Political lessons to be heeded from Strictly Come Dancing
The popularity of talent shows like The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent have prompted politicians in the past to half joke it might be the way to get the public to engage in the political process. Now they are dismissing Nick Clegg’s popularity as the froth of a game show winner.
Gordon Brown was hammering home the ‘this isn’t The X Factor’ message on The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday, and both Labour and the Conservatives are claiming their substance will prevail over the newfound Liberal Democrat substance.
Absolutely both main parties (can we say that now?) have to decide how to deal with Clegg’s rising popularity, which is surely more than a mere bounce.
However, they seem inclined to mock and deride, which is a mistake. Yes the ‘on air’ spokesmen talk about looking at the policies, but it was his personality that shone – and the fact that he was not either Brown or Cameron and what they represent. The Conservatives are grasping at a ‘Vote Lib Dem get Labour’ straw, but remember how cleverly Clegg has showed the similarities of Labour and the Conservatives.
Apparently, according to the Telegraph Cameron has also ditched a scheduled party political broadcast for tonight and has instead recording a piece direct to camera – something he forgot to do at the debate.
The derision they are heaping on Clegg may actually backfire for while Clegg is still out in front on the polls, he is still effectively the underdog. And us Brits love the underdog, especially when they have a realistic chance of succeeding.
Anyone remember John Sergeant on the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing? Now unlike Clegg, his performance was truly awful, but it became the opprobrium that the sneering judges heaped upon him that galvanised the public behind Sergeant.
So if Brown and Cameron come out gunning for Clegg on Thursday it could spectacularly backfire, for if Clegg holds his own and appears bullied, it could serve to boost his standing and galvanise more and more people behind him. Wouldn't that make for an interesting May 6th.