poliphilo: (bah)
poliphilo ([personal profile] poliphilo) wrote2015-09-19 12:39 pm

Big Black Swan

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. 
matrixmann: (Default)

[personal profile] matrixmann 2015-09-19 12:03 pm (UTC)(link)
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.

[identity profile] poliphilo.livejournal.com 2015-09-19 01:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Morality aside, Putin is arguably the most accomplished politician on the planet right now.