The 2015 Popularity Contest (aka UK General Election )

[Toffeelover]

Absolutely. Again, ideology getting in the way of facts. The smartest thing the Tories ever did was turn the working class on the working class.

But these days how would you define working class? and whom is working class? Of course much easier back in the 70s, 60s and earlier years to say who was what. Arguably in the same context these days how would one define middle class.

 

[Seanjd]

But these days how would you define working class? and whom is working class? Of course much easier back in the 70s, 60s and earlier years to say who was what. Arguably in the same context these days how would one define middle class.

The term working class has been erased by the Conservatives. They made everybody think they were middle class, and those who weren't were the 'underclass', a disgusting term which pains me to even type it.

So the working class are hard to identify because of the notion that we are all middle class now. However, the working class are broadly the same demographic of people who have always been working class, to the jobless who sign on each week to those who work to pay their bills.

 

[Toffeelover]

The term working class has been erased by the Conservatives. They made everybody think they were middle class, and those who weren't were the 'underclass', a disgusting term which pains me to even type it.

So the working class are hard to identify because of the notion that we are all middle class now. However, the working class are broadly the same demographic of people who have always been working class, to the jobless who sign on each week to those who work to pay their bills.

Hold on but is that not everyone except people who have inherited wealth? Going back a bit before your Tory reference. There was and I admit kept this back, the distinction of blue collar worker an white collar worker which defined your class as well.

 

[The Esk]

As said above, the working class turned on the working class. They forgot that people who claim benefits are the same as them, but 99% of the time are simply unfortunate in life at that point in time. A massive shame.

This is a tremendous point.

The fact is that almost everyone whose economic survival is dependent upon next month's pay day is only one misfortune away from becoming a benefit claimant.

Yet since the days of Thatcher, increasingly the unemployed (temporary or long term), the sick and disabled have been vilified and painted as part of the economic problem, rather than individuals who in slightly different circumstances could contribute to the economy and improve their own circumstances.

 

[Chang Elephant]

They made everybody think they were middle class, and those who weren't were the 'underclass'

Would never blame those who bought their council houses and discounted shares in denationalized industries. It was the smart choice. But the brain donors that bought into the idea that they were then part of Conservative Britain should have been put down for crimes against intellect.

 

[Chang Elephant]

The fact is that almost everyone whose economic survival is dependent upon next month's pay day is only one misfortune away from becoming a benefit claimant.

but loads of them are still voting Tory....all credit to the propaganda capabilities of the UK media

 

[The Esk]

but loads of them are still voting Tory....all credit to the propaganda capabilities of the UK media

totally agree - I watched the media coverage of Blair's speech this evening - nothing about the substantive point, ie the chaos of an unnecessary referendum let alone the consequences of a no vote, but rather focusing on the Blair/Miliband relationship.

Will be interesting to see how Miliband's attack tomorrow on "non-dom" tax status is reported.

 

[chewee]

Both todays Populus & YouGov polls show Labour 2 points up.

Populus report over a 5% swing from Con to Lab post first debate. I was expecting a car crash performance from Jim Murphy in Scotland tonight but he was quite impressive. Things are going well for Milibands lot right now, but the worry is like in 92 they're peaking too early

The tory campaign is a little flat at the moment, there is growing grumblings about Lynton Crosby. Next week is Manifesto week, crucial week for all parties.

As for the non dom clampdown - brilliant strategic timing, really backs the tories in to a corner. Cameron has been keen to build his campaign around the idea of fairness, but how can he bite the hand that feeds him? (ie Non Dom donors)

 

[The Esk]

Having been critical of the lead up to the election campaign itself (pre-season shall we say) I have been growing quietly more confident of Labour's performance, and critically Cameron's rather lack-lustre performance to date.

Long way to go, and we should never be complacent but today was an excellent day for the Labour campaign and tomorrow looks very interesting.

 

[davek]

Both todays Populus & YouGov polls show Labour 2 points up.

Populus report over a 5% swing from Con to Lab post first debate. I was expecting a car crash performance from Jim Murphy in Scotland tonight but he was quite impressive. Things are going well for Milibands lot right now, but the worry is like in 92 they're peaking too early

The tory campaign is a little flat at the moment, there is growing grumblings about Lynton Crosby. Next week is Manifesto week, crucial week for all parties.

As for the non dom clampdown - brilliant strategic timing, really backs the tories in to a corner. Cameron has been keen to build his campaign around the idea of fairness, but how can he bite the hand that feeds him? (ie Non Dom donors)

Maybe so, but I dont see what the Tories can do now. What have they left? No economic announcements are impressing the public. They look like they've shot their bolt on that.

It's looking pretty bleak for them getting an alliance together too. I mean UKIP?! Do me a favour. Laughing stock stuff.

 

[1966efc]

Both todays Populus & YouGov polls show Labour 2 points up.

Populus report over a 5% swing from Con to Lab post first debate. I was expecting a car crash performance from Jim Murphy in Scotland tonight but he was quite impressive. Things are going well for Milibands lot right now, but the worry is like in 92 they're peaking too early

The tory campaign is a little flat at the moment, there is growing grumblings about Lynton Crosby. Next week is Manifesto week, crucial week for all parties.

As for the non dom clampdown - brilliant strategic timing, really backs the tories in to a corner. Cameron has been keen to build his campaign around the idea of fairness, but how can he bite the hand that feeds him? (ie Non Dom donors)

I think Labour have abandoned the "35%" strategy ... reaching out to the uncommitted ... and have decided to consolidate their core support through promotion of policies likely to appeal to them. They feel they can do this this as the polls in the 100 key seats are more favourable.

In effect, the election doesn't matter a jot in about 550 of the 650 seats. The result in those seats is as good as settled.

Interesting to see whether their thinking is correct.

 

[The Esk]

Maybe so, but I dont see what the Tories can do now. What have they left? No economic announcements are impressing the public. They look like they've shot their bolt on that.

It's looking pretty bleak for them getting an alliance together too. I mean UKIP?! Do me a favour. Laughing stock stuff.

My big concern Dave is a big concerted attack by the predominantly right wing media in the final days of the campaign - huge scare tactics, and they're (Cons) keeping their media spend until the final days of the campaign I'm led to believe.

 

[1966efc]

My big concern Dave is a big concerted attack by the predominantly right wing media in the final days of the campaign - huge scare tactics, and they're (Cons) keeping their media spend until the final days of the campaign I'm led to believe.

Well, we've already had the Zinoviev Letter de nos jours (the leaked memo). I wonder if the print media hold the sway they did in the eighties / early nineties. And whether social media will play any significant part.

 

[chewee]

Maybe so, but I dont see what the Tories can do now. What have they left? No economic announcements are impressing the public. They look like they've shot their bolt on that.

It's looking pretty bleak for them getting an alliance together too. I mean UKIP?! Do me a favour. Laughing stock stuff.

They've underestimated Ed Miliband, they believed the public perception of him being 'weak' (propped up by constant right wing press attacks) would be enough to carry them over the line. It may be a tactic that would have worked in a different age but it wont wash now. 24 hour news and social media make it much easier for the public to see through the bullshit.

On Ed - Anyone who is ruthless enough to basically drive their own brother out of british politics was never going to be a push over.

Miliband & Labour have grew in confidence. A strong showing against Paxman, improving approval ratings and now a bold stand against non doms - it's Ed that is setting the pace of this election thus far and right now David Cameron is struggling to keep up.

 

[chewee]

Maybe so, but I dont see what the Tories can do now. What have they left? No economic announcements are impressing the public. They look like they've shot their bolt on that.

It's looking pretty bleak for them getting an alliance together too. I mean UKIP?! Do me a favour. Laughing stock stuff.

Cameron today being very pally with a few Unionists in NI. Desperate man indeed.