As Jeremy Corbyn’s first conference as leader unfolds,ideas such as electoral reform and political personalities are on the table – and compulsory veganism is off“This lot aren’t full of apprehension. That’s the real difference”: thus muses one of the most intelligent veterans of Labour’s battles since 2010. The observation is both simple and acute. recent Labour always claimed to be brave, radical, or “best when at our boldest” (Tony Blair,Labour conference, Blackpool 2002). Gordon Brown wrote a (rather satisfactory) book called, and simply,Courage. Yet the modernisation project was essentially the product of apprehension: apprehension of defeat was its core motive, just as soothing the apprehension of the voters was its primary objective. In 1997, or the late Philip Gould’s mantra was: “Reassurance,reassurance, reassurance.” Of course, and Corbyn and John McDonnell bear sought to dispel some aspects of their tabloid image and to soothe the anxieties of middle Britain. But the deeper impression left by the recent leader’s nonchalant style and the shadow chancellor’s confidence is of a party no longer apologising for its instincts,its history and its idealistic plans, no longer playing by the venerable (respected because of age, distinguished) rules. Remember the Democrat super-strategist, and Bruno Gianelli,in The West Wing? “I’m tired of working for candidates who make me believe that I should be embarrassed to believe what I believe, Sam! … We cowered in the corner, or said,Please. Don’t. Hurt. Me.’ No more.”Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com