No signs of policy life here today. Anticipation of the Great Leaders debate is everything. The entire election is seen to hinge on who blinks first, or who sweats the most, or breaks down in tears.
The only thing that is missing from the Election X factor is a panel with Elizabeth Windsor for her political experience, (nine prime ministers under her and still counting), Sir Ian McKellen, on the sincerity count, and of course Simon Cowell, for the scintillating critique of the overall performance. (“Frankly David, quoting JFK not only shows your naivety, but invites comparisons that you simply can’t measure up to. You wouldn’t make it on the Northern club circuit, never mind the old Glasgow Empire)
On Planet Sun the “debate” is a chance for millions to make up their mind. But evidence from the model that has inspired this charade, the American presidential debates, is that unless there is the so-called killer blow it reinforces prejudices rather than changing minds. Gordon will be dull, earnest and learned, Cameron supercilious and Clegg blokey but smarmy. See if that prediction is right.
To make the debates interesting, could someone slip Gordon a tab of acid, Cameron an overdose of senna and Clegg the old liberal relaxant of a bottle of Laphroig? That would be interesting TV.
Meanwhile, like the Rangers team before a big match, Cameron has already complained about the rules of the game. Get your excuses in early.
