I know US / UK political comparisons abound at the moment so apologies for this but...
I’ve been wondering how a UK version of Hillary’s now infamous ‘It’s 3am in the Whitehouse’ (see below) add might play in this country? Most political ads are greeted with ridicule anyway and this probably wouldn’t be different but there’s also the credibility gap that comes with the idea of anyone needing to contact our humble little PM at 3am in the morning. Granted it may happen on occasion but for better or worse (probably the former) our global standing isn’t what it once was so it’s hard to imagine too many scenarios in which Gordon Brown must be roused from his slumber. Probably easier just to fax or text him and he’ll get it in the morning.
In truth I can’t say I’m hugely comforted by the thought of Gordon Brown, David Cameron or Nick Clegg answering the phone in a national emergency. I’m probably more interested in the procedures that come before the need to wake our Prime Minister and the people involved in them. It might be a typically British or naïve view but I kind of like the idea that some faceless (but incredibly smart) bureaucrat or military official is our front line should the world come calling – most problems are better solved before we get the politicians involved.
Final thought on the US version though – it was clearly designed to cast doubt on Obama’s foreign policy credentials and put national security question back into the campaign. But, if US voters were particularly concerned about the wisdom available from the Lincoln bedroom in the early hours would they really have elected this guy…?
I’ve been wondering how a UK version of Hillary’s now infamous ‘It’s 3am in the Whitehouse’ (see below) add might play in this country? Most political ads are greeted with ridicule anyway and this probably wouldn’t be different but there’s also the credibility gap that comes with the idea of anyone needing to contact our humble little PM at 3am in the morning. Granted it may happen on occasion but for better or worse (probably the former) our global standing isn’t what it once was so it’s hard to imagine too many scenarios in which Gordon Brown must be roused from his slumber. Probably easier just to fax or text him and he’ll get it in the morning.
In truth I can’t say I’m hugely comforted by the thought of Gordon Brown, David Cameron or Nick Clegg answering the phone in a national emergency. I’m probably more interested in the procedures that come before the need to wake our Prime Minister and the people involved in them. It might be a typically British or naïve view but I kind of like the idea that some faceless (but incredibly smart) bureaucrat or military official is our front line should the world come calling – most problems are better solved before we get the politicians involved.
Final thought on the US version though – it was clearly designed to cast doubt on Obama’s foreign policy credentials and put national security question back into the campaign. But, if US voters were particularly concerned about the wisdom available from the Lincoln bedroom in the early hours would they really have elected this guy…?
3 Comments:
Even after seven years, the phrase "President George W Bush" still induces stricken bewilderment in me.
I thought this ad was pretty feeble when I first saw it ("something's happening in the world"). Shows how much I know! I don't know if Hillary can manage to stop Obama now, but I think she may well have just shown McCain how to beat him come autumn.
President McCain - just thinking it over.
James, I thought you were a Ron Paul man?
Or did we quietly forget about that when his less than savoury 80's publications came to light...?
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