Good for Gordon
6 Comments
Leave a Reply to Charlie Barnes Cancel reply
My Latest Book
But What Can I Do?
Why politics has gone so wrong, and how you can help fix it
by
Alastair Campbell
"Your country needs you. Your world needs you. Your time is now."
Our politics is a mess. We have leaders who can't or shouldn't be allowed to lead. We endure governments that lie, and seek to undermine our democratic values. And we are confronted with policies that serve the interests of the privileged few. It's no surprise that so many of us feel frustrated, let down and drawn to ask, 'But what can I do?' That question is the inspiration behind this book. It's a question regularly posed to Alastair Campbell, not least in reaction to The Rest is Politics, the chart-topping podcast he presents with former Tory Cabinet minister Rory Stewart. His answer, typically, is forthright and impassioned. We cannot afford to stand on the sidelines. If we think things need to change, then we need to change them, and that means getting involved. But What Can I Do? provides each of us with the motivation and the tools to make a difference. Opening with an acute analysis of our polarised world and the populists and extremists who have shaped it, it goes on to show how we help transform it. It explains how we can develop our skills of advocacy and persuasion. It draws on Alastair’s long experience, as well as on role models and lessons from history, to offer practical tips on starting and leading a campaign. It offers advice on developing confidence and coping with criticism and setbacks. And it sets out the practical steps by which we can become political players ourselves. Part call to arms, part practical handbook, But What Can I Do? will prove required reading for anyone who wants to help change things for the better.
great Vlog, thank you. Agree re Clegg. The objective should be to make it easier for the public to vote for the person they believe will deliver the vision they want. Not sure that having a 3 way debate is going to help that process.
PMQs was fairly lively as you said in your tweet, but Gordon should not just go on about figures, but beliefs. I thought his tribute to Michael Foot was flat and he did not react fast enough to Cameron going off on one first about the military being Tories and then the one about the Tories winning the Cold War. I dread to think what your old boss would have done with that one … Cameron would be somewhere near Big Ben right now
Expectations for Gordon low. Cameron too glib for a long series of exchanges but Clegg will give him breathing space. Btw, ever thought of transcribing the vlogs and putting the words on the blog??
I realise we live in an Orwellian state where the truth is what Big Brother Brown says it is regardless of the evidence, so maybe I’m entirely missing the point but you’ve twice in videos said that his record is a positive. I’m going to resist the temptation to do the wide-ranging list thing and just ask how you can see the record on his relationship with the military as good for Gordon. Eminent military personnel, senior civil servants and even a coroner have all come out directly and indirectly referring to the inadequate backing the forces received from the PM when he was Chancellor. Isn’t the voter likely to disregard the PM’s protests to the contrary and conclude that these numerous and consistent data points evidence an appalling record in relation to the military? How is that a positive?
I have rejoined the Labour Party largely because of these blogs. I was a member around 1997 and worked at the count in Stonehaven – one of the best nights of my life. It may seem odd but I have a similar feeling as pre 1997 win. I think Gordon is coming into form at just the right time and I think Cameron will be shown up in the debates. There is a change in the air – it’s all to play for.
I’ve just watched the snippet of PMQ’s which is linked to at the Labour List blog as “Cameron loses his rag”. This is the part about the funding for the troops in Afghanistan.
Cameron gets very red in the face and looks a bit ridiculous, but Brown remains absolutely calm and in control of what he is saying.
In that situation Brown is the clear winner. In the TV debates I feel that it would be great if Brown utilises his ability to remain calm.