Quote Originally Posted by Vladimir View Post
Well that's an entertaining opinion. Does he seem "fundamentally" decent to you because of ideological sympathy?
Maybe in part it's ideological sympathy. But he just seems one of those rare politicians that when he talks, sounds like he is thinking about the issue, telling you what he believes and that the values underlying his beliefs are good, altruistic, public spirited ones. Most politicians tend to unthinkingly rejurgitate their soundbites, positively shimmer with insincerity or embody mean spirited or alien values. There are some on the right that are exceptions - Ken Clarke comes to mind - but I admit they are rare. (Ron Paul impresses me with his thoughtfulness and honesty, but I just find his "liberty at any price" ideology alien.) I don't think Boris is thoughtful, don't think he is honest and don't think he has any core values whatsoever. He should have a criminal record, not be sacking the top policeman in the UK.

I must confess my regard for Ken's humanity comes partly from watching some crass TV show where a comedian shadowed him with a TV crew and tried to embarass him with stunts like a mock comic beating of another accomplice. Ken's reaction was very genuine - turning away in disgust, spurning the comedian and his camera crew.