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  1. Politics
7 April 2010

Gordon Brown leads the guff charge

Election 2010: Guffwatch.

By Sophie Elmhirst

The problem with election campaigns is how much everyone has to say — both politicians and the media. Hour after hour is spent churning out words to fill hour after hour of campaign speech-making and news report.

But hidden in the thickening broth of guff are always some true gems. The überguff, ultra-guff, the big-time, full-blown, hot-air-filled guff glory. Welcome to Election 2010. And all its guff.

So. First up is Gordon Brown’s substantial speech on constitutional reform delivered in London today. Big stuff, solid announcements. And a conclusion so guff-filled I didn’t know where to look.

And so I know that this is a road which progressives must walk alone. Progressives know the struggle always continues and so if further change is needed, we will make it. Because more, far more, is now at issue than the revolving door of power shifting between parties. Too much of our politics has been a closed shop to too many people for too long.

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Woah there, Gordon. You’ve got a road, a revolving door and a closed shop. Are you creating a metaphorical townscape? But also, in the words of a great song, you’ll never walk alone as long as everyone else thinks they’re a progressive, too. Which they do.

And what about open shops with revolving doors? Hey? Didn’t think of that, did you? That’s the problem with metaphors and their inevitable mixing. They’ll lead you up the garden path and chuck you out the window (yes, on purpose).

Anyway, check back tomorrow for more Guff. This election might already feel tiresome in many ways, but there will never be a shortage of the guff stuff. Of that you can be sure.

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Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
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