The BBC have now put up the comments made so far by the public about last night's Question Time.
The remarks are.......interesting.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Question Time - blogospheric reaction so far
Burble Towers was up and running at 5.30am this morning due to early Friday swimming! I tried to get back to sleep but gave up in the end.
The BBC's Question Time web site should have comments from the public (on last night's programme) later this morning. That'll be interesting.
Tom Papworth has written a typically thoughtful and informed reflection on the programme. I am particularly interested in his comments on schools funding.
Linda Jack :-) shares drip trays with me ;-) - mine on account of CH, hers on account of NC. "Clegg draws first blood" she says. I thought Haloween was a couple of weeks ago.... ;-) (Notice I am putting in lots of ;-)s and :-)s because we've all got to work together afterwards). Linda says: "The word on the street is that Nick completely won this one." Of course, Linda, of course. Well done. ;-) :-) :-) Well done for being out canvassing so late! I hope you didn't get reported for stalking or something! ;-) ;-)
There is a superb open thread on Liberal Democrat Voice here which gives a blow-by-blow "live blog" commentary on the programme and reaction from readers. Well done LDV!
Nich Starling - Good Morning Nich, how are you? ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) :-) :-) :-) :-) ;-) - writes a very interesting piece on the programme entitled: "The Great Debate - Huhne "edges" it - just":
As Nick said towards the end "Sometimes similarity is a good thing." In this case, I agree. Either of them would make a great leader.
Peter Black reflects on the past leadership ins and outs and hopes optimistically that this contest will draw a line under the whole unfortunate business.
Simon Goldie (who is an independent blogger (I think) who is head of Communications at the Institute of Taxation and who says he has decided to vote for Nick Clegg) writes:
Both candidates were equally impressive and a touch disappointing. The problem for them is that they agree on so much they need to find ways to differentiate themselves. The most telling comments came when the candidates were asked to describe the most positive things about their opponent. Huhne said that Clegg was warm and engaging while Clegg described Huhne as thoughtful and an expert on policy. The Liberal Democrats must decide what it needs more.
Wit and Wisdom remains a "Cleggie" and says Chris comes across as ruthless and is long-winded.
Jonathan Calder on Liberal England says that "Huhne wins on points":
Does it matter?I think it does, because Nick Clegg's unique selling proposition in this campaign is that he is the "Great Communicator".On the evidence of this evening's programme, Chris Huhne is at least as good a communicator.
Charlotte Gore, a fellow recovering user of the communual LibDem drip tray with me ;-) ;-) says:
Who won? First half Chris, second half Nick. Chris was consistent throughout while Nick started fairly ho-hum and ended on a blazing finish.
Mat Bowles (cor blimey - if only I had hair like that! Jealous or what?) notes that he was up with "Jennie" and contributing to the LibDem Voice open thread, which he did with knobs on.
Richard Huzzey on LibDems for Chris says "LibDem Voice readers: Chris wins debate"
Joe Taylor on On Liberty, Online says "Nick shaded it" but obviously had a rather fraught time watching the programme because his post is entitled, simply, "Phew".
Bernard Salmon gives some scores! Oh, we do love that Bernard!:
My scores on the doors were: Vision - Clegg 7, Huhne 8; Detail - Clegg 8, Huhne 9; Charisma - Clegg 8, Huhne 7; Passion/forcefulness - Clegg 7, Huhne 8; Pressure - Clegg 6, Huhne 9. Totals: Clegg 36, Huhne 41.
Toby Philpott (I am beginning to regret starting this - I didn't realise there was so much reaction out there!) is Cleggish:
I think Nick came out ahead purely and simply as he was able to relate his experience directly to issues that concern the majority of voters, but I would say that wouldn't I?
Ah, yes, the old Mandy Rice-Davies thingyme, not often, to be fair, used in a self-descriptory sense, which is a credit to Mr Philpott. I'm babbling. Sorry.
Oh and er, Chris Paul says: "Chris Huhne and Nick Clegg: Pants, Pants, Pants, Pants". I think he's warming to us.
So, there you are, a vast survey of reaction including non-LibDem corners of the Blogowhatemy, completed well before John Humphrys has had his first explosion of the day. That's what happens when you have a ten year old who goes hell-for-leather on swimming.
The BBC's Question Time web site should have comments from the public (on last night's programme) later this morning. That'll be interesting.
Tom Papworth has written a typically thoughtful and informed reflection on the programme. I am particularly interested in his comments on schools funding.
Linda Jack :-) shares drip trays with me ;-) - mine on account of CH, hers on account of NC. "Clegg draws first blood" she says. I thought Haloween was a couple of weeks ago.... ;-) (Notice I am putting in lots of ;-)s and :-)s because we've all got to work together afterwards). Linda says: "The word on the street is that Nick completely won this one." Of course, Linda, of course. Well done. ;-) :-) :-) Well done for being out canvassing so late! I hope you didn't get reported for stalking or something! ;-) ;-)
There is a superb open thread on Liberal Democrat Voice here which gives a blow-by-blow "live blog" commentary on the programme and reaction from readers. Well done LDV!
Nich Starling - Good Morning Nich, how are you? ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) :-) :-) :-) :-) ;-) - writes a very interesting piece on the programme entitled: "The Great Debate - Huhne "edges" it - just":
As Nick said towards the end "Sometimes similarity is a good thing." In this case, I agree. Either of them would make a great leader.
Peter Black reflects on the past leadership ins and outs and hopes optimistically that this contest will draw a line under the whole unfortunate business.
Simon Goldie (who is an independent blogger (I think) who is head of Communications at the Institute of Taxation and who says he has decided to vote for Nick Clegg) writes:
Both candidates were equally impressive and a touch disappointing. The problem for them is that they agree on so much they need to find ways to differentiate themselves. The most telling comments came when the candidates were asked to describe the most positive things about their opponent. Huhne said that Clegg was warm and engaging while Clegg described Huhne as thoughtful and an expert on policy. The Liberal Democrats must decide what it needs more.
Wit and Wisdom remains a "Cleggie" and says Chris comes across as ruthless and is long-winded.
Jonathan Calder on Liberal England says that "Huhne wins on points":
Does it matter?I think it does, because Nick Clegg's unique selling proposition in this campaign is that he is the "Great Communicator".On the evidence of this evening's programme, Chris Huhne is at least as good a communicator.
Charlotte Gore, a fellow recovering user of the communual LibDem drip tray with me ;-) ;-) says:
Who won? First half Chris, second half Nick. Chris was consistent throughout while Nick started fairly ho-hum and ended on a blazing finish.
Mat Bowles (cor blimey - if only I had hair like that! Jealous or what?) notes that he was up with "Jennie" and contributing to the LibDem Voice open thread, which he did with knobs on.
Richard Huzzey on LibDems for Chris says "LibDem Voice readers: Chris wins debate"
Joe Taylor on On Liberty, Online says "Nick shaded it" but obviously had a rather fraught time watching the programme because his post is entitled, simply, "Phew".
Bernard Salmon gives some scores! Oh, we do love that Bernard!:
My scores on the doors were: Vision - Clegg 7, Huhne 8; Detail - Clegg 8, Huhne 9; Charisma - Clegg 8, Huhne 7; Passion/forcefulness - Clegg 7, Huhne 8; Pressure - Clegg 6, Huhne 9. Totals: Clegg 36, Huhne 41.
Toby Philpott (I am beginning to regret starting this - I didn't realise there was so much reaction out there!) is Cleggish:
I think Nick came out ahead purely and simply as he was able to relate his experience directly to issues that concern the majority of voters, but I would say that wouldn't I?
Ah, yes, the old Mandy Rice-Davies thingyme, not often, to be fair, used in a self-descriptory sense, which is a credit to Mr Philpott. I'm babbling. Sorry.
Oh and er, Chris Paul says: "Chris Huhne and Nick Clegg: Pants, Pants, Pants, Pants". I think he's warming to us.
So, there you are, a vast survey of reaction including non-LibDem corners of the Blogowhatemy, completed well before John Humphrys has had his first explosion of the day. That's what happens when you have a ten year old who goes hell-for-leather on swimming.
Huhne: Give state schools the same funding as private sector
The Independent have picked up on Chris Huhne's proposal to give state schools the same funding as private ones. I first heard Chris make this pledge at the Bristol hustings and he repeated it on last night's Question Time. This commitment is absolutely right. It is also radical - astonishingly radical in fact, when you consider the spending implications. It also underlines the Liberal Democrats' commitment to lifting educational standards across the board, thereby promoting equality of opportunity.
(Huhne) called for the spending per state school pupil to be raised by £3,705 a year to £8,655 – the average spent on every privately-educated child. He said this could be achieved over 10 years to spread the cost, which would run into billions of pounds.
"Gordon Brown has said it is a long-term aspiration but unless we make it a clear objective, it will never happen," Mr Huhne said. "The key thing is to get extra teachers in place to increase personal attention to pupils and to reduce class sizes. We are talking about a pretty dramatic increase in the number of teachers.
"It would mean there are no second-class children in the country."
(Huhne) called for the spending per state school pupil to be raised by £3,705 a year to £8,655 – the average spent on every privately-educated child. He said this could be achieved over 10 years to spread the cost, which would run into billions of pounds.
"Gordon Brown has said it is a long-term aspiration but unless we make it a clear objective, it will never happen," Mr Huhne said. "The key thing is to get extra teachers in place to increase personal attention to pupils and to reduce class sizes. We are talking about a pretty dramatic increase in the number of teachers.
"It would mean there are no second-class children in the country."
Question Time
It was very good to see the two leadership candidates given a whole Question Time on their own, or at least with David Dimbleby.
Nick Clegg seemed ten times more relaxed and passionate "on the box" tonight than he did in Bristol earlier this week. I think having David Dimbleby to "spark him off" must have helped. He was particularly impassioned on the question of coalitions. I was much more comfortable seeing him standing at a lectern than doing this damn silly David Cameron-style "roaming".
Chris Huhne had some particularly passionate bursts, especially on Trident and the economy.
I recall that question Jeremy Paxman asked Charles Kennedy about whether he drank on his own late at night. It was skin-crawling, and a "stepping over the line". I thought we approached that sort of moment when the candidates were asked about their children's education. Nick Clegg having to say how his three year old and five year old are educated, at a nursery and a primary school, is really not something we should be putting politicians, or more relevantly their children, through.
Nick Clegg seemed ten times more relaxed and passionate "on the box" tonight than he did in Bristol earlier this week. I think having David Dimbleby to "spark him off" must have helped. He was particularly impassioned on the question of coalitions. I was much more comfortable seeing him standing at a lectern than doing this damn silly David Cameron-style "roaming".
Chris Huhne had some particularly passionate bursts, especially on Trident and the economy.
I recall that question Jeremy Paxman asked Charles Kennedy about whether he drank on his own late at night. It was skin-crawling, and a "stepping over the line". I thought we approached that sort of moment when the candidates were asked about their children's education. Nick Clegg having to say how his three year old and five year old are educated, at a nursery and a primary school, is really not something we should be putting politicians, or more relevantly their children, through.
Iain Dale applies to be Tory PPC in Maidstone!
All the best of British luck to Iain Dale! He has now sent in his application form for the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary candidature (try saying that with a mouthful of Ann Widdecombe's brussel sprouts) in Maidstone constituency. It's so exciting!
La, la, la, la, la
Hey Jude, don't make it bad
take a sad song and make it better
Remember to let her into your heart
Then you can start to make it better
Hey Jude, don't be afraid
You were made to go out and get her
The minute you let her under your skin
Then you begin to make it better
And anytime you feel the pain
Hey Jude refrain
don't carry the world upon your shoulders
For well you know that it's a fool
who plays it cool
By making his world a little colder
Na na na na na
na na na na
Hey Jude don't let me down
You have found her, now go and get her
Remember to let her into your heart
then you can start to make it better
So let it out and let it in
Hey Jude begin
You're waiting for someone to perform with
And don't you know that it's just you
Hey Jude, you'll do
The movement you need is on your shoulder
Na na na na na
na na na na yeah
Hey Jude, don't make it bad
take a sad song and make it better
Remember to let her under your skin
Then you begin to make it better
Better, better, better, better, better, oh
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, hey Jude
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, hey Jude
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, hey Jude
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, hey Jude
Jude Jude a Judy Judy Judy Judy, ow
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, Hey Jude
(Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude)
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na na, Hey Jude
(Hey Jude Hey Jude)
na na na na na na na
nananana hey jude
na na na na na na na
nananana hey jude
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, hey Jude
na na na na, Hey Jude
"Hey Jude" written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing
take a sad song and make it better
Remember to let her into your heart
Then you can start to make it better
Hey Jude, don't be afraid
You were made to go out and get her
The minute you let her under your skin
Then you begin to make it better
And anytime you feel the pain
Hey Jude refrain
don't carry the world upon your shoulders
For well you know that it's a fool
who plays it cool
By making his world a little colder
Na na na na na
na na na na
Hey Jude don't let me down
You have found her, now go and get her
Remember to let her into your heart
then you can start to make it better
So let it out and let it in
Hey Jude begin
You're waiting for someone to perform with
And don't you know that it's just you
Hey Jude, you'll do
The movement you need is on your shoulder
Na na na na na
na na na na yeah
Hey Jude, don't make it bad
take a sad song and make it better
Remember to let her under your skin
Then you begin to make it better
Better, better, better, better, better, oh
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, hey Jude
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, hey Jude
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, hey Jude
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, hey Jude
Jude Jude a Judy Judy Judy Judy, ow
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, Hey Jude
(Jude Jude Jude Jude Jude)
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na na, Hey Jude
(Hey Jude Hey Jude)
na na na na na na na
nananana hey jude
na na na na na na na
nananana hey jude
Na, na na na na na na
na na na na, hey Jude
na na na na, Hey Jude
"Hey Jude" written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing
The outrage of putting a "bike sex" man on probation
I despair. (I blogged about this earlier and have since been receiving lots of hits from a link in a very dark area of the internet.)
Cleaners in a hotel used a master key to unlock a locked hotel room and found a man having sex.
It really should have stopped there. He was doing nothing wrong. He was in private. He can do what he likes. Bikes are sturdy things - they can take it!
This is Britain. We're a free country, for goodness sake! It was the fault of the hotel staff for interrupting him. If you pay for a hotel room, you don't expect to be gratuitously interrupted.
But no, because he was having simulated sex with a bicycle this alarmed the cleaning staff who interrupted him. And he didn't stop apparently.
So, if he'd been having sex with a woman, that would be all right presumably. Even if he didn't stop with her? Another man? Something he bought from Ann Summers? They would be all right presumably. Would they? Or not? Come on Sherrif Colin Murray, tell us where you draw the line.
But no, it was a bicycle, so he is hauled up in front of the Sherrif (it's Scotland), put on the sex offenders' register and put on probation for three years.
His life ruined because of some utterly stupid misguided disgrace of a Sherrif, who ought to be ashamed of himself!
I think I can safely say this without fear of a libel action, and it's a Scottish word, so it's appropriate.
Sherrif Colin Murray, you're a total NUMPTY!
Cleaners in a hotel used a master key to unlock a locked hotel room and found a man having sex.
It really should have stopped there. He was doing nothing wrong. He was in private. He can do what he likes. Bikes are sturdy things - they can take it!
This is Britain. We're a free country, for goodness sake! It was the fault of the hotel staff for interrupting him. If you pay for a hotel room, you don't expect to be gratuitously interrupted.
But no, because he was having simulated sex with a bicycle this alarmed the cleaning staff who interrupted him. And he didn't stop apparently.
So, if he'd been having sex with a woman, that would be all right presumably. Even if he didn't stop with her? Another man? Something he bought from Ann Summers? They would be all right presumably. Would they? Or not? Come on Sherrif Colin Murray, tell us where you draw the line.
But no, it was a bicycle, so he is hauled up in front of the Sherrif (it's Scotland), put on the sex offenders' register and put on probation for three years.
His life ruined because of some utterly stupid misguided disgrace of a Sherrif, who ought to be ashamed of himself!
I think I can safely say this without fear of a libel action, and it's a Scottish word, so it's appropriate.
Sherrif Colin Murray, you're a total NUMPTY!
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