We used to be neighbours of Ken Clarke. His reputation in the locale was not altogether positive, he was known as a man who never let anyone get a word in edge-ways. Bombastic was the word most often used.

Tonight on Chanel 4 there was a fascinating chance to see Clarke and Mandelson in open debate.

Whatever has happened to Ken? I am loath to admit it, but Peter Mandelson ran rings round him in terms of presentation. He spoke over him, interrupted him, used his body language to devastating effect, leaning forward at just the right angle so that Ken was permanently obscured from the camera.

Jon Snow made little attempt to control proceedings, posing questions to Clarke and then allowing Mandelson to drown out his answer with the ‘Mandy’ version.

If you listened intently to Clarke, what he was saying made sense, more sense than Mandy’s spin and froth, but in terms of the impression left on most viewers, I hate to admit it, but Mandy won that one hands down.

He completely dominated the interview – I would have put money on Ken making mincemeat of him – but have been sadly disappointed…

The video is in two parts for some reason, and very slow to load.

1
Gloria Smudd January 26, 2010 at 21:57

And one of them looks a bit ill…

2
paulo January 26, 2010 at 21:57

No I disagree.

Jon Snow was hopeless but then he’s just a labour luvvie.

Actually I think Mandy lost it hands down for the very reasons you mentioned. It was patently obvious what he was trying to do and what was all this “I agree with Ken” – trying to grab some reflected common sense.

Mandy did the usual Labour stunt – talk all over your opponent, drag the subect onto something else and for the rest criticise.

Imagine nonsense such as “the last recession”- that was 20 years ago FFS!

Clarke won by keeping on subject, injecting some common sense and possibly even some honesty.

paulo

3
The Slogger January 26, 2010 at 21:57

Anna
My mother used to say ‘empty vessels make more noise’. The thing with Mandelsod is, he could explain why Mugabe is Ghandi…and the presentation would be gripping.
If one’s electorate is weaned on smiling sociopaths like Simon Cruel, Mandy is the perfect weapon. I sense, however that the zeitgeist is changing: if a man or woman cometh at the hour, it should (and hopefully will) be a person of understated practicality.

Jon Snow has to be the most biased news anchor on British television. Ultimately, however, he fails in his endeavour because the bias is obvious. The pernicious nature of Handlebum lies in his ability to sound credible while spouting nonsensical lies. J. Goebbels had the same gift.

xx

4
Gloria Smudd January 26, 2010 at 22:01

.. and the other one looked ill-mannered.

5
Mike Spilligan January 26, 2010 at 22:08

I agree with you, Anna, which is opposite to what all (most?) other bloggers are saying. Jon Snow is clearly not an impartial “referee” but an unprejudiced viewer would say that Mandy “won” – then again if only the Westminster junkies watch this, they will know the background.

6
Jago January 27, 2010 at 01:24

Ken may be proclaimed as a heavy hitter; but from this performance the attribution must refer to the bottle. Little weedy Dan Hannan would have verbally slapped Mandybum. Florid Ken could not get his fuddled brain into gear.

7
sickofit January 27, 2010 at 08:42

I wouldn’t worry. Mandy was simply making sure his options remained open as he needs a job whoever is in “power” .
You also have to remember that the majority of people who vote labour in this country watch reality TV not theatricals.

8
JohnRS January 27, 2010 at 09:17

I watched this live and it was obvious that “Sad Old Lefty” Snow was in his element. He’s a left wing crawler with 1980s Student Union political views which he never fails to show off at the slightest opportunity. (Anyone see him in Haiti last week berating American rescuers for their supposed shortcomings?).

There was no way he was going to chair this as an impartial debate, after all there was a Tory there who (by definition) must always be in the wrong. As to Lord Meddlesome, the more we see of him the better in the run up to Gordon’s Downfall as he is loathed by a great many people…not just those who are anti-Liebore.

Ken is a nice old stick but he really isnt the “Big Beast” people think he is. When politicians were polite and well mannered he might have held his own. But with the current state of politics and politicians he’s not really up to it any more. …and his views are way out of line with the way many Tory candidates appear to be thinking.

Jago’s suggestion of Dan Hannan would have made it a much more balanced debate. He can take on Meddlesome and Sad Old Lefty without raising a sweat.

9
Blink January 27, 2010 at 11:27

…….and I thought life was bad when my partner asked if she could have half of my scone…huh!!