TV debates: Tories' public concerns; Labour's private fears

Key question remains: will the leaders throw out the format and "mix it up"?

By James Macintyre Published 14 April 2010 16:35

David Cameron has expressed concerns that the format of tomorrow night's ITV leaders' debate, with its set-piece eight questions over 90 minutes, could be "slow and sluggish".

Cynics would wonder what his motive in making this unexpected intervention: could he be concerned that so few qustions enable plenty of time for scrutiny from closer the presenter, Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg? After all, all three leaders should remember that the key to live TV, is that you can do what you want. Looking ahead at debate week on Sunday, I posted about how Brown could approach the debate, turning and facing Cameron directly and asking him the questions -- such as, on what have you changed the party? -- the lucky Tory leader has yet to face in this campaign.

Meanwhile, as the Tories go public about their worries, sources in the Labour camp reveal private fears about Cameron's formidable skills. Here is a tiny sneak preview of a bit from the campaign piece in this weeks magazine, out on Thursday, by Mehdi and myself:

David Cameron, Labour insiders concede, is a natural in front of the cameras, having honed his skills in recent months appearing twice a week on WebCameron, the onlineConservative video..."We have real concerns about Cameron as a performer," says one Labour strategist.

During the debate itself, you can follow the NS and friends in a merged blog here, and, if you are on Twitter, my own, shorter observations at www.twitter.com/james_macintyre

Tags: Election 2010 TV Debates Election 2010

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5 comments

Wed, 2010-04-14 17:45 — Al Bronte (not verified)

I actually think you'll be surprised at how well Brown comes across.

My behavioral analysis suggests that if he stays calm and does not simply go after Cameron at every opportunity then he could come across as a nice guy rather than the hard-faced political animal he really is.

Brown needs to come across as a nice guy as i do not think the voting public has ever liked or respected him.

Wed, 2010-04-14 18:46 — Rory Harden (not verified)

Brown can turn Cameron's media skills to his own advantage by drawing attention to them explicitly.

Like this: "Unlike the Conservative leader, I have never worked as a PR man for a TV company, so my approach has to rely more on substance than image..."

Or: "We all know about the Conservative leader's media skills and his webcasts--but we need to continue fixing the country's problems, not make a documentary about them..."

Or: "There you go again with your PR slogans. What's your policy?"

And Brown should smile, of course. But not too much.

Wed, 2010-04-14 19:39 — Boudicca (not verified)

"so my approach has to rely more on substance"
------------
And what substance would that be? The substance that sold our gold reserves at rock bottom price having tipped the markets off beforehand?
The substance that wrecked what was probably the best private pension system in the world by over-taxing it?
The substance that has got the country in deeper debt than anytime in its peacetime history?
The substance that admitted today that it had made mistakes over banking regulation and the 10p tax.

The country can do without Brown's substance.

Wed, 2010-04-14 23:49 — beak

"And Brown should smile, of course. But not too much."

Please no, anything but that!

Thu, 2010-04-15 13:10 — ACMJ

It would be interesting to see how David Cameron answer's questions relating to matters which are still not clear about the party . Such a s is it appropriate for a shadow home secretary to say that bed &breakfast has a right ot refuse gay couples , while major hotels can't?
Or does participation in government mean that if people want a Government minister sacked for being incompetent and corrupt , a Government minister will be elected from the member of the public who can do the job better ?
When Alan Sugar says " David, you are creating a bigger mess, you're fired ! " does that mean Alan Sugar can become PM instead ?
Seriously though , if the debate is not stage managed to try and help David Cameron , he can find himself wanting with regards to answering questions about public service cuts which can lead up to 40,000 plus loss of jobs in the public sector , and VAT rises to counter for electoral give away bribes of tax concessions . And ofcourse why his marraige allowance is not going to help single mothers ?