Remembering Tony Blair
Posted by: Rasher on 26 September 2006
When all is said and done and Tony Blair's reign is over, I'm wondering when we look back over the whole 10 years, whether we will remember him for his successes, like making the Labour Party electable for 3 terms, or whether we remember him post 9/11 for his unpopular stance on foreign policy.
More worryingly, who the hell do we vote for now?
More worryingly, who the hell do we vote for now?
Posted on: 26 September 2006 by JoeH
quote:More worryingly, who the hell do we vote for now?
Nobody. Next election's not for another three years minimum. I expect NuLab's support to drop like a stone once Blair's gone, so the new leader will prolly do a Callaghan and hang on for the full 5 year stretch, making the next election some time in 2010. By then Cameron might actually have indicated what policies he's intending to offer, though I'm not holding my breath. I suspect it'll be the usual spoiled ballot paper for me!
Posted on: 26 September 2006 by Steve S1
Ignore the politics of either of them.
Presumably when Blair & Brown agreed on their "dream ticket" it was because Blair has the personality and charisma to do what a leader has to do - lead and present to all audiences. Brown was seen as a back room academic type who doesn't present well.
Err, what's changed?
If they elect Brown, it will be because there is nobody else. When they elected Blair it was because they thought he would deliver electoral success.
Come election time, those that can be bothered will do what they always do - vote for what we consider is the "least bad". Happy days.
Steve.
Presumably when Blair & Brown agreed on their "dream ticket" it was because Blair has the personality and charisma to do what a leader has to do - lead and present to all audiences. Brown was seen as a back room academic type who doesn't present well.
Err, what's changed?
If they elect Brown, it will be because there is nobody else. When they elected Blair it was because they thought he would deliver electoral success.
Come election time, those that can be bothered will do what they always do - vote for what we consider is the "least bad". Happy days.
Steve.
Posted on: 26 September 2006 by BigH47
Who?
Posted on: 26 September 2006 by Diode100
I expect him to be remembered for leading the three most incompetent governments this country has had, certainly in my lifetime.
Posted on: 26 September 2006 by Beano
All Political parties end-up having to swallow their own lies sooner or later.
Beano
Beano
Posted on: 26 September 2006 by rackkit
quote:Originally posted by Rasher:
When all is said and done and Tony Blair's reign is over, I'm wondering when we look back over the whole 10 years, whether we will remember him for his successes, like making the Labour Party electable for 3 terms, or whether we remember him post 9/11 for his unpopular stance on foreign policy.
Iraq.
Posted on: 26 September 2006 by Clay Bingham
Diode
So that makes you what, about 8 years old.
So that makes you what, about 8 years old.
Posted on: 27 September 2006 by rupert bear
quote:Originally posted by Steve S1:
Ignore the politics of either of them.
Presumably when Blair & Brown agreed on their "dream ticket" it was because Blair has the personality and charisma to do what a leader has to do - lead and present to all audiences. Brown was seen as a back room academic type who doesn't present well.
Err, what's changed?
If they elect Brown, it will be because there is nobody else. When they elected Blair it was because they thought he would deliver electoral success.
Come election time, those that can be bothered will do what they always do - vote for what we consider is the "least bad". Happy days.
Steve.
So come on, Steve, what actually would be your ideal set of policies - something which would actually enthuse you to vote?
Posted on: 27 September 2006 by Diode100
quote:Originally posted by Clay Bingham:
Diode
So that makes you what, about 8 years old.
Afraid not, been old enough to ride a moped for quite a while now. Also old enough to remember when advertising agencies didn't pose as political parties, and when governments were able to routinely formulate and pass legislation that stood up to the first legal challenge or appeal.
Posted on: 27 September 2006 by Steve S1
quote:old enough to remember when advertising agencies didn't pose as political parties,
That'll be Thatch and Saatchi & Saatchi then?
Posted on: 27 September 2006 by Diode100
quote:Originally posted by Steve S1:quote:old enough to remember when advertising agencies didn't pose as political parties,
That'll be Thatch and Saatchi & Saatchi then?
Good point, but did S&S have their own people in the cabinet, did they supply downing St staff, did they actually formulate policy ?
Posted on: 27 September 2006 by Steve S1
quote:Good point, but did S&S have their own people in the cabinet, did they supply downing St staff, did they actually formulate policy ?
Possibly not. But lest we forget where the focus group/image/stage managed conference type politics began to catch on in the UK.
Suddenly it became important to be unified (i.e slavishly follow the party line). Not appear divided - all be "on-message" etc.
New Labour took those lessons - and did it better. The ultimate triumph of style and image over debate.
But let's be fair to all parties (I know it hurts) - the 24 hour news media demands these things. Debate things freely and be democratic - you might as well write your losing electoral address there and then.
Steve.
Posted on: 27 September 2006 by Malky
I'll remember Tone more as Richard Nixon than Winston Churchill.
Posted on: 27 September 2006 by bhazen
Is he dead?
Posted on: 28 September 2006 by Malky
He's been dead in the water for quite some time now.
Posted on: 30 September 2006 by Jo Sharp
The govt's spin & information management 'grid' coordinated from No 10 by that nice Mr Campbell........ Good days to bury bad news......constant re-announcing of re-cycled policies, pretending to be 'new' funding as if the country consists solely of people with an attention span limited to one month...policy decisions based on finding eye catching initiatives that can be associated with the PM..
much too close to G. Orwell for comfort
much too close to G. Orwell for comfort
Posted on: 30 September 2006 by Rasher
Not so sure. The future was never predicted that the public would be so well informed and be so able to investigate through available technology. Politicians are being watched very closely.
Posted on: 30 September 2006 by long-time-dead
I suggest that the Naim Forum be installed as the next government.
Now. Who wants to be leader ?
Now. Who wants to be leader ?
Posted on: 03 October 2006 by Right Wing
Me