The United Kingdom Elections 2010

[Louis VI the Fat]

BBC America last night blamed the politeness of the three way debate on American influence. Evidently they wanted to see a more brutal, question time-like approach to the debate. I think this is the first time the U.S. was blamed for causing things to be too polite.

US politeness has two faces: it is a sign of refreshingly good manners. And it can be plasticy, slick. In politics, obviously the latter aspect dominates. Studied sound bites, evasive answers, pandering to market segments. Not to mention, middle-aged men with more make-up than 21 year old girls on a night out, smiles revealing teeth that are too white, and hair that stays in exact artificial shape regardless of weather conditions.

God forbid the second aspects creeps into European politics, and especially that of the UK, even more than it already does.

so out the other side of the election train-wreck you foresee................... a conservative minority government, or a lib-lab coalition?

Go on, give us your prediction between the two. After thirteen years of Labour in government, reaching a low point in approval rates, it is not difficult predict the other guys will get in. It's akin to correctly predicting Man Ure will beat Stoke city. Predictions are about close calls, like 'will Manchester beat Bayern Munich?'. When Labour was trailing behind by fourteen points, JAG several months ago predicted this gap would be closed. Now that's what I call political instinct.