/>The Leaders’ Debates: My Verdict
The impact of the Leader’s Debates has been far greater than most people had predicted. I always thought they were going to be important. I just didn’t realise that they would become the backbone of the General Election campaign. For the last three weeks the debates have dominated the headlines. From the build up, to the debates themselves, to the blow by blow post-analysis.
What has struck me most of all is simply how many people have been watching them. Every part of Cheltenham I go to whether it’s St Mark’s or Oakley, Leckhampton or St Paul’s, people are tuning in. That can only be a good thing for democracy. The Leader’s Debates have reengaged a cynical public in the political process. At such a critical moment for our politics that is crucial.
But what I have most valued about the debates is that they have focused on the substance. They have offered a welcome change from the yah boo politics that has characterised British political life for far too long. Four and half hours of detailed policy debate – a real change from the tit for tat of Prime Ministers Questions.
I hope these debates mark the start of a new more nuanced political debate in this country. On the doorstep people tell me that they want the detail. The popularity of the debates highlights just how things can change when politicians begin to give it to them.
James Green is Anticipations Editor and Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Cheltenham. He blogs at www.jamesgreen.org.uk.
HELP! Peter Mandelson’s 5th State of the Race Memo says how important it is to remind voters of the mess the Tories left public services in.
Excuse the raw amateurishness, but look up HOLME VALLEY SOUITH LABOUR PARTY, click on “Survey,” and there you have an incontrovertible indictment of the Tory record. AND THERE IS NO DEFENCE THEY CAN PUT UP AGAINST IT!
PROBLEM is getting it to Up Top, where it its specific and vivid details would make any speech sing.
Golcar Junior School – under Tories, parents zset up monthly raffle to try t o save teachers’ jobs – now, Chair of Friends says they raise £ for “The little extras.”
Holmfirth High School – Jan 95 and 96, Head is tearing his hair out as school hits “ROCK BOTTOM” – 2010, website boasts huge array of modern facilities.
Local hosp back then boasts that nobody waits more than year – now, 18 weeks max!
PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO SOMEONE WHO CAN GET IT INTO THE RIGHT HANDS!!!
Bob Vant