What Mandelson is up to
James Forsyth 12:27pm
Over at Three Line Whip, Jame Kirkup muses whether Peter Mandelson has taken a vow never to give a dull interview. Certainly, from a hack’s point of view, Mandelson makes for great copy. But it is Mandelson who is getting the most out of this relationship at the moment.
I suspect that Mandelson realised he was going to be covered in exhaustive detail on his return whether he liked it or not. His skill has been to turn this coverage to his advantage by using the press’s fascination with him to get his message across. He also understands how the 24:7 nature of media coverage and the rise of the blogs has changed the game; note how this morning’s political news cycle has been dominated by his breakfast-time media appearances and how he has got bloggers wondering whether David Cameron might be in trouble with the law. Mandelson has been greatly aided in his spinning by just how spooked by him the Tories are; they tend to retreat whenever he wades into the fray.
The idea floated in the Telegraph today of bringing Ken Clarke back to shadow Mandelson is a good one. Clarke’s hail fellow well met demeanour would be a perfect contrast to Mandelson’s calculation. Those who worry about Clarke’s pro-Europeanism getting the better of him, should take comfort from his recent dismissal of the idea of joining the Euro any time soon.
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Comments
Mark
December 3rd, 2008 12:56pmWhat has Mandelson got on you, James?
Tiberius
December 3rd, 2008 1:24pmKen Clark would have been the ideal alternative leader to Portillo in 2001. Such a shame about his Europhilia, but in some circumstances he could still do a job for the Party.
disgusted
December 3rd, 2008 1:28pmMost unfair, Mark 12:56pm
Mandy gives great TV. He always moves the story on. E.g. in this case he made up the "Tory collusion" smear, and said that the law had been broken. He revealed no evidence, but the media doesn't do "details", so it didn't matter.
Since the media like to treat Westminster as panto, he's the wicked uncle, an essential part of the drama.
He doesn't care if his comments prejudge any trial, since the trial is irrelevant. The charge against Sally Murrer was thrown out but not until the police had severely disrupted her life. She has, understandably said she won't do any more police stories.
Liz Brown
December 3rd, 2008 1:33pmThe meeja may be fascinated by Mandelbum but I can assure you that the general public loathes the very sight and sound of him. A Press Blackout would be more than welcome
Mike, Brighton
December 3rd, 2008 1:39pmWhat about Chris Grayling to front up to Mandy?
John Page
December 3rd, 2008 1:42pmOnly a Saturday or two ago Clarke told the Indie he wasn't interested in an Opposition front bench job. Having seen that, maybe Cameron wants to be seen to make him an offer, knowing he will refuse it.
As for Mandelson, presumably he's trying to peel off Labour MPs from their concern about Privilege. Does he approve of the leaks Brown received in Opposition?
Burt
December 3rd, 2008 1:44pmIts just divide and rule as usual. Please dont feed this creature the oxygen of publicity
Publius
December 3rd, 2008 1:52pmWhenever Mandelson says "jump", most of the media just ask, "How high?" Really, it's pathetic. I really can't remember a more craven and dense bunch of political journalists. Will no one attack this ghastly man?
viviennebirchall
December 3rd, 2008 2:08pmI understand how the press love Mandy because he gives you something to write about,BUT,trust me the public CANT stand him,we dont like UNELECTED sly,devious,scheming people who control the goverment while lining their pockeks.For goodness DONT give him the public airing he thrives on its creepy.
John Hall
December 3rd, 2008 2:36pmIsn't this moral one-upmanship a bit rich coming from a man who committed the crime of fraud, and was forced to resign not once but twice for his corruption?
THX1138
December 3rd, 2008 2:57pmviviennebirchall- So you speak for all the public do you?
Mandelson V Clarke the gay assassin V the jazz cavalier, now that does sound like fun. unfortunately didn't Ken rule himself out of a shadow cabinet role in his recent Times interview?
DavidM
December 3rd, 2008 3:50pmBernard Ingham's remark comes to mind, except that Peter Mandelson seems to be both the sewer and the sewage.
Oscar
December 3rd, 2008 5:52pmThis isn't panto and Mandelson is not one of the ugly sisters. So please stop treating him as if it's a piece of theatre. This is our democracy going down the tubes and if there aren't any brave and fearless journos out there who will stand up to the devious, manipulative nonsense this repellent man is subjecting us to, then it's time to throw in your laptops. You are not worthy.
Verity
December 3rd, 2008 10:11pmLiz Brown and Vivienne Birchall are correct. So is Oscar. Peter Mandelson is repellent.
val cardwell
December 3rd, 2008 10:53pmMandelson is a vile creature. I've yet to meet anyone who likes him. He's incredibly creepy and repugnant--and he's the favourite Brit-next to Clark and Blair, of the Bilderberg/Neo-Con Globalists-along with "the Brown one"!
Unsteady Eddie
December 4th, 2008 8:08amPlease do nothing which might help remove this man from his position.
He is Labour's very own self-destruct button.