Big Black Swan

[poliphilo]

Jeremy Corbyn may- or may not- win Scotland (or parts of Scotland) back for Labour. Iain McWhirter is quoted in the Guardian as calling him "The big black swan" in the constitutional debate. I like that. I think Corbyn should adopt it in his publicity. "Corbyn- the black swan." Do you think it could catch on? It's awfully glamorous.

Otherwise I begin to fear he's too nice, too modest for the job. It was a terrible mis-step to gloom silently and guiltily through the National Anthem and then say afterwards that he'd sing it in future. If you're going to make a big sweeping rebellious gesture you need to do it with panache- and withour regrets. Think Piaf. Think (I know it's painful) Donald Trump. Donald didn't get where he is today- on course to be the Republican candidate in the next presidential election- by having regrets. The public loves a swashbuckler. Donald has said unspeakable things but he gets away with them because of his don't give a fuck, piratical attitude. Jeremy could do with a bit more of that. If you're not going to sing that horrible anthem do it with your head held high. You're on a stage here, in the spotlight, make the most of it. And then, when people question you afterwards, spell out the case for your Republicanism.  Stand tall, be fearless, don't apologise- embrace your inner swan. 

Comments

[matrixmann]

If you want to defend left politics in this world, one needs to desperately grab a little bit of Putin's attitude. Have an inner agenda, know the laws and as well the loop holes of your state, and then march forward when the people entrust a mandate to you.
If you combine this with not losing ties with the regular people, then you also have your back-up to continue doing what you think you must do and then you know if some do a rally you know it's just someone put conspirational thoughts or promises of paradise into their heads.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Morality aside, Putin is arguably the most accomplished politician on the planet right now.

[davesmusictank.livejournal.com]

I agree. He should not apologize, and be firmer in his stance of not singing the national anthem. Perhaps, he can reflect on this in future.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

He never expected to find himself in this job and he's having to learn fast. I think his handling of PMQs was bold and impressive.

[porsupah.livejournal.com]

I'd have to concur. Still, I suppose there's plenty of slack one can cut, for now, given he's only just been thrust into one of the most influential positions in British politics. FSM knows, I wouldn't be able to stand it - the utter callousness of the opposition, the minging, petty "concerns" of parts of the press, the permanent surveillance by paparazzi and journalists.. still, he's been in politics for a good while, so hopefully he'll find his groove in this new role, and be able to restore a functional opposition. (All the better to prolong the delicious tears of the Flail =:)

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Put it this way, he's doing a grand job of upsetting all the right people. I think he's gauche- but that's part of the charm. We've had it up to our eyebrows with hair-sprayed politicians.