Comments on: Guardian column: Webcameron & 18 Doughty St.

By: Conrad

Conrad — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 20:05:32 +0000

It’s definitely a case of the opposition having less to lose than the incumbent Government, and therefore they’re more willing to try alternate methods of gaining supporters. Governments are certainly tied somewhat by the day/day operations of actually being in power: pretty much all opposition parties are concerned about is getting power themselves, so therefore they have much more time to try different methods.

That said, I don’t think it’s OK for politicians (even incumbent ones) to ignore new forms of media like video blogging, although I fully expect that the Republicans in the US, and Labour in the UK will throw their weight behind it when it gets closer to the next elections in each respective country.

Frankly, this is one of the “love” part of my love/hate relationship with elections. All it takes is the possibility of gaining/taking away power to get politicians to make a little effort. And most of the “hate” aspect is due to politicians having to pander to lowest common denominator mainstream media (the tabloids are way too strong in the UK), so it’s win win either way.

Also, as an aside, a friend of mine is appearing on 18 Doughty Street tomorrow night! What a small world.

By: Readings: 2007-03-19 « Kempton’s blog

Readings: 2007-03-19 « Kempton’s blog — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 17:48:34 +0000

[...] Jeff Jarvis on Webcameron, 18 Doughty Street, and podcasting and vlogging German chancellor Angela M… - insightful inside look on things from interviews - â€œYou cannot make political decisions now without people being included in the decision,â€ Gordon Brown said. â€œThe age of the smoke-filled room is over.â€ [...]

By: Tansley

Tansley — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:50:43 +0000

Interesting that the ones involved in the ‘thorny’ issues avoid the camera. Yet another bellweather to show who’s feeling guilty and who isn’t, I guess…

By: Will Pollard

Will Pollard — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 14:50:56 +0000

I am struck by the last point about how Iraq creates a block for open discussion with Labour pols in the UK. I think “Blair” and “spin” are part of the same set of issues. there are elections coming up in which the Scottish Nationalists may do well, partly on opposition to Iraq policy from Labour. I am one of those who will vote Liberal Democrat though voting Labour before 2003. During previous elections Dr Reid has told the Today radio program that Iraq is not much of an issue and that the media invent tension within the Labour Party or with former supporters. This would be much harder in an online conversation.

I started a topic on Guardian Talk earlier Today before I found this

http://politicstalk.guardian.co.uk/WebX?128@iraqonline@.775e80cf