DeepSummary
The episode begins with a discussion about the behind-the-scenes process when there is a change of government or prime minister in the UK. Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart explain the 'access talks' where the civil service prepares briefing files and contingency plans for the incoming administration, even before the election results are known.
They also delve into the relationship between political parties and the media, particularly the right-wing press in the UK. Campbell criticizes the extent to which newspapers like The Daily Mail, The Sunday Express, and The Telegraph seem to act as mouthpieces for the Conservative Party's messaging during the election campaign.
Later, they discuss the upcoming US presidential election, the arguments for and against Joe Biden stepping down as the Democratic nominee, and the broader challenges facing American democracy in producing suitable leaders. They touch on the role of money, ideology, and party structures in shaping the candidate selection process.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The UK civil service prepares extensively for a change in government through 'access talks' and contingency planning before elections.
- The right-wing UK press is criticized for acting as mouthpieces for Conservative Party messaging during election campaigns.
- The US presidential candidate selection process is challenged by the influence of money, ideology, and party structures over voters.
- Arguments for and against Joe Biden remaining the Democratic nominee are evaluated, including concerns over his age and capacity.
- Improving government competence and efficiency could be a powerful electoral message for parties like Labour.
- The UK's parliamentary system for choosing party leaders may sometimes produce more moderate candidates than the US system.
- Big issues like universities, prisons, mental health have received little substantive debate during the UK election campaign.
- Banning opinion polls during election periods is considered as a way to prevent undue influence on voter behavior.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I mean, it is amazing the extent to which they're just part of the press office.“ by Alastair Campbell
- “If labor would come in and just say we're going to make things work, I think my mother's right. They'd get a huge number of votes.“ by Rory Stewart
- “You've got to have something a bit weird going on up top that you think you can do that.“ by (quoting Tucker Eskew)
- “Britain, with its inadvertent commerce less democratic system, where in the conservative case the MP's have much more say over who becomes leader than the general public, can often produce a more moderate result than the US with all its apparent more democratic openness.“ by Rory Stewart
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Episode Information
The Rest Is Politics
Goalhanger Podcasts
7/3/24
What happens at Number 10 when there is a change of government? Are polls a help or hinderance to the parties pre-election day? What are the benefits of Joe Biden staying on as Presidential nominee?
Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more in this week's Question Time.
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