192. Are We On The Brink Of World War III? (Odd Arne Westad)
8 June 2026
Bring on the big debate. And don’t miss Eddie Izzard tomorrow
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15 April 2010
I think I have now read every word David Cameron has ever spoken (well, every word he has spoken which has been recorded). Heir to Blair he ain't. Go back and read TB speeches way back when, and then the last speeches he made as PM, and it is possible to discern the same big themes and priorities.
Cameron is a strategic jack in the box. I have lost count of the number of issues that he has described as his biggest priority. I had totally forgotten that little phase he had when it was all about the environment.
Most people tuning in to the first televised leaders' debate tonight will already feel they know GB. Some will have good impressions, some bad, but nobody will be unaware of who and what he is.
Yet after four years as leader of the Tories, DC still cuts an unsure figure in many ways. He is very good at presentation, but he has presented many different facets without a coherent whole coming through. He hoped his Big Society theme would do it, but if the polling I have seen is anything to go by, far from energising the public, it seems to have alarmed them, particularly this idea that in addition to doing jobs and raising children, people are also expected to run public services.
Anyway, not long to kick-off now. It seems so long ago that we almost agreed to these debates, in 1997, and now here they are finally upon us. I have not been over to the media centre here in Manchester but those who have tell me the circus is in full swing. I really hope we get the viewing figures, and the debate, to match.
If people really don't want to watch, they can tune in to BBC1. DIY SOS is on, which I assume is a Tory party political broadcast about the Big Society.
And while we're on the subject of politics and broadcasts, may I commend for your viewing something that normally has everyone reaching for the off button on the remote - tomorrow's Labour election broadcast fronted by Eddie Izzard. It is brilliant. Honest. Trust me, I'm a doctor. It is on BBC2 at 17.55, BBC1 at 18.55 and ITV at 18.25.
** Buy The Blair Years online and raise cash for Labour http://www.alastaircampbell.org/bookshop.php.
Every word that DC has uttered … you poor thing, worse than having to watch the Clarets on a wet Tuesday evening in November at the Withdean.
I have huge respect for Eddie and he may still change my vote. But I want Labour to list all that they’ve done and are going to do, not resort to “Tories! Very Scary! Run!” style attacks. I was still at School during Thatcher.. trying to scare me with her name isn’t going to win my vote. Listing Labour policy achievements might.
The Eddie Izzard PEB is outrageous propaganda, sweetened by a spoonful of patronising celebrity. Champagne socialists lecturing us on who we should vote for insults the intelligence of the electorate.
In my opinion, anyone who is influenced in the ballot box by their favourite ‘celeb’ should have their vote taken away from them!
Yes I know GB…he lies, he deceives, he bullies, he manipulates. He has presided over and been responsible for the biggest bust in our history. Or was there some other aspect of GB I was meant to be aware of?
The thing with spin is that if you are spinning against something (DC in this case) then you must actually be quite scared of it. After all if you tried to spin GB you would actually have much material to work with
DC is now trying to compare himself to JFK.
JFK was a visionary, with a dream for the future.
DC is a fantasist with a damp matress
DC is now trying to compare himself to JFK.
JFK was a visionary, with a dream for the future.
DC is a fantasist with a damp matress
“Heir to Blair he is not” – and thank God for that. We have had enough of lying cheating devious unprincipled politicians leading us. Time for a change – DC will do me!
Your comment on Dave’s fly-by-night-ness of so called prioirity issues is spot on. Remember the north pole trip – where are the huskies now? Where will Goldie Hawn be after her morning yoga session once the local do-gooders have kicked off their own new school and realised there is actually some science behind education? And so it goes on. Shame about the documentary on bbc2 though on Lagos it’s supposed to be impressive but he’s been pipped at the post for viewers…
Roll on 8.30 – unprecendented viewing.
Nick Clegg was sensational. Wiped DC off the map. Amazing result.
Alastair your a legend Brown did brilliantly and nailed Cameron he needs a bit more practice on his punchlines however.
A Progressive Alliance is called for -with tactical voting centre-stage imo. If -as is currently predicted by patterns in the marginals -The Conservatives win a clear outright majority -there is no hope for The Lib Debs -or Labour -or The Greens of seeing any power for a generation. Why? Because the Tories will abolish at least 65 MPs -and I doubt those cuts will be in the Shires -and the SNP will press for separation after 2 years of Tory slash and burn. Result? Permanent Tory England for years -and massive social unrest.
On Policy -Labour should -imo -announce the clear intention to raise billions by an internationally agreed tax on financial speculation and to raise far more than the Libs or the Cons are offering. This would greatly reassure the Public about the scale of cuts.