Tony Blair is supposed to have given a speech today backing Gordon Brown. However, having read the speech, that’s not quite the impression I’m getting.

The theme of the speech is exposed in the opening paragraph:

‘I’m optimistic about Britain - provided we take the right decisions, imbued with the right attitude of mind.

‘The right attitude of mind?’ Now THAT’s not something that’s said often about our Prime Minister. Perhaps it was a slip of the tongue? But then he develops the theme.

‘This is not just about policy, but mindset. Who gets the future? Who understands the way the world is changing and can be comfortable in it? Who sees the excitement where others see the fear?

Mindset? Brown?! ‘Comfortable?’ Brown? ‘Excited?’ Brown? ‘Getting the future?’ Brown? Shurely shome mishtake! This CAN’T be Gordon Brown. So, who on earth CAN he mean?And then, he puts us out of our misery…

The New Industries, New Jobs paper from Peter Mandelson, for me, correctly identifies the right judicious mix of Government and market. It represents a vision of how Britain can do well and how individuals and families can do better. It’s a platform for the hope of prosperity to come.’

Ah!

And, as for that rousing call to vote Labour… well, the ’endorsement’ in the peroration could scarcely be less resounding.

‘This country faces big challenges in the future. I want this party to be the one able to meet those challenges. This country needs strong leadership. I want our leadership to be the one that gives it. There is still vast potential and promise in our nation. I want our government to the one that develops it. I want a future fair for all. I believe a 4th term Labour Government can deliver it.’

‘I want! I want! I want! I want!’

What do you want, Tony?

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Nice use of metaphor by Brown today as he unveiled Whitehall’s worst-kept secret, that the Budget will be held on 24th March.

He’s run with a ’stormy waters’ metaphor.

‘Whilst we have come through the worst of this dreadful storm, the waters are still choppy. We have got through this storm together, but there are still substantial risks ahead. It’s about having the courage to set your mission and the courage to take tough decisions and stick to them without being blown off course. We are weathering the storm. Now is no time to turn back. We will hold to our course and we will complete this mission.’

This metaphor improves Brown’s positioning on two counts.

1. By suggesting that the economic downturn was a force of nature, he counters any suggestion that it might have been the consequence of Government action or inaction.

2. By pitching GB as the captain of a ship sailing stormy waters, it strengthens the case for him staying on, as we all know that to change captain mid-stream would be reckless.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites