopefully they will be on full display in the final TV debate tomorrow. They know Cameron a bit better than they did. But the Cameron who has come over in this campaign is not the Cameron who first burst on the scene with talk of radical change to the Tory Party. The one I keep seeing is a pretty standard right-wing Tory who as the campaign has gone on has become a bit exasperated that people are not quite buying him, and bemusement as to why he is not home and dry.
He is also getting posher and posher. We're all returning to our roots.
* Buy The Blair Years and raise cash for Labour http://www.alastaircampbell.org/bookshop.php.
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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
sue colley
2010-04-28 21:41:41Alastair, this is my first ever 'blog' and quite possibly my last but I feel compelled to do something as I am in no doubt that Gordon must be feeling desperate. And no I do not know Gordon, I met him once, very briefly, at a 'funeral' at which I was delivering a eulogy. It was the funeral of Evelyn Jones, wife of Jack Jones. Two of the most honourable and brave people I have known, and it is because of them I am posting this blog. I first met them both in 1984, it was Evelyne who recruited me to the Labour Party. From that point, I spent many happy evenings in their company and enjoyed a first hand account of both their lives and their own take on 'events'. More than anything they wanted the re-election of a Labour Government and the man for them was Gordon Brown. I think I am correct in believing that Gordon had a great affection for them - and if it helps in anyway to remind him of their uncompromising belief in him, particularly as we embark on this vital last week of the campaign - please do so.
wgrace
2010-04-28 16:55:42Gordo say, "If I have said anything to upset her." IF? Why IF you called her a bigot.
peter
2010-04-28 15:43:58Just seen GB chatting about some woman called Gillian from
Rochdale......er nice one Gord. Adios big fella
Tony
2010-04-28 15:43:19Elections and speeches go together like fluff and spin. That's what I hear from people I meet. Process and Issues. Mmh.Less of the former, more of the latter.Isn't that what you want? How many of us, when listening to the debates so far, have managed to tease these two key elements apart.
Issues has a thinly sliced soft cheese feel to it, whilst Process reminds me of the packaging that this kind of cheese is wrapped in. Issue and Process are like bullet points of bullet points,that finally signify little. When unwrapped the content is thin and weak.
Listening to the debates so far, that's listening on radio, a deliberate choice for me, the clearest, steadiest voice is Gordon Browns.Electoral reform apart, discounting any visual performance aspect of these debates,GB's rebuttals were solid with a quiet strength.
Its this that stands out for me. Firmer content wrapped in a more straightforward package.So, G.B. for G.B.For now.
JC
2010-04-28 15:24:57I feel so sorry for the woman called a bigot by Brown - poor woman. She looked so upset and in fact distraught!! Brown's true colours shone through today and I hope everyone sees this.
She was only asking a few simple questions, her right in our "democratic" society... pah! Her views are even shared by a Labour candidate for Glasgow East.
I hope this has shattered the campaign for Brown and Labour, as I am disgusted!!!
Martin Goddard
2010-04-28 15:20:40Yet again a poliitician; Gordon Brown is in trouble for being like everyone else....God help us, he was only being honest and himself. Are not our politicians entitled to a private point of view?
fl_glasgow
2010-04-28 14:45:09Could you tell me why Mrs Alec Salmond is SO invisible that nobody,knows who she is? (Apparently not even her local Aberdeenshire councillor!)Does she stay in Edinburgh, and why does wee Eck go everywhere only on his own?
barry
2010-04-28 14:38:15I have just read that the Elvis impersonator was "hailed by Alastair Campbell as the "megastar" who would boost Gordon Brown's flagging election campaign". Desperation or what? I somehow suspect a certain female Labour supporter and "bigot" may have more impact on his campaign, such as it is.....
s chapman
2010-04-28 14:23:43Bigot gate....how will you riggle out of that one !
Andrew Holden
2010-04-28 14:18:55In tomorrow night's debate, Gordon Brown must stress that Cameron is trying to be all things to all men.
Does DC reaaly expect people to believe him when he says he can cut the deficit, AND deliver tax cuts, AND maintain public spending on essential services ?
Something's got to give.
Either we're going to see tax increases e.g. VAT, or we're going to see spending cuts leading to huge job losses.
To coin a phrase, DC is treating the British public like fools.
Charlie Reynolds
2010-04-28 14:17:33If only Gordon could meet more people - Labour would probably get no votes.
who put me with that woman. And he talks about toffs and Eton and being out of touch. Incredibly she was a life long Labour supporter.
And now he blames the media. This is pure simple classic Gordon Brown and why he must be got rid of - he has been a disatser for this country. He showed that woman the same contempt he showed the people who lost out on the 10% tax. You were (allegedly) correct when you said (allegedly) that he has 'psychological flaws'.
This lady was sensible enough to realise that the debt and deficit are the key things needing sorting out. Labour have made it racist to talk about dealing sensibly with immigration and they are reaping the whirlwind with the BNP scum.
Can Gordon Brown be trusted to make the right decisions on cutting public spending. He doesn't have the ability to take difficult decisions.
GordON / GordOFF - prefer the latter.
Patrick McMurray
2010-04-28 14:10:12Labour MUST make more of the Tory inheritance tax policy. It shows that the Tories interests are not those of ordinary people.
s chapman
2010-04-28 14:07:22GB - dead and buried unlucky AC ....Burnley now this , what a lovely day !!
Dave Roberts
2010-04-28 13:54:43I assume that this written before GB's latest outburst in Rochdale today?: "Nor do I detect any hardening of hostility towards GB. On the contrary, I feel there is more respect for him than for some time, even if a lot of people don't warm to him."
Jacquie R
2010-04-28 13:36:50The big question is, how accurate are the polls? They way they look now, it is curtains for Brown and probably curtains for Labour. Or is it?
Something occurred to me as we put up our "Vote Labour" poster. Silly, I know, but at this election I felt a a niggle of embarrassment about overtly supporting Labour, the once welcome guest who has stayed too long. Yet,warts and all, I still believe they are the best party to run the country and turbulent economy and will have no hesitation voting for them.
Could it be that I'm not the only one and there are a lot of people out there shy of admitting they intend to vote Labour? There was a time when Tory voters were embarrassed to admit they would vote Conservative and the polls were hopelessly wrong. Perhaps the table has turned and there's everything to fight for?
Be interested to know what others think.
Hamish
2010-04-28 13:10:29I love Ferguson's life-affirming view that people who get a bit well off don't "become" Tories.
The whole tenor of Cameron's campaign is that it is somehow his right to be PM. There's a regal flavour to it - a sort of Royal It's a Knockout resonance that surely no-one will buy when it comes to the final straight.
The major killer for me so far (hard to choose from the many) was the X-Factor style competition for schoolkids - all about victory (and on the flip side dashed hopes) rather than a celebration of the nation's talents. And to come out with something so desperately gimmicky when the noises on meaningful policy from the Tories are so faint was absurd.
Election campaigns will always have an element of sloganeering about them - and stunts - but this much?
His nonsense about the Big Society with all the unanswered questions about the size of the state required to administer localised inventions. I would not be surprised if this hadn't come to him after a few glasses of Chardonnay in front of the telly watching High Society.
What Britain needs is substantial leadership underpinned by deep principles, not his candy floss. 5 years of "Gap Yah" style leadership from DC is an unthinkable and frightening prospect.
olli issakainen
2010-04-28 13:08:39David Cameron is a man who has managed to lose a poll lead of 28 points by making numerous unforced errors and U-turns. He would not make a competent PM!
Unfounded Cleggmania appears to have started fading away.
With so many voters still undecided, Labour must go for a victory. It´s the economy!
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