Comments on: My endorsement of the Libdems further clarified http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/ Left-wing news, opinion and activism Sat, 26 May 2012 07:22:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Matthew Little http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-345106 Matthew Little Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:51:35 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-345106 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">.@DPJHodges When did Sunny Hundal become voice of the Labour Party? What with his record (point 4 esp): http://t.co/XtFH3hzv</span></span> .@DPJHodges When did Sunny Hundal become voice of the Labour Party? What with his record (point 4 esp): http://t.co/XtFH3hzv

]]> By: Henry G Manson http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-345107 Henry G Manson Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:50:41 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-345107 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">.@DPJHodges When did Sunny Hundal become voice of the Labour Party? What with his record (point 4 esp): http://t.co/XtFH3hzv</span></span> .@DPJHodges When did Sunny Hundal become voice of the Labour Party? What with his record (point 4 esp): http://t.co/XtFH3hzv

]]> By: sunny hundal http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-328309 sunny hundal Sun, 06 Nov 2011 02:12:52 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-328309 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">@krissie_r hey I didn't even vote Labour at the last election! http://t.co/YMVJo87H</span></span> @krissie_r hey I didn't even vote Labour at the last election! http://t.co/YMVJo87H

]]> By: Pickled Politics » The political dilemma on immigration and welfare http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-322376 Pickled Politics » The political dilemma on immigration and welfare Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:59:59 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-322376 [...] want Labour to triangulate on welfare or immigration any more either. This is specifically why I didn’t vote for them in 2010. But I also recognise I was more to the left of the public on the issue, and it’s difficult [...] [...] want Labour to triangulate on welfare or immigration any more either. This is specifically why I didn’t vote for them in 2010. But I also recognise I was more to the left of the public on the issue, and it’s difficult [...]

]]> By: sunny hundal http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-226262 sunny hundal Thu, 20 Jan 2011 19:16:46 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-226262 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">@amancalledprak I voted Libdem then because of the stances Lab took - http://bit.ly/bry0Vk</span></span> @amancalledprak I voted Libdem then because of the stances Lab took – http://bit.ly/bry0Vk

]]> By: Liberal Conspiracy » Majority Government – or tabloid rule? http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-129064 Liberal Conspiracy » Majority Government – or tabloid rule? Thu, 06 May 2010 15:04:34 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-129064 [...] the background, as Sunny says, Labour needs a months-long conversation, a real contest, and new foundations. Go back to the roots with humility, listen, and think [...] [...] the background, as Sunny says, Labour needs a months-long conversation, a real contest, and new foundations. Go back to the roots with humility, listen, and think [...]

]]> By: Nick Cohen is a Tory http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-127878 Nick Cohen is a Tory Wed, 05 May 2010 16:35:58 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-127878 Duncan true. I don't believe word Cohen says. The reason he is saying he is voting Labour is when he spews his neo Thatcherite nonsense , he will blurt out " I say this from a labour perspective" The man is giant fibber and his X will be next to the Tory candidate. Duncan true.
I don’t believe word Cohen says.
The reason he is saying he is voting Labour is when he spews his neo Thatcherite nonsense , he will blurt out ” I say this from a labour perspective”
The man is giant fibber and his X will be next to the Tory candidate.

]]> By: Duncan http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-127313 Duncan Wed, 05 May 2010 01:42:11 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-127313 @42 - I current put the value of Johann Hari at 48 Nick Cohens; Cohen has endorsed Labour, Hari the LibDems. Cohen is, as you say, neo-Tory yet both the Times and the FT endorsed Cameron so it's a crazy election. Every credible popular science writer appears to be endorsing Evan Harris, which worryingly suggests to me he might need it. @42 – I current put the value of Johann Hari at 48 Nick Cohens; Cohen has endorsed Labour, Hari the LibDems. Cohen is, as you say, neo-Tory yet both the Times and the FT endorsed Cameron so it’s a crazy election.

Every credible popular science writer appears to be endorsing Evan Harris, which worryingly suggests to me he might need it.

]]> By: Duncan http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-127312 Duncan Wed, 05 May 2010 01:39:59 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-127312 Re 4: Cowley St may be thinking that it would hurt the party to prop up an unpopular Labour party rather than see it decline. I suspect you could see a confidence and supply agreement with either party at this stage, though I suspect it would be easier to come to an agreement with the Labour party somewhat decapitated (Brown voluntarily, Balls on 6/5). Labour would then spend the next few years insinuating that all cuts should be blamed on the LibDems. You can be sure however in that the single constant of the last two decades, that Cowley Street are incredibly bad at making strategic decisions and offering sound positioning advice to the leader (for example see the General elections of 1992, 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2010 and damn near all by-elections in the same period). It would be nice to finish an election, or a by-election campaign, without having lost all confidence in the integrity or competence of LibDem HQ, Re 4: Cowley St may be thinking that it would hurt the party to prop up an unpopular Labour party rather than see it decline. I suspect you could see a confidence and supply agreement with either party at this stage, though I suspect it would be easier to come to an agreement with the Labour party somewhat decapitated (Brown voluntarily, Balls on 6/5). Labour would then spend the next few years insinuating that all cuts should be blamed on the LibDems.

You can be sure however in that the single constant of the last two decades, that Cowley Street are incredibly bad at making strategic decisions and offering sound positioning advice to the leader (for example see the General elections of 1992, 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2010 and damn near all by-elections in the same period). It would be nice to finish an election, or a by-election campaign, without having lost all confidence in the integrity or competence of LibDem HQ,

]]> By: Choices choices……. « Too Much To Say For Myself http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-127154 Choices choices……. « Too Much To Say For Myself Tue, 04 May 2010 15:13:01 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-127154 [...] during the by-election over being undecided as to who to vote for, and neither do I have to worry about having to vote tactically for the Lib Dems in order to keep the Tories out. In fact, voting for any party other than Labour [...] [...] during the by-election over being undecided as to who to vote for, and neither do I have to worry about having to vote tactically for the Lib Dems in order to keep the Tories out. In fact, voting for any party other than Labour [...]

]]> By: Vanessa Hearnden http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-127164 Vanessa Hearnden Tue, 04 May 2010 07:33:59 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-127164 <span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">Good guide for any left wing voter... http://bit.ly/b2Naz5 it's not about Lib or Lab it's about keeping the Tories out and electoral reform</span></span> Good guide for any left wing voter… http://bit.ly/b2Naz5 it's not about Lib or Lab it's about keeping the Tories out and electoral reform

]]> By: Nick Cohen is a Tory http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126727 Nick Cohen is a Tory Mon, 03 May 2010 19:27:29 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126727 sorry brights I sound like one of those bloody meerkats sorry brights
I sound like one of those bloody meerkats

]]> By: Nick Cohen is a Tory http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126725 Nick Cohen is a Tory Mon, 03 May 2010 19:24:57 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126725 They pissed off too many groups – it didn’t seem to occur to them that smokers, motorists, working families etc are also voters. Are the Tories going to get rid of the smokers ban, reduce fuel VAT. They are going to get rid of working families family credit Big government. The arguments against big government are well rehearsed on LC and I’m not going to repeat them. The problem in electoral terms is that big government can only get bigger, it has no where else to go. Practically all Nu Labs manifesto policies involved it getting even bigger. They became incapable of thinking in any terms other than “more government” This is nonsense, Labour is no more or less big government than any other administration. Personalities. Brown, Mandleson, Harman, Balls. This is quite possibly the most obnoxious collection of individuals assembled in one cabinet since the early days of Thatcher. You can get away with being obnoxious only if you are also talented. Personally I would withhold voting for them on this one alone. I agree with you on that. A Johnston/Cruddas ticket would have been better but are the Tories any better. Grayling and Osbourne are been hidden by the Tories Brown himself. Someone (Napoleon ?) said “Bring me lucky Generals. It was Napoleon talking to Marshal Ney I think. Your right on that, he has the look of a loser. Shame that now appearance is everything. I doubt Churchill or Atlee would be elected now Matt I doubt you would ever vote for any left of centre party, so why the concern. They pissed off too many groups – it didn’t seem to occur to them that smokers, motorists, working families etc are also voters.
Are the Tories going to get rid of the smokers ban, reduce fuel VAT. They are going to get rid of working families family credit

Big government. The arguments against big government are well rehearsed on LC and I’m not going to repeat them. The problem in electoral terms is that big government can only get bigger, it has no where else to go. Practically all Nu Labs manifesto policies involved it getting even bigger. They became incapable of thinking in any terms other than “more government”
This is nonsense, Labour is no more or less big government than any other administration.

Personalities. Brown, Mandleson, Harman, Balls. This is quite possibly the most obnoxious collection of individuals assembled in one cabinet since the early days of Thatcher. You can get away with being obnoxious only if you are also talented. Personally I would withhold voting for them on this one alone.
I agree with you on that. A Johnston/Cruddas ticket would have been better but are the Tories any better. Grayling and Osbourne are been hidden by the Tories

Brown himself. Someone (Napoleon ?) said “Bring me lucky Generals.
It was Napoleon talking to Marshal Ney I think. Your right on that, he has the look of a loser.
Shame that now appearance is everything. I doubt Churchill or Atlee would be elected now
Matt I doubt you would ever vote for any left of centre party, so why the concern.

]]> By: Nick Cohen is a Tory http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126722 Nick Cohen is a Tory Mon, 03 May 2010 19:13:28 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126722 As I have been blocked on Nick Cohens and Martin Bright's sites and as Bright as signposted this post. Rubbish about Cohen coming out to vote Labour. Cohen isn't going to vote Labour. Just read his articles. He hates labour and most of his articles are pro Cameron. This is just a case of marginalising the lib dems , the Tories biggest rivals. There is as much chance, Nick Cohen and Martin brights voting Labour as Norman Tebbit and James Delingpole. Read his articles and show me one pro Labour sentiment. As I have been blocked on Nick Cohens and Martin Bright’s sites and as Bright as signposted this post.
Rubbish about Cohen coming out to vote Labour.
Cohen isn’t going to vote Labour. Just read his articles. He hates labour and most of his articles are pro Cameron.
This is just a case of marginalising the lib dems , the Tories biggest rivals.
There is as much chance, Nick Cohen and Martin brights voting Labour as Norman Tebbit and James Delingpole.
Read his articles and show me one pro Labour sentiment.

]]> By: dave bones http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126700 dave bones Mon, 03 May 2010 16:02:43 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126700 Right. You gotta laugh though.. :-) Right. You gotta laugh though.. :-)

]]> By: Matt Munro http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126698 Matt Munro Mon, 03 May 2010 15:49:01 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126698 @ 38 "I’m not advocating defending Brown, I’m asking for a bit more intelligence in the analysis of why Labour is on course for a serious defeat." My starters for 10. They pissed off too many groups - it didn't seem to occur to them that smokers, motorists, working families etc are also voters. I blame a lot of this on giving various pressure groups too much influence over policy, and failing to recognise that the Westminster village is unrepresentative of anything except itself. Big government. The arguments against big government are well rehearesed on LC and I'm not going to repeat them. The problem in electoral terms is that big government can only get bigger, it has no where else to go. Practically all Nu Labs manifesto policies involved it getting even bigger. They became incapable of thinking in any terms other than "more government" Personalities. Brown, Mandleson, Harman, Balls. This is quite possibly the most obnoxious collection of individuals assembled in one cabinet since the early days of Thatcher. You can get away with being obnnoxious only if you are also talented. Personally I would withold voting for them on this one alone. Brown himself. Someone (Napoleon ?) said "Bring me lucky Generals". Brown had none whatsoever, and quite obviously got stiched up by his Tonyness, so that Blair will forever be associated with the party, and Brown with the hangover. That, coupled with an eccentric leadership style, less than polished social skills, and a shaky grasp of economics meant he was doomed from about day 30. @ 38 “I’m not advocating defending Brown, I’m asking for a bit more intelligence in the analysis of why Labour is on course for a serious defeat.”

My starters for 10.

They pissed off too many groups – it didn’t seem to occur to them that smokers, motorists, working families etc are also voters. I blame a lot of this on giving various pressure groups too much influence over policy, and failing to recognise that the Westminster village is unrepresentative of anything except itself.

Big government. The arguments against big government are well rehearesed on LC and I’m not going to repeat them. The problem in electoral terms is that big government can only get bigger, it has no where else to go. Practically all Nu Labs manifesto policies involved it getting even bigger. They became incapable of thinking in any terms other than “more government”

Personalities. Brown, Mandleson, Harman, Balls. This is quite possibly the most obnoxious collection of individuals assembled in one cabinet since the early days of Thatcher. You can get away with being obnnoxious only if you are also talented. Personally I would withold voting for them on this one alone.

Brown himself. Someone (Napoleon ?) said “Bring me lucky Generals”. Brown had none whatsoever, and quite obviously got stiched up by his Tonyness, so that Blair will forever be associated with the party, and Brown with the hangover. That, coupled with an eccentric leadership style, less than polished social skills, and a shaky grasp of economics meant he was doomed from about day 30.

]]> By: Leon http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126684 Leon Mon, 03 May 2010 14:48:41 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126684 <blockquote>Brown has to take responsibility for the mess. No ifs and buts about it.</blockquote> Slight misrepresentation of what I said... Brown has to take responsibility but it isn't all his fault, that's just a fact. Solely blaming the leader is overtly simplistic. You mentioned the Tories which just proved the point, they kept changing leaders and yet failed to get anywhere. This just shows it's more than who's leader, it's about the party, the grass-roots and the climate they operate in. I'm not advocating defending Brown, I'm asking for a bit more intelligence in the analysis of why Labour is on course for a serious defeat. Expecting a new leader to change everything is not only naive it's an odd form of elitism which I'm not convinced does 'the left' any favours.

Brown has to take responsibility for the mess. No ifs and buts about it.

Slight misrepresentation of what I said…

Brown has to take responsibility but it isn’t all his fault, that’s just a fact. Solely blaming the leader is overtly simplistic. You mentioned the Tories which just proved the point, they kept changing leaders and yet failed to get anywhere. This just shows it’s more than who’s leader, it’s about the party, the grass-roots and the climate they operate in.

I’m not advocating defending Brown, I’m asking for a bit more intelligence in the analysis of why Labour is on course for a serious defeat.

Expecting a new leader to change everything is not only naive it’s an odd form of elitism which I’m not convinced does ‘the left’ any favours.

]]> By: dave bones http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126634 dave bones Mon, 03 May 2010 10:21:34 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126634 It might take a few months, but I'm just wondering with everyone fighting for the centre ground whether a hung parliament will encourage politicians who talk sense to the foreground and leave politicians who thrive on fake hair splitting in the past. I hope so. It might take a few months, but I’m just wondering with everyone fighting for the centre ground whether a hung parliament will encourage politicians who talk sense to the foreground and leave politicians who thrive on fake hair splitting in the past. I hope so.

]]> By: Truth Talker http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126616 Truth Talker Mon, 03 May 2010 09:04:30 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126616 The Lib Dems want to break up the NHS. Heck, I may vote for them! The Lib Dems want to break up the NHS. Heck, I may vote for them!

]]> By: Dave Semple http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126611 Dave Semple Mon, 03 May 2010 08:53:59 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126611 @blanco - the Russian Revolution was in 1917, you twit. At least if you're going to throw around poor excuses for insults, get your dates right. @blanco – the Russian Revolution was in 1917, you twit. At least if you’re going to throw around poor excuses for insults, get your dates right.

]]> By: Nick Cohen is a Tory http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126589 Nick Cohen is a Tory Mon, 03 May 2010 06:27:37 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126589 I thought the channel 4 programe last night "What they won't tell us " was superb. The 3 politicians gave succinct answers , especially Portillo. Compared to the right wing rantings of the press, especially individuals like nasty Nick and the over the top hype about duffygate it actually was a very British event A number of points. 1. The lib dems idea of a cross fiscal committee was a good idea. 2. Public sector unions have to accept a pay freeze to save jobs. 3. Job cuts will cause more problems than solve them. 4. National insurance and tax payments, especially high earners have to go up. 5. The Defence budget has to be cut, pull out of Afghanistan or scrap trident. Stop this equipment to the troops nonsense Tories because it will come back to bite you. 6. Child credits to be mean tested and aimed at co0uples with a combined income under £30, 000 7. Bring back pre 1980 banking and credit regulations I thought the channel 4 programe last night “What they won’t tell us ” was superb. The 3 politicians gave succinct answers , especially Portillo. Compared to the right wing rantings of the press, especially individuals like nasty Nick and the over the top hype about duffygate it actually was a very British event
A number of points.
1. The lib dems idea of a cross fiscal committee was a good idea.
2. Public sector unions have to accept a pay freeze to save jobs.
3. Job cuts will cause more problems than solve them.
4. National insurance and tax payments, especially high earners have to go up.
5. The Defence budget has to be cut, pull out of Afghanistan or scrap trident. Stop this equipment to the troops nonsense Tories because it will come back to bite you.
6. Child credits to be mean tested and aimed at co0uples with a combined income under £30, 000
7. Bring back pre 1980 banking and credit regulations

]]> By: blanco http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126584 blanco Mon, 03 May 2010 05:40:28 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126584 <blockquote>Politics is not just about individuals<blockquote> Trot troll, it often is though, isn't it? <blockquote>the labour movement cannot die</blockquote> Hahahahahahahaha!! It is dying, and will die off completely before any of us do. You are pathetically deluded. <blockquote>if only to stave off outright revolution</blockquote> Oh yeah, because that will happen! Ever! Sad, sad man. Please, pick up your toys, stop throwing them out of your pram, then realise that this is not Russia, and the year is not 1918.

Politics is not just about individuals

Trot troll, it often is though, isn’t it?

the labour movement cannot die

Hahahahahahahaha!! It is dying, and will die off completely before any of us do. You are pathetically deluded.

if only to stave off outright revolution

Oh yeah, because that will happen! Ever!

Sad, sad man. Please, pick up your toys, stop throwing them out of your pram, then realise that this is not Russia, and the year is not 1918.

]]> By: thomas http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126581 thomas Mon, 03 May 2010 05:00:25 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126581 Altruism is enlightened self-interest, not "compassion for the marginalised." Done with realism it offers mutual benefit, but done on purely ideological grounds it only lowers standards. This compares with the opposite, which is entrenching and increasing inequality I don't believe any party represents a unique claim to any side of the argument as politics is about parties, candidates and members and the point is that there will always be disagreement on what that objective reality is and where we should go with it. Which means simlpe endorsements are never enough. I am supporting a parliament which accurately reflects the views of the population and will provide an effective balance of our varied concerns. As the electoral system has been the block preventing balance and devaluing my choices I am looking at the policies regarding electoral reform. So I have tentatively decided to join a political party after the result of the election (and any coalition discussions) precisely to campaign for greater balance. At the moment it looks like the LibDems will gain a subscription, though that doesn't mean they have my vote where I am. Altruism is enlightened self-interest, not “compassion for the marginalised.”

Done with realism it offers mutual benefit, but done on purely ideological grounds it only lowers standards. This compares with the opposite, which is entrenching and increasing inequality

I don’t believe any party represents a unique claim to any side of the argument as politics is about parties, candidates and members and the point is that there will always be disagreement on what that objective reality is and where we should go with it.

Which means simlpe endorsements are never enough.

I am supporting a parliament which accurately reflects the views of the population and will provide an effective balance of our varied concerns. As the electoral system has been the block preventing balance and devaluing my choices I am looking at the policies regarding electoral reform.

So I have tentatively decided to join a political party after the result of the election (and any coalition discussions) precisely to campaign for greater balance. At the moment it looks like the LibDems will gain a subscription, though that doesn’t mean they have my vote where I am.

]]> By: Anthony Barnett http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126575 Anthony Barnett Mon, 03 May 2010 02:11:29 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126575 Of course Brown is to blame, but don't forget Mandelson who took over and kept him in power in the great crisis last year at the time of the Euro elections and who became deputy Prime Minister, Lord high everything. His is the guiding hand. Despite his immense popularity. (You were too awed by the slavish performance of the media in the 3rd debate spin chamber, but it's too late to go into why.) Of course Brown is to blame, but don’t forget Mandelson who took over and kept him in power in the great crisis last year at the time of the Euro elections and who became deputy Prime Minister, Lord high everything. His is the guiding hand. Despite his immense popularity. (You were too awed by the slavish performance of the media in the 3rd debate spin chamber, but it’s too late to go into why.)

]]> By: The Common Humanist http://liberalconspiracy.org/2010/05/01/my-endorsement-of-the-libdems-further-clarified/#comment-126391 The Common Humanist Sun, 02 May 2010 16:33:15 +0000 http://liberalconspiracy.org/?p=13794#comment-126391 People should vote with their heads, whatever the situation. I hope there is not a Tory Govt. But this is maybe how Cameron gets a majority - Lots of seats where there is a significant 'Not Tory' majority in a seat, but due to the LibDem surge and weak Labour turnout, the Tories sneak a string of seats with wafer thin majorities and where the combined Lab and LibDem vote size means a small swing between either unseats the Tory. But it gives him a majority. For the moment. Given the cuts any Govt will have to make whoever is in Govt will have a tricky sell to the electorate in 2014/2015. The electorate is unlikely to have seen much meaningful reform under David Cameron and so the anti politics tendency may well be much in evidence still and thus punish the incumbent is likely to be a strong theme. David Cameron is likely to be a one term PM, if he makes it, and it is still a very big if. People should vote with their heads, whatever the situation.

I hope there is not a Tory Govt.

But this is maybe how Cameron gets a majority – Lots of seats where there is a significant ‘Not Tory’ majority in a seat, but due to the LibDem surge and weak Labour turnout, the Tories sneak a string of seats with wafer thin majorities and where the combined Lab and LibDem vote size means a small swing between either unseats the Tory. But it gives him a majority. For the moment.

Given the cuts any Govt will have to make whoever is in Govt will have a tricky sell to the electorate in 2014/2015. The electorate is unlikely to have seen much meaningful reform under David Cameron and so the anti politics tendency may well be much in evidence still and thus punish the incumbent is likely to be a strong theme.

David Cameron is likely to be a one term PM, if he makes it, and it is still a very big if.

]]>