The Milibands

[poliphilo]

The media have been reporting David Miliband's defeat as if being Blair's golden boy carried with it the right to succession- and he's been deprived of something he was entitled to (as if he were an exiled Stuart or something). Personally, never having liked the little creep- with his management-speak and his fuzziness on torture- I'm finding it hard to feel his pain. Ed Miliband's election represents a proper break with the Blair-Brown years. No more Nu-Labour. He may not have the chops to be anything more than an interim leader (who knows?) but at least he's not the continuity leader. Besides, it's good to feel that the party I still think of as my party (in spite of betrayals on both sides) is is being lead- at long last- by someone I don't regard as a war criminal.

Comments

[michaleen.livejournal.com]

I think there was a similar sentiment over here, when Hillary Clinton failed in her bid to run for president. She certainly acted as if she were entitled, throughout the race, and so did her supporters. Some of the most vicious and scurrilous attacks on Obama originated in her camp and were later picked up and recycled by the right-wing loons.

This idea that the electorate owes something more than common courtesy to its public servants is just revolting. I'm not sure what it means or whether it is even something new.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I think we're still programmed to think dynastically. Those in power have a special mojo which they pass on to their offspring/spouses/annointed heirs. When the designated successor fails to succeed we react as if there'd been a violation of the Divine Right of Kings.

[(Anonymous)]

Good comments on Ed. You made me realise why having Ed is a better thing than I first thought - getting away from those who supported the Iraq war is so necessary and important. I hope that he will really listen to the constituents of the labour party and those beyond it to give us a more human lead.

[(Anonymous)]

Anon comment was from Jenny, by the way. Hope all is well with you...
I hope the hearing goes well.
Love jenny

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I knew it was you. :)

If I had had a vote I'd have voted for Diane, but Ed would have been my number two.

[michaleen.livejournal.com]

I am tempted to blame the media, though that may be merely reflexive. Few if any practice actual journalism, these days, and the facts are merely fixed around whatever narrative the press corp happens to be peddling. Heir apparent vs the upstart outsider makes for a good story, so that may be all the explanation necessary.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

There's even been an attempt to spin David Miliband's defeat as a tragedy.

King Lear is a tragedy. Immensely rich guy fails to get job he hungers after is something else.