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European Salon de News, Discussion et Klatsch - 1 October | 133 comments (133 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

By the way. What's the origin of the notion that was long prevalent in the British media (before he became PM that is) that Brown is "Old Labour"? Was it vily preemptive spin from Bliar?

_{*Lunatic*, n.

One whose delusions are out of fashion.}

by DoDo on Thu Oct 1st, 2009 at 07:50:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The question being (none / 1)

He was "Old" in that he wasn't media-savvy. He glowered and retreated to his bunker to sulk. NuLab wasn't really an ideological position, the neoliberalism of watered-down Thatcherism was simply the easiest cloth to wear. And while the City boomed, it didn't matter it was all bs. There were wars to fight and directorships to secure.

Brown wasn't interested in any of that. He didn't smile for the camera. He wasn't policy-lite, bobbling along on a froth of publicity. He wouldn't co-operate.

So his very stodginess made him a problem to be derided. And no insult was worse than "Old Labour". Even Prescott, who really was old labour, had to be protected from that slur.

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Thu Oct 1st, 2009 at 09:39:33 AM EST
[ Parent ]

European Salon de News, Discussion et Klatsch - 1 October | 133 comments (133 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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