Tonight's efforts on ITV was a good use of an hour and provided a great overview of the man who wants to be our next Prime Minister. As a political observer I preferred the fact that Cameron went for Sir Trevor McDonald, in direct contrast to Brown's choice of his Labour-chum and disgraced former Mirror editor Piers Morgan. McDonald was polite, decent, insightful and yet probing (for example, asking about "that poster" and if Cameron could ever sack Osbourne).
Samantha Cameron came out very well indeed and the programme really enforced the loving and solid nature of their relationship plus her influence on his politics; and the interview with his Mum really illustrated how his childhood has shaped his life. The section on Ivan was touching but not over-the-top.
I didn't feel the behind the scenes footage was very revealing, but what both David and Samantha Cameron had to say was. They came across as very passionate about changing the country, very relaxed, almost normal and clearly enjoying themselves.
I think this programme will have really solidified the Tory base and, hopefully, made others think again about the Tory Leader (he really took the "posh" stuff on and made good on it). Those who have already made up their minds about "the old Etonian" David Cameron won't have budged.
But, as always, I speak as the Cameron faithful and will wait to see what the staffroom has to say tomorrow!
UPDATE: In the comments James has mentioned the lack of policies in this programme - but this effort, like Brown/Morgan, wasn't about policies and it certainly wasn't an hour long PPB. The programme told you lots about the man-who-would-be-PM and the values which drive him. I have always argued we need to policies more up front but this wasn't the vehicle for this.
7 comments:
You talk about Samantha, "Mum" and the Ivan stuff working well; but should politics really concern itself with anyone other than the man who is making his pitch to lead the country.
At the end of the day, he'll be the one making the policies and no-one else...
To think David Cameron will be making the policies is utter rubbish; Central office and high-ranking civil servants make the policies with the leader of the party only acting as a mouthpiece. These people we see at the front of these political parties today are no more than manufactured along with many of the current batch of candidates.
Sadly I believe the Conservative party (and the wider mainstream in particular) are deliberately being vague about policy.
One question I would like to put forward is what kind of Conservative is David Cameron and what do the Conservatives stand for in terms of policy?
British political debate has become in my opinion too personality focused, and I have to admit find it slightly patronising.
I am speaking as someone who wants to find substance in policy and digest it.
Even at a local level I am seeing this in operation. I would like to have at least 2 sides of A4 explaining policy and how they intend to spend tax payers money.
Not just playing personality politics and pointing fingers at each other.
Where does the Norwich Conservatives stand on:
(1) Turning lights off, (2) closing Day Centres (I think you disagree with the County Tories on this one don't you Antony), (3) Cutting special educational needs funding, (4) the NDR road. (I assume you are for this). (5) Public transport (6) Building new council housing. (Are you against the building of new council housing?).
I put forward the challenge for you to answer these questions.
I know I have the danger of sounding like a long playing record but I am yet to get an answer instead of abuse of the city council or the government.
There is no policy with political substance.
Red Star - you list what you percieve are the negative from the Tory administration without considering other factors. Where do I stand on the issue of academy schools putting real investment into schools or the development of SNAP panels or the park 'n' ride system? This is because you will not ever consider voting Conservative and have selected topics which you know we wont agree on!
But since you raised them I will do you the courtesy of a reply
1 - For the idea against the implemenation. I think we were right the raise other solutions such as dimmers or alternate lighting.
2 - Against
3 - Against Labour's cuts to special schools and SEN funding
4 - For, and believe it ought to be a full road
5 - What aspect of public transport? I am certainly against nationalising it as the Greens do
6 - For more affordable housing where it is appropriate in terms of land use.
All of these issues are covered extensively in the press, leaflets etc.
Surprised you didn't ask for my ideas for the future?
Renationalize public transport. You are having a laugh.
When things are run as a nationalized industry - be it public utilities to transport its usually loss making.
Just look at British Rail and the decades of under investment before it was privatized under Major.
What I would like to see is tax incentives for people who use public transport like in Canada, whereby people get a tax rebate if they have a bus pass.
Using incentives might boost public transport.
On the issue of park & rides - I think its a workable model in Norfolk and one I use regularly. Keep up the good work with our excellent County Council.
On the issue of cuts, I am one of the few people who want to see the Day Centers closed as I feel personalized budgets might give people more consumer choice on the matter, and keep council tax low.
I want a council that keeps my bills low, and costs down.
The only way to do that is through efficiencies and savings. Not by nationalizing public transport and throwing money on schemes that is loss making.
Antony - well done for saying what needs to be said. "Red Star" you are NEVER going to even CONSIDER voting blue. Are you getting these answers from Labour or the LibDems? Errr, no ...
Asking them how they'd bring down the deficit, tackling rising violent crime or sorting out behaviour in schools.
Red Star is a troll. Best ignore.
To the anonymous post. I am not a troll. I have a legitimate opinion, and in a free and democratic society I have a right to express that opinion whether electronically or otherwise.
My opinions are my own - not anyone else's.
On the issue of whether I would consider voting Conservative, I think it is the job of a political party to try and persuade me that its in my own interest to vote for them. To say that I will never consider voting for them is being narrow minded at best.
Although I would say its highly unlikely as I come from the left, and believe in the redistribution of wealth and the renationalisation of the commanding heights of the economy. BUT I remain to be persuaded otherwise.
On the issue of transport, yes I do support the Greens on the issue of renationalising railways as privatization has been an outright failure. Just look at the prices of tickets and the service provided. Now the government has to step in & take over some of the lines.
On the issues Antony has replied to. I don't just pick issues that we will not agree on - but issues that will affect a lot of people. Even you cannot deny that one.
For the record I think turning lights off is a silly idea and I am not even for it in principle. It will not doubt lead to an INCREASE IN CRIME.
You say about Special Educational Funding cuts and blame Labour, but the last time I checked Labour wasn't running the County Council. It is the policy of the Tories to cut funding to charities such as for Aspergers which will affect students in South Norwich.
To clarify on the public transport question I am talking about buses, but I would like to see an introduction of light rail & trams.
Although we may disagree Antony on policy issues I thank you for responding to my questions.
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