In contrast, the debate on Sky News just now sums up quite how weak our political system is - not to mention how badly produced the programme was (roaming boom microphones taking too long to reach questioners - in contrast to the efficient production values of Question Time, for example).
Naturally I dearly want Boris Johnson to remove Ken Livingstone from City Hall. Livingstone is a thoroughly unpleasant, venal and dangerous tribalist who delights in dividing Londoners along racial and religious lines. But I cannot help but think that whereas Boris could and should have used tonight's debate (and, from what I understand, previous debates) to win over more and more voters through his force of personality, humour and intellect, he didn't capitalise adequately on the opportunities presented to him. It was as if he was unprepared, which I cannot for a moment believe.
Debates of this ilk are very valuable indeed in US politics. Voters are brought up on them taking place in races ranging from the class president in the 4th grade to the President of the United States. Perhaps if more kids learned the art of debating in school - and if voters could be persuaded to engage more in the democratic process in Britain - we might have higher quality debates between stronger candidates at all levels of government. Or is this just a pipe dream?
6 comments:
The TV events for the US elections were excellent to watch and really gave the candidates a chance to shine. Maybe the narrow powers of the Mayor limit the scope of our debates? If we had all the main party leaders up there, it would be much more effective.
Not really a pipe dream - just content-free middle-of-the-road blah. Still, you got through it without accusing anyone of being a Nazi, so it's a start.
One day at a time, brother.
I do not bandy the term "nazi" or "racist" about in the same way the left do.
"Naturally I dearly want Boris Johnson to remove Ken Livingstone from City Hall. Livingstone is a thoroughly unpleasant, venal and dangerous tribalist who delights in dividing Londoners along racial and religious lines."
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Done much to assist in the campaign then?
Very good, Sarkis. Not all of us have the luxury of being unemployed like you.
Unedifying was the word I described the debate on my blog and that was half way through it.
If we do have more debates amongst senior poiticians, perhaps the standard will be higher, given time. Or is this just a pipe-dream?
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