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LadyEllen -> UK election debates - Lib Dems coming out ahead (4/16/2010 3:02:26 AM)
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Along with 6 million others apparently, (a viewing figure way down on the estimates), I watched the very first leaders' debate in a UK election last night.
Though something that other electorates have enjoyed for some time, and something much called for in previous UK elections, this was the first time that we had the agreement of those who would be Prime Minister to face one another, live in front of the cameras - though we did also have a few weeks back a similar event for those who would be Chancellor.
The would be Chancellors' debate was won convincingly by that national treasure otherwise known as Vince Cable for the Lib Dems; this was not necessarily a surprise since he was the only one, for years prior, warning about, and getting shouted down for his troubles, the looming financial crisis in which we now find ourselves, is universally respected and (as his opponents might comment) took the centre podium which is regarded as advantageous.
Last night's debate I found less easy to call - no one sparkled particularly but no one bombed either - taking a neutral stance as regards what they had to say. Taking a more partisan view though, Nick Clegg for the Lib Dems put more good punches in on the other two than either of the other two managed against him or one another.
The instant polls taken immediately afterwards showed Nick Clegg scoring around double the other two in viewers' estimations. If I had to score it, I'd say Nick Clegg 6, Gordon Brown (Labour) 3, David Cameron (Conservatives) 0. Such an outcome must be somewhat related to what they each said and my view of each of their parties of course - I accept I will be biased.
Gordon Brown I felt made a good show of it - considering he is the incumbent, not a telegenic man and regarded as to blame for our ills, he did well. The big loser of the night was Cameron for the Conservatives - widely tipped to be PM and carrying perhaps too high an expectation, which he did not fulfil. My daughter (who has no knowledge or interest in politics) said he came across as (paraphrasing) deceitful and untrustworthy - singling him out for that description on the basis of her first impressions.
The big winner of the night was Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems - too often ignored as the third party in UK politics but here given equal billing alongside Labour and Conservative. Its certain that the electorate's widespread unfamiliarity with him and the party message was remedied last night and shall be further remedied in the next two debates - with perhaps (I hope) some good traction gained in terms of votes, seats and influence in the next Parliament.
Its also certain of course that Nick Clegg will not be PM unless a miracle occurs - and some may argue that this factor plays a large part in his (and Vince Cable's) coming out ahead in the debates so far in that he is released from the possibility of that outcome and so may speak more freely than the other two. Personally I think this is to clutch at straws by opponents running scared who at the same time, paradoxically and cynically, are each attempting to co-opt the Lib Dems to their cause in case of a hung Parliament. Nick Clegg will not be PM (this time anyway) but he may well hold the balance of power.
E
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