OpEd - SubScribe14

The commentators 03-07-14

...on Ed Miliband

Miliband's problem is often described as being that he is too far to the left (or to the right, in some leftwing eyes), or sometimes that he is too closed against globalisation's consequences. But a key part of Miliband's problem is that he is such an obvious insider at a time when insiders lack standing with many voters.
- Martin Kettle, Guardian

Ed Miliband has avoided bloodshed, but his Labour Party retains some very dangerous paradoxes and contradictions. It is still the party of Tony Blair and the neo-cons, but Jeremy Corbyn and elements of the Stop the War Coalition feel at home there as well. Ed Balls’s clumsy and inarticulate version of neo-liberal economics coexists uneasily with Diane Abbott’s brainless but warm-hearted socialism.
- Peter Oborne, Daily Telegraph

His strategy might just win Mr Miliband the election, but it is a hopeless strategy for government. A leader who can’t inspire confidence, build alliances or enthuse his colleagues will fall apart in No 10. One shadow minister told me that there was little time left to change. He was afraid of losing, but winning might be worse. “What some of us fear is that we’re going to win, but Ed could be such a terrible leader we’ll be out for a generation after that.”
- Jenni Russell, The Times

...and other politics

Parties spend much more money on electioneering — concocting mendacious advertisements, sending out expensive leaflets full of lies and propaganda — than is either desirable or necessary. Speeches on the stump, television debates, and tweeting or emailing do not cost much money. A more honest and straightforward approach would help parties re-connect with their natural supporters, who have been lost in greater numbers than in almost any European country
- Stephen Glover, Daily Mail

I invite you to revisit the lack of political openness at the last election because there’s likely to be a similar epidemic of head-in-the-sand politics at the next. But this time the medicine that follows the election, whoever wins, might be more of a shock. Because austerity isn’t all over. Not nearly. Some people who ought to know better are particularly guilty of giving the impression that the spending taps can be turned on again.
- Tim Montgomerie, The TImes

Vote for your favourite commentators

Stevie Spring

The annual Editorial Intelligence comment awards were officially launched yesterday with the announcement of the seventy-strong panel of judges to be led by Stevie Spring, chair of Children in Need.
They include Lorraine Heggessey, Nihal Arthanayake, Karren Brady, Damian Barr, Lynne Franks, Nicky Gavron, Laura Kuenssberg, Adrian Monck and Kirsty Lang.
Anyone is invited to nominate their favourite commentators for the awards, which are divided into 16 categories. There is no charge for entry.

The categories