Frank Luntz, the US polling guru whose Newsnight focus group gave David Cameron a crucial boost in the Tory leadership election, has an interesting piece in today’s Guardian. He argues that Brown is getting it all wrong and that people won’t be persuaded by his protestations that he wants to hear their thoughts. Instead, Luntz thinks that Brown needs to embrace who he is and persuade the public that these are serious times that call for a serious leader.
Here’s the opener for the speech Luntz thinks Brown needs to give: “Some people say I’m boring. Well, they’re right. In challenging times such as these, Britain doesn’t need an entertainer. We need a leader. I know some people think I scowl too much, but frankly, I’m more concerned about what I’ve learned than how I look. I get up early, I go to sleep late, and I always work very hard. I don’t take many vacations, and frankly, I don’t like all those silly photographs and political stunts. What I do care about is the substance, the facts, the details. I read, question and challenge everything. I look at all sides of the issue. I consider the consequences, not just the spin. These are difficult times, and they require seriousness and stability. I believe you govern best today by planning for tomorrow.”
Do read the whole thing.
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