Question Time has just finished and it proved quite illuminating. Both Nick and Chris performed well and there were unsurprisingly few moments of real tension. Chris did come out with some barbed comments about Nick's approach to Trident but generally this was good natured.
Chris scord points with this viewer with some interesting comments about Trident tying us into a 50 year ontract with the USA and he of course spoke well throughout the programme,
As for Nick, he was similarly assured. He must win the prize for 'bleeding heart' liberalism as he likes to raise problems in that earnest, American 'I'm going to cry, it's so bad' way but he is undoubtedly polished. His comment that his children's education is not a matter for debate did rankle with me. It is, Nick and if you have any ambition to be in the public eye, it always will be. As an alumnus of a dreadful state school I feel the issue of investing in our education system personally, as should our MPs.
I started the programme as a 'Cleggie' and that's how I ended it. The reasons for this were both down to Chris Huhne demonstrating weaknesses rather than Nick being sensational.
Firstly, Chris Huhne does go on too long. He dosn't understand soundbites, as the dreadful nine word slogan for his campaign attests and I'm afraid that we live in a soundbite world. Secondly, he demonstrated a ruthlessness which is not appealing, even though I recognise that it is necessary in politics. It needs to be more subtle than Chris demonstrated on this occasion.
All that said, I remain fully supportive of Chris as an extremely able MP and party spokesman but my vote for Nick is confirmed. My only proviso is tht he needs to sort out the education issue. It does matter.
Thursday, 15 November 2007
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What both candidates still need is more of a "narrative" as they say.
A narrative about Liberalism, and a narative about how this will become reality.
Communciating with the public is meant to be Cleggs great gift so perhaps I'm not an ordinary person, but I found him a little dull, a little uninspiring. (I must be a bit ordinary, I switched off before the end!)
I started ther campaign thinking I would switch to Clegg, but I guess like a number of people I like more of Chris's policies and message.
Having said that, yes Chris and Nick both need to sharpen and hone their messages.
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