Comments
Ashdown spot on about Tories' Sarah Palin moment
2010-04-11 12:10:44
What a joy to turn on the BBC this morning and see Michael Howard on the Andrew Marr sofa. More, more, more please.
Looking at twitter it's clear I was not alone in thinking that the former Tory leader is a good reminder of what Tories are really like as David Cameron poses round the place as being something different, nay 'pro-gress-ive.' Yeah right. And all that progressive blue blood was running through his veins five years ago when he was helping to write Nasty Mr Howard's Nasty Manifesto.
Howard - I saw Rory Bremner do him brilliantly as a Bond vilain recently - was on with Neil Kinnock and Paddy Ashdown for a former leaders' debate about this week's current leaders' debate on TV, which will be an important moment in the campaign.
They were asked how they thought their successors would do and, all of them being loyal party types, they all thought their men would do well. Howard was however the least convincing or credible, said a spokesman for Objective Observation.
Neil made much of GB's character and resilience and how that quality was required in abundance for the tough times we had been through, and now it will be needed even more as we seek to secure the recovery. I felt it was what we call a 'nod-along' point for the fair-minded viewer. Say what you like about GB but my God, he is resilient.
Paddy Ashdown, who I have always liked, and with whom I had a really interesting chat about the political scene at a conference in Germany a few weeks back, had some excellent observations to make on the Tory campaign.
Anyone who has ever heard my standard speech on strategy may have heard me cite my favourite examples of strategic failure. Close to the top of the list is the McCain-Palin moment. John McCain did not exactly articulate it this way but his basic strategy in the US Presidential elections was 'I am experienced unlike Obama and I am not George Bush.'. Worried by his position with his Republican base, he chose Palin as his running mate. True, she injected excitement into the debate and cheered up his troops. But at one stroke she took away any potency in the inexperience attacks on Obama, and she quickly emerged, political spectrum wise, as George Bush in a skirt.
It was as crass a clash of strategy and tactics as can be imagined and for all the attention she still attracts, the only winner out of it was Obama.
So when Paddy described the Tories' sudden reversion to type, spraying round tax promises without a clue as to how to pay for them, as their 'Sarah Palin moment,' I found myself having my own nod-along moment.
The main question for this campaign is whether people think Cameron, Osborne et al are ready and able to govern Britain? McCain's Sarah Palin moment undermined his credibility. I continue to argue, as I have since they made the move in the first place, that the Tories' National Insurance gambit is having a similar effect, which is why Alistair Darling has moved back to the top of the 'best Chancellor' ratings. Roll on the real debates.
The Tories will also be getting a bit jittery that despite firing some of their biggest shots, and despite the more than fair wind given them by the media, they have not moved further ahead.
Deep down there is something that holds back decent fair-minded people from switching to the Tories. We should be grateful to Neil, Paddy and Michael Howard for reminding us why.
*** Buy The Blair Years and help raise cash for Labour http://www.alastaircampbell.org/bookshop.php.
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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
Matthew Patrick
2010-04-13 13:44:55A few points that have struck me in recent days/weeks.
1 - I think you should respond to some of the comments posted on here (if time allows it) because I would like to see some of the moronic retorts knocked back.
2 - Since when did every political commentator decide to be rude? It seems that the mindset of these people is much like the 'footballers get paid loads of money so deserve abuse' one. Members of Parliament, like everybody else, should be treated with respect. Not interrupted. I think, as I believe you recently said, these journalists are trying to make them a keypoint of the election. Quite frankly, I'm getting tired of it being acceptable for MPs to be abused in such a way.
3 - The media are heavily favouring the Tories, still. Even Tory supporters I know accept this and regularly highlight this to me.
4 - George Osborne wishing that girl good luck with her job search seemed so false I cringed more than I did during most episodes of the office.
5 - We can win this election. I'm out canvassing nearly every night and the response is positive. We all need to work hard and make sure that the country doesn't make a disasterous decision.
6 - Would love to see you interviewing Cameron/Osborne etc. Real scrutiny as opposed to Titchmarsh - I can dream, can't I?
Keep up your excellent blog!
Thanks
Matthew
Chris lancashire
2010-04-12 10:35:47What is it GB says at PMQs when he's run out of answers? "No policies, no ideas" Well that certainly applies to this blog. Policy-lite but heavy on unpleasant personal attacks.
Kevin Mc
2010-04-11 21:22:10I completely disagree with the Tory's marriage tax break proposal however it seems incredibly thick of them from a political perspective not to stick a clause into it that it is only available on anybody's first marriage. If the point is to incentivise commitment then allowing divorcees (mostly blokes, let's face it) to remarry and take advantage of the marrital tax break is bloody ridiculous. They could save themselves 'some' of the political fallout from single parents if they did something like that.
All in all I think it's a crap policy but a good example that the Tory's don't seem to have the basic instincts to build whatever moats are necessary around their policies to get them through an election. Hopefully this will crack them as we head nearer to the polling.
Joseph Bua
2010-04-11 20:39:02I have to take exception to your description of Sarah Palin as George W. Bush in a skirt.
As bad as eight years of Bush was for my United States there is nothing that holds more potential for the ruination of this country than these three words: President Sarah Palin.
And of course, it will never happen. As you might have seen in the straw poll this weekend in New Orleans at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, Palin's negatives far outweigh her ability to fill a room with older non-college educated seniors who dislike Black people.
Her demographic just can grow past that.
Julia
2010-04-11 18:58:52Much as I am disappointed in and deeply disilusioned by Labour and the wasted opportunities for radical reform and excessive reliance on spin (yes Alastair I am looking at you!) in the early, heady days when you had so much goodwill, hope and optimism behind you, I am utterly horrifed by the thought of a return to Tory 'Family Values' which are so redolent of the Victorians in their sheer hypocrisy, not to mention simply being meaningless soundbites that will barely save pennies, let alone milions of pounds, that I shall have to wearily and unenthusiastically vote Labour again without any real hope of change or improvement. Ah well.....
Patrick James
2010-04-11 15:32:44The state of the Conservative campaign at the moment reminds me a bit of a car with a flat battery. You sit in the car using the weak starter motor hoping the engine will fire up, but all that happens is that you use up the last bit of electricity in the battery and the car goes completely dead.
The Conservatives have used up nearly all the electricity they had in their battery.
The tiny bit left isn't enough to start their Quattro.
Mark Wright
2010-04-11 13:22:44Cameron's statement that the £150 marriage tax break being a 'start' should send shivers up the spine of all those not living in the 1800's. What on earth could he be talking about? Seriously.
Only a week into the campaign and they're banging on about the importance of marriage being the bedrock of society. That didn't take long then.
How wonderful that they are all in nice safe, secure relationships. How magnificent that we can revel in their excellent choice of partners negating even the merest contemplation of a split. And how unfortunate that for those trapped in loveless, violent, abusive marriages for whom separation is the only option will be branded as 'failures' and contributors to the decline of our society as a whole by a tax stystem intent on puffing up the already over-puffed chests of 'those that know best' in the upper echelons of Tory-dom.
***Weird photo op of the day: Nick Clegg and Vince Cable sharing tea and, specifically, hob nobs in his back garden. Bless.
Andrew Harding
2010-04-11 13:11:28Interesting post. I've always felt the Tories lead would diminish - as it's become increasingly clear they lack actual policies and still hold horrible values (particularly evident in hard times). Cameron is a good PR guy - but look who surrounds him. Osborne, Fox, Grayling, if the Tories don't win the election it'll be because Camerons deputies appear to be clueless.
Charlie Reynolds
2010-04-11 12:52:36I understand you were a follower of Steve McLennan?
Can you explain why you did not comment when he joked about slavery, coffin dodgers and chavs. This is New Labour through and through. No principles, no morals, no policies and no ideas. Just the desire to have power.
When's Tony's next appearance - can't wait to see the dear leader again. Is he a non-dom by the way?
You are getting increasingly desperate in your blog. I am not sure what Michael Howard's relevance is - he is not even an MP is he? Is that the best you can do?
Pantsdown had 'an evening with paddy' event at the town hall in Brum. It was cancelled because almost no one bought tickets. I got an email offering them desperately for £5 per head. What a pompous, arrogant, pious dick he is.
Do you think any floating voter watching would have been anything but put off everyone after seeing Kinnock, Howard and Ashdown. I'm pretty sure you don't really....
I thought you were going to continue talking about Labour putting up taxes?
K.R.Lohse
2010-04-11 12:41:56Dear Alistair. It's always entertaining when you come out for a Spin. Never mind, in 25 day's time you can put the old banger into a long-awaited retirement and spend more time with your family.
Alison Milton
2010-04-11 12:39:47Clegg is emerging as quite an attractive character. Liked his attack on the marriage plans. But the truth is only Brown or Cameron can be PM. I do not warm much to Brown but I would really hate it if Cameron got in. Why can't people see through him as clearly as I do. I voted Lib Dem last time but I now live in a West Yorks Lab-Tory marginal and will vote Labour
Pauline Gregg
2010-04-11 12:37:53I think the Tories won on the politics but lost on the economics and there is enough time for that to take the upper hand in this debate. They will have more promises in their manifesto and more phoney ways to pay for them.
Charlie Hall
2010-04-11 12:36:37What's all this cosying up to Lib Dems then? First you were tweeting to Charlie Kennedy, now this ... ? I agree with you on Howard though. What a throwback and good to remind people Cameron was his sidekick. Also one of the papers today has picture of Cameron as Major's sidekick in 1992. Just another Tory boy deep down
Mick
2010-04-11 12:22:50Would be good to get the public thinking along the lines of 'Nice try Dave, but we don't think you're quite ready to lead us just yet. Come back next time and try again. You may have more experience by then'.
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