Borrowed from the Audacity of Pope:
http://www.youtube.com/user/AudacityPope#p/u/8/lDs-WyaQNRo
Brilliant.
Good effort today BULS – 35 door to door contacts and many more leaflets out in Edgbaston, some real troopers (Kieran, Max and Luke I’m looking at you) stayed til the bitter end on the phone! Well done everyone!
Lucky we’ve all got election fever given this weather 
Suzy
As someone on the BBC website said regarding the ‘Bigoted woman’ comment:
“My guess is that 9 out of 10 politicians say things like Mr Brown said once they believe they no longer on air.
We say that we want politicians to be more honest and say what they really believe, but they all know that if they did so, they would never win an election. Politicians are immersed in politics and have a much deeper understanding than the average member of the public, and almost all must be frustrated on occasions, by the naivety of the some members of the public, especially those that rely on the “red top” press for their information.”
—
Absolutely.
It was an embarassing outburst but I think all of the leaders will have said something unpleasant about people they have met in this campaign. The only difference is that they have not been caught.
Can I ask why people are surprised about a politician saying one thing about someone then another the next minute? A Politician, two faced? Fancy that! Next you will be telling me the world is spherical… Hardly news really is it? It comes with the job, and is sometimes, quite frankly necessary. Do you expect Gordon Brown or David Cameron or Nick Clegg to say what they really think next time they meet an Iranian leader or the head of some banana republic with no human rights? No, of course not. They all have to act smooth and cozy up to people, pretending they like them when in reality they dislike and disdain them, and this almost certainly applies to the public as much as other leaders.
As any experienced political canvasser will tell you, you often encounter people on the doorstep who are, quite frankly, idiots. But no political canvasser ever tells them. In fact, how often does a canvasser stand and talk to someone, feigning to agree or listen to them despite long before thinking that they know absolutely nothing. I would wager, more often than they care to admit.
Gordon Brown is almost certainly no different to Clegg and Cameron in that regard. The only difference is, he got caught doing it.
May I ask how often do some of these very journalists who are now criticising Brown write about the general public in a way that is condescending and demeaning whether talking about reality tv shows, football crowds or voter apathy? I very rarely see these people apologising for things they say, yet Brown does and is still jumped on for it.
To these people who say that Brown can’t stand people who have a different opinion to himself can I ask: who genuinely doesn’t resent other people having different opinions to them? We all do, even if only a little bit. It’s a perfectly human reaction. The difference with Brown is, he gets more emotional about it than other people do, and, again, he got caught. If Gordon Brown could not work or cope with people of a different opinion to himself, I don’t think he would have got anywhere in politics or anywhere else for that matter.
Hence I believe it was the outburst of a tired, man who is low on confidence and who was frustrated at not being able to talk to someone as he wanted to and who thought he would look bad as a result. It does not justify what he said about the lady at all, and he absolutely should have apologised for it, but it can explain it.
Cameron and Clegg are naturally more appealing and better at dealing with ordinary members of the public in a way that Gordon Brown is not. I think Gordon knows he is not good at that sort of thing and so I think that is why his campaign previously was focused on him in more controlled circumstances. I think the debates have shown he can win arguments, but he struggles to win debates, because he is not necessarily the warmest or most congenial of people. I think when he is with people of a different opinion, he is not good at off the cuff debates and in discussions with people. He is better with facts and figures in hand persuading people by the force of argument and by substance. Cameron and Clegg win hands down on charisma and people skills. But being congenial and good with people is not the only aspect to being a good leader.
I think he acted the way he did because it was a situation which he is not comfortable in and which he as a result felt nervous about. He then, for whatever reason, assume dit had gone badly because he knows it is not his strength. Hence where the outburst came from.
To use an example from the world of sport, Sir Alex Ferguson (and Brian Clough) both have been reported as having severe problems in expressing their opinions and acting in haste when angry. They are, however, two of the most successful managers in history. To use the example of history Winston Churchill had terrible anger problems, disagreed with people left right and centre and hated people who disagreed with him. He is also widely reputed to have treated his staff terribly. He was also naturally shy, stammered, had a lisp and did, on occasion, fall out with members of the public. Adolf Hitler bought his staff flowers and cake and was regarded as a kindly boss. He was one of the most brilliant speakers the world has ever seen and was beloved by virtually all who came across him to the extent that many of his closest aides continued to worship him after his death and died for him.
That is what I am trying to highlight. There is more to a leader than how they are with the public and with their staff. There is their principles, their judgement and their politics and that is what I hope people will judge them on.
By Sean Woodcock
Labour’s first attack ad of the campaign with three poignant points: Scrapping most child tax credits and baby bonds and what I personally find disgusting, scrapping your right to see a cancer specialist within two weeks.
Max
Last night saw the second ever televised Leaders Debate which was held in Bristol on Sky News. What can be said that from the polls it was a tight result with most putting Clegg narrowly ahead. However, a more specific ICM poll that asked ‘Who would you consider the best potential PM of the three?’ put Brown at 35%, Cameron 33% and Clegg 26%. Brown is also regarded the most decisive figure at 38%, Cameron on 33% and Clegg 25%. Finally, Brown again is regarded as the most respected global figure on 44%, Cameron on 34% and Clegg on 20%, so quite evidently a definite improvement on Brown’s performance.
Personally, Clegg did perform well but unlike the first debate he never had the opportunity to distance himself from the other two and come across as the only one answering the questions. This is clearly due to both Brown and Cameron learning from their mistakes from the last debate. Again, the less said about Cameron the better, he literally re-wrote his manifesto when it came to eye tests, but also if you were to ever watch Cameron at any campaign event he does (while obviously lacking substance) have a way with connecting with the audience, but over the last two debates he has completely failed to use this strength.
Max
We’re a party with big ideas. We care about the important things. We’re down to earth and have our finger on the pulse more than any other party. We’re out on the doorstep and people are saying “thanks for what you’ve done so far.”
On the doorstep I’ve had rude people, angry people, disillusioned people and apathetic people. But I’ve also had lots of smiles and responses “nice one with the hospitals and schools” or “I voted for Thatcher cos she was a woman, but I’ve since realised that Labour are the only party actually putting women out there” or “I know what it’s like to be on the dole so I’m not about to vote for Tory cuts”.
Gordon’s right, the polls aren’t everything and honeymoons fade. We’ve got the solid experience to move Britain forward.
It’s all to play for!
Last night saw history in the making in British politics, the first ever televised leaders debate was held on ITV. The main focus of the debate was on domestic affairs covering immigration, cleaning up politics, crime, education and the NHS.
Now in terms of answering the questions, connecting with audience (whether in studio or at home) and expressing his views, the debate was easily won by Nick Clegg. It would have been highly surprising if Brown had won on those particular areas, given his ‘radio face’. However, when it came to substance and detail, Brown was the clear winner as reflected on the likes of Facebook and Question that followed the debate on BBC1 and simply the fact that detail is Brown’s strength.
The less said about Dave the better who mentioned his token ‘black person’ friend, regarded China as dangerous as Iran and completely failed to answer Brown’s questions on comittment to spending on law and order and education.
The next debate is to be held on Thursday the 22nd April on Sky News, which will focus upon International Affairs. I personally will be looking forward to watching Dave receive questions on his allies in the European Parliament.
Max
For the newbies and the forgetful:
- The Midlands is historically the main battle-ground of the general election, many of the constituencies are swing seats.
- You, yes YOU! Are probably living in either the Edgbaston or Selly Oak constituencies right now!
- This election is likely to prove very tough for Gisela Stuart, who is campaigning for her fourth term in a traditionally Tory area
- UofB’s very own Brigid Jones is campaigning hard for election as a local councillor in Selly Oak
- Steve Mccabe is the other big name to be watching people! PPC for Selly Oak 
- If you can spare time for any of these wondeful candidates then do it! Voter canvassing and leaflet delivering is going on at this very moment!
- Only 23 days to go til the election!
Let’s go fourth!
The new Labour party manifesto video. Almost as good as
http://bulsonline.org/2010/03/11/the-worlds-greatest-political-party-broadcast/
me thinks.
Max
This is Labour’s first party election broadcast of the 2010 general election. Now while I think the message may be a tad on the negative (don’t change at such a fragile moment, which is fair enough though) but does reflect how effectively the collective efforts that have been implemented across the world, supported by most economists and major independent financial bodies (such as the IMF and the CBI) where seemingly opposed by the likes of the Conservatives in such a crucial time. Judgement is a fundamental aspect of government and in the words of Alistair Darling on George Osborne in an interview in the Guardian not too long ago (more or less), “George’s judgement is rather poor. You would have thought a shadow Chancellor would get something right.”
Max
I was surprised yesterday to see Dave have a column in the comments section of the Guardian where he claimed the Tories were the true radicals and that Labour were now the reactionaries. A more or less response was published in todays Guardian from Polly Toynbee which effectively ripped Dave to shreds-
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/apr/10/beware-radical-tories-reality-terrifying
In short this was little points of the modern Tory party:
So evidently, he is in fact radical, but not in the way he makes himself out to be.
Max
Two little things pointed out today on the BBC I found rather funny on the ensuing national insurance rise/Tory ‘efficiency’ savings.
A little on the side, tax breaks for married couples, while still lacking full detail (how original) the Tories will be going ahead with it. I’m sorry but you could really spend that money elsewhere on far better causes like rejuvenating deprived areas, creating a more environmentally friendly economy or simply paying off the deficit.
Max
With the campaign well under way, many have begun to question Dave’s consistency on cutting the deficit. Labour wishes to cut the deficit in half in 4 years, the Tories say they will do it faster. However, there is one little nagging issue for the Tories as they have made similar pledges to cut certain taxes, namely:
Now frankly during decent economic periods these would actually be realistic arguments and policies, but when the UK has only just emerged from recession (I read somewhere today that the UK has in fact avoided a double-dip recession with growth at 0.4% for the first quarter) and a substantial budget deficit. So where will this money come from to fund millionaires? Yep, you guessed it, front line services with Boy George (Osborne) saying that it would cost 44,000 public sector jobs. There has been an apparent efficiency savings but even IF they managed to cough up the aforementioned amount of money it still would not be enough to cover all the tax cuts.
Max
Today, PM Gordon Brown went to see HM Queen Elizabeth II to request a dissolution of Parliament which she consented to. So begins probably the most important election in a generation. Substance will be pitted against style and judgement against opportunism. Personally, I found it rather fitting that Brown announced the election alongside his cabinet stating he is “not a team of one, but one of a team.” which is in stark contrast to Dave’s oh so modest posters of his airbrushed self.
This has to be one of the most exciting times to be a Labour activist. BULS I can tell is keen to get stuck in with many key constituencies in the West Midlands. Our two local candidates are Giesla Stuart (Edgbaston) and Steve McCabe (Selly Oak).
There are few BULS members still in Brum so if you ever want to help out with BULS just email into committee@bulsonline.org or if you can’t, get out there and get involved in your local CLP!
Max
2. Tory political oppurtunism at the worst possible time
The second blog in this series I was going to save for last but as it is the biggest issue I personally have against Dave and the Tories, I thought it’d be better to get it out of the way now. The cartoon above is taken from my favourite political cartoonist, Chris Riddell, from the Observer. This was done just after the Tories 2008 party conference and virtually the start of the financial crisis were the banks were on the edge of collapse.
If you drift your memories back to Labour’s 2008 conference Gordon Brown famously stated in the midst of the banking crisis, “this is no time for a novice”. This was followed by Dave at the Tory party conference who pledged Brown a degree of support to bail-out the banks. 10 days later Dave changed tack in PMQs and attacking Brown for the likes of reckless spending and so ending the temporary political truce. Evidently Dave’s made a big issue out of this since which, but what about those 10 days?
Brown was jetting around Europe organising an international effort during those 10 days and obviously he got a tad of media coverage, which was inevitable given the circumstances.
So it can be seen that Dave did realise that this at the time was the right course of action but once again his need to appear different to the Government (and somehow a better option) prevailed. But, this is something we cannot allow the public to forget or to forgive!
Max
