tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741861999194728080.post8976116840948838937..comments2023-10-07T12:15:50.446+01:00Comments on The Centre Left: Much obliged, m’lord AshcroftRob Marchanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534810369839848312noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741861999194728080.post-5373248344527701022011-06-08T09:04:27.062+01:002011-06-08T09:04:27.062+01:00It's a very good point. There is probably a mo...It's a very good point. There is probably a move to force Cameron down a particular path, I imagine, containing Ashcroft's favourite hobby horses. Montgomerie also hints that he is genuninely interested in a slightly academic sense in the whole idea of political strategy and keeps things quite factual, which seems to chime with what I've seen.<br /><br />The second thing is that, by keeping it objective (and therefore credible), he genuinely influences the debate with the more intelligent commentators in the media. That is a risk for us if we are seen to be sticking our fingers in our ears.<br /><br />Re the risks for the Tories, I think, at base, he is simply banking on the fact that Labour will be too proud, or too pig-headed, to take advantage of the polling and learn from it. And my big fear is that he might well turn out to be right.Rob Marchanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11534810369839848312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741861999194728080.post-27759847769813898532011-06-08T00:57:45.599+01:002011-06-08T00:57:45.599+01:00What do you think Ashcroft's motives are for p...What do you think Ashcroft's motives are for publishing research Rob? <br /><br />On the one hand, it seems stupid that he is publishing it. It will no doubt be extremely thorough (judging by the other pieces of research he has published), and provide Labour with analysis, that would have been costly for them to produce, for nothing. On the other hand, it's possible that he is publishing this to try to push Cameron slightly to the right by showing him how unpopular Miliband/Labour are at the moment despite decent poll ratings.SaneLynchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03318104994495983601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741861999194728080.post-3182383613204204662011-06-07T20:50:22.288+01:002011-06-07T20:50:22.288+01:00My plans on a statue of Rob in gold continue apace...My plans on a statue of Rob in gold continue apace!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741861999194728080.post-29404170792634299682011-06-07T19:17:37.449+01:002011-06-07T19:17:37.449+01:00I think that's a compliment, so I'll natur...I think that's a compliment, so I'll naturally take what I can get...Rob Marchanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11534810369839848312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741861999194728080.post-87746035031743274102011-06-07T18:48:05.344+01:002011-06-07T18:48:05.344+01:00You are not a muppet. Misguided yes muppet no.
If ...You are not a muppet. Misguided yes muppet no.<br />If Ed stays expect another "Foot-Kinnock" interregnum.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741861999194728080.post-59286649730575239782011-06-07T17:11:27.884+01:002011-06-07T17:11:27.884+01:001. Tim Montgomerie actually hints, interestingly, ...1. Tim Montgomerie actually hints, interestingly, that he is not sure Ashcroft is wise in doing so. I mean, this is expensive analysis, FOC!<br /><br />2. What do you mean. I'm still here, aren't I? ;)<br /><br />3. Well, that ain't gonna happen. Labour has a pretty spotless record as regards leader defenestration.Rob Marchanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11534810369839848312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7741861999194728080.post-72936969346003869422011-06-07T16:03:44.513+01:002011-06-07T16:03:44.513+01:001. I quite like Ashcroft. The idea of the "en...1. I quite like Ashcroft. The idea of the "enemy" making public your weaknesses is great, only wish it happened in war time!<br />2. The cognoscenti are pissed off with (ZaNu)Labour, it has not moved on since Brown. Therefore yes, muppets will (comme d'habitude) vote for you but Labour lost the brightest.<br />3. Perhaps get rid of Ed? There is no viable leader however.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com