Appearances Matter
Fraser Nelson 6:52pmPerched high up in the press gallery for PMQs, I didn’t see Cameron’s superb sneer when Brown moaned he’s only been in the job for five days (seven, actually, Gordon but who’s counting?). That sneer was the most eloquent remark of all. Like American party conventions, there are two shows – the one you see in the crowd, and the one projected on television. After watching the PMQs coverage (I’m stuck in a Sky studio, about to give my verdict) it looks a disaster for the stuttering Brown and a victory for Cameron who has mastered the range of facial expressions which the camera loves. They say television is 80% how you look, and 20% what you say. Brown should remember this lesson for next week. The camera did for Nixon against JFK, and I suspect it will be just as cruel to Brown.
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James T Kirk
July 4th, 2007 7:15pm Report this commentTwo good results for Cameron in the face-to-face exchanges, but we all should remember Kipling. I'm sure the polls will be up and down, Brown to Cameron, many times before Brown names the day. The rating that really matters, though, is Cameron's with his own MP's. That lot brought down Margaret Thatcher and IDS, and rejected Michael Portillo. They must not grease the wheels of the Brown bandwagon.
Robert Gregory
July 4th, 2007 10:57pm Report this commentSorry ! Brown's PM ; Cameron is barely the leader of the opposition. The difference is a chasm. I have no love for Brown but having waited so long to get this far, he's not going to squander the opportunity. Cameron and his 'team' don't yet look a credible oppostion and you have to do that, before you can aspire to be a potential government.
jimmy
July 5th, 2007 12:41pm Report this commentI didn't want to give Mr Brown the benefit of the doubt, but I must say his somewhat modest performance seemed a breath of fresh air when compared with the over-dramatic style of Mr Blair. That said, Mr Cameron struck the right note too. If anything I would say the whole of PMQs seemed more sober and more workmanlike than we have become used to. The negative comments on Mr Brown's performance that abound here at the moment do appear a little churlish to me. It really IS his first week in the job. Play the ball, not the man.
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